ABOUT ME

© Jill Levesque

© Jill Levesque

BIO

 ABOUT ME

  • I love teaching yoga to seniors because it measurably contributes to increasing healthspan
  • Teaching yoga to seniors was the reason I went to yoga school
  • I’ve since learned that I also enjoy teaching classes to my peers, and like leading vinyasa flow classes
  • In my personal practice I use yoga to stay fit and prefer power classes….the harder the better
  • Still chasing my handstand

 

CERTIFICATIONS

  • RYT 200  completed in March 2015 from Reflections Yoga of NYC, held at Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica
  • Advanced RYT 500 Completed in October 2018 from Lotus Pond of Tampa, FL
  • E-RYT 500 status earned in February 2019, signifying over 2,000 hours (and counting) of teaching experience
  • My profile at the Yoga Alliance confirms my accreditation

 

INFLUENCES

 

  • Many of the photos on this page were taken by my friend Jill Levesque @jillianlevesquephoto. who’s work I adore. Do contact her for your professional photographic needs, she rocks!
© Jean Carlo Penaloza, Cat's Meow Tampa

© Jean Carlo Penaloza, Cat’s Meow Tampa

FITNESS YOGA

 flow, restorative, & aerial classes

I most enjoy teaching Vinyasa flow classes where I get to put together interesting combinations and creative flows. I don’t teach from a template and no two classes are ever the same.

It is a priority of mine to connect with my practitioners to provide options suited to their ability or preference and to acknowledge and celebrate personal achievements.

I value movement in my classes and take the time to warm up body parts ahead of challenging flows.

In addition to Vinyasa style classes, I have taught restorative and Yin classes.

Taking the time to embrace the discipline and benefits of Yin yoga as a teacher is a good counterbalance to how I lead a flow yoga class.

I take pride in providing individual attention to my classes through adjustments that help take you deeper into poses.

Props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and sandbags all find their way into my restorative classes.

My approach to teaching aerial yoga classes is to have fun.

I like to lead students through a series of movements during the first half of class and then encourage time for individual exploration.

 

Senior bands 3

SENIOR YOGA

 chair & mat classes

I spend most of my time doing chair yoga with seniors.

Chair yoga is a general term for practices that modify yoga poses using the chair for balance and support.

I work one-on-one with individuals and with groups, large and small.

I’ve worked with all ages and abilities, standing, seated, and even laying down.

The goal of chair yoga with seniors is to find mobility that is soft and gentle by activating muscles in a safe and controlled manner.

Some seniors are able to do a standing practice on a yoga mat. When this is appropriate, I am able to provide additional movements that are not possible in a chair.

I use props such as bands, blocks, and straps in my programming to enhance movement.

Music is a big part of the class experience and I find that it draws people in who might otherwise not participate.

Communicating with senior’s family members via text or video message adds an additional layer of connection which I find adds great value on both ends.

I love my seniors!

 

 

© Jean Carlo Penaloza, Cat's Meow Tampa

© Jean Carlo Penaloza, Cat’s Meow Tampa

WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE

YOGA LOFT –  2002 E 5th Avenue #102. tampa, fl

TUESDAY @ 6:00PM – vinyasa flow 1/2

This class is a slow build of power with playfulness and modifications incorporated throughout the practice. In every class I teach, I welcome and encourage the freedom to move beyond my cues. Whether looking for a dynamic experience or pushing your personal edge, this class will give you what you need in the hour.

THURSDAY @ 12:00pm – vinyasa flow 1/2

Get your workout in and be out in an hour. Stretch and strengthen with a Vinyasa style flow. I like to remind you that everyday you get stronger or weaker and you choose the direction of that change. Expect some play with arm balances and inversions, not to worry, modifications always offered. All levels welcome.

 

SENIOR YOGA CLASSES

Unfortunately these sessions are not open to the public.

If you have a parent or loved one you want me to work with, or if you work at a facility and are interested in bringing me in to lead classes on a regular basis reach out via the Contact form. My schedule takes me all over the Tampa area.