Read more about the article introducing: varsity yoga!

introducing: varsity yoga!

Ever feel like you were a jock… I mean, secretly a jock? Like you had the drive, the grit, the gumption — but nobody ever handed blew the whistle, passed you the ball and said, “Alright, champ, let’s see what you’ve got!”Varsity Yoga is your second chance. (Originally Agni wanted to call this class, “Sweaty Try-Hard Yoga”, if that gives you a clue!)This is old-school physical culture with a modern edge: a flow-based class built for people who want to train, and who want results!

Read more about the article “i won’t be as fit/strong/capable as others in class.”

“i won’t be as fit/strong/capable as others in class.”

Most yoga asana students compare themselves to others.It's okay, we all (most of us) do it!And I don't think we should judge ourselves at all, for comparing. This is a natural thing for humans to do. Comparison is part of how our brain works. We are social creatures!However, this tendency to compare and contrast can get dark fast. We end up with a strong or subtle experience of inferiority or superiority - and neither creates an emotionally healthy human being.There are a couple ways we can handle this.

“I’m too old / fat / out of shape for yoga”

This last week - for the first time in my life - my feet lifted off the floor in the very tricky arm balance bakasana (or crow pose).I am almost half a century old and a couple weeks ago - for the first time in my life! - I conquered that fear of falling on my face, and I had patiently gained the strength and core integrity to balance on my hands.This is more impressive than you might realize!It is a lot harder as an adult to learn new physical skills or feats of strength - than it is to return to habits of childhood!I didn't grow up with any gymnastics, calisthenics, or attendant practice. When you see me doing what I can do - I had to earn that in adulthood, after decades of life, after giving birth to two children, and while living as a working class artist (meaning: life is hard!)The hanumanasana (front splits) you see me chilling into, in class - well you are seeing me do something I've never done before.I had to get there with these weathered bones and aged muscles! LOLAnother thing:You also might have noticed I am fat. It's true!And -It has to be said I don't dress like a "yoga teacher". I am not in fashionable leggings and a cute sports top. Half the time my hair gets in the way as we flow and I'm always trying to tie and push it back.It's not that I don't take pride in how I dress, it's that I have had to carefully allocate yoga funds to building the space. I've put retained yoga earnings into shelving, rent, security deposit, insurance, licensure etc etc. And that's okay - because I made these priorities with intention.Here's what I mean, though:It's true I don't look like a yoga teacher, or even a yoga practitioner.But if I'd waited to start yoga until I "looked the part" -I'd never have started.***Why am I sharing all this? Because:I am trying to WREST the true nature of yoga away from the American fitspo culture chokehold.If you scroll the Instagram "yoga" tag (Instagram is currently the largest social media platform out there) - you'll see youthful, slim, mostly white, aspirationally-dressed and very athletic practitioners hitting difficult poses - usually showcased in elegant, pristine locations.The truth is...Yoga isn't like that.I mean SOME yoga will look like that - all tidy and slim and clean and wealthy or wealth-adjacent. And that's just fine.But...If you wait to have all those ducks in a row, you'll never start.And precisely WHO is getting cheated if you skip yoga until you "look like" a yoga practitioner?(Spoiler: YOU are getting cheated).Yoga is messy and goofy. Yoga we're practicing in a thousand-year old sports bra. Yoga we spy a hairball in the corner of the room as we're moving to chill in our ardha kapotasana. Yoga is arriving almost-late to class and feeling cranky and annoyed. Yoga is getting a bitchy attitude that someone else in class can do…

how to prepare for your yoga class

No yoga class is exactly like another, but I've been going to classes so long I often forget that a lot of people don't know what to expect. One of the things I forget is that if you're new to yoga, it can be hard to know what to expect.So here's a list! These guidelines certainly work for Little Switch classes and will do you well in most any yoga class you attend.Arrive on time, and prepared to practice.Please arrive with time to spare so that you can settle on your mat, silence your phone, and be ready to practice with the rest of the class.Wear comfortable clothes - and dress in layers.There is no yoga "uniform". Wear what feels comfortable to you. I see a lot of leggings and tank tops on Instagram/TikTok but remember those are yoga influencers. As practitioners, we wear clean clothes that are comfortable to move in! Maybe leggings, maybe tank tops, maybe not. Wear something cozy - that's it.I like to advise wearing layers as it's impossible to find the perfect temperature that pleases everyone! You may get warm during practice and want to remove a layer; then while we rest at the end of class, you may want to cozy up. My personal recommendation? Very warm socks, for savasana.In general, we practice barefoot. But if you want to keep your shoes on or wear socks, just be mindful during any balance or wide-legged standing poses.If you can, buy yourself a mat.I have mats at the studio you are welcome to use! But I highly advise getting your own. This is for three reasons:1. to invest in yourself and your practice - to show your commitment to quality props and materials for your own use.2. the studio mats are great for padding - but paying for a more upscale mat provides more access to poses. I personally like Jade, and Manduka mats. They are positively no-slip! When I practice on a lower-quality mat, I always feel a bit impeded.3. if you have a mat you bring to and from class, you may start practicing at home, too! It's nice to get used to your mat. You come to have a fond feeling about it!Now - mats can be expensive. It may take time to save up. But I have found the expense of a better-quality mat, is far outweighed by the health benefits that regular practice delivers!Let the instructor know of any special needs or requests you have.A group class cannot tailor to one individual at the expense of the group; however, your instructor is trained and qualified to help you with anything you need. Many times your requests can be accommodated - so don't be shy!Some examples of special needs or requests you may have:1. Let your instructor know if you are experiencing pain or soreness. The instructor can then help you be as comfortable as possible during class, with suggestions and/or props.2. Let your instructor know if you are new or newish…

one month in as an online teacher

If you ask any yoga teacher whether they prefer online or in-person yoga class, most say in-person. Most human beings like being together to go good work. They like sharing space, and taking comfort with these kinds of connections.This makes sense!That said, there are so many benefits to an online class.Online classes - whether teaching or participating - remove a lot of barriers to taking, or teaching, a yoga class. Online classes are generally lower overhead - you don't need to drive anywhere. As s a student you can show up RIGHT when class starts, and (if you needed to) you could also leave early with minimal disruption.For those who are housebound, or without easy access to travel, those living in rural or remote spaces, those with any form of social anxiety, and those wanting to minimize risk of illness - online live yoga classes are an absolute blessing. Each week I teach twice in-person and twice online.I am still over the moon to be included in Ompractice's impressive lineup! This teaching gig is a real blessing for me as it allows me to be paid appropriately for my expertise, to get to practice teaching - and to be part of a passionate yoga teaching community.The Ompractice platform is also just exciting to be a part of! They continue to deepen, develop and improve - it's very exciting to be involved!So!I'm adjusting to the differences of online vs. in-person. (I did teach online FREE GRATIS all year last year, but I had pretty low attendance.)For instance:As an online instructor I find myself more preoccupied - more worried - about my teaching performance. In person it's easy to make small talk, to make eye contact. It's also a bit easier in-person to sense someone's feelings. Not that I'm all that great at that, but there is a tactile awareness that transpires between students and teachers, when we share the same room.Uncharacteristically, at the end of my online class I find myself wanting to ask, "Was that okay? Did you have a good time?" I don't do that - for many reasons!But I still wonder!I notice that both online and in-person students are similar in that they are shy about asking for help before, during and after class.This might just be down to personality. I am a total TEACHER'S PET and NERD, I always have been. When I'm in a class I'm highly-engaged and I want to brain suck (warning, gross scene lol) everything I can out of teachers and fellow students. Now I've lived and learned enough to temper this proclivity of mine and to read the room, but honestly this is the kind of student I am!I am already starting to get some online "regulars", which feels very special. And just like it's best not to guess at why someone does or doesn't return to a class in person - it's just impossible to figure that out, online. Still, when someone comes for several classes and then doesn't return, I (of course!) worry…

A new series: Yoga for Absolute Beginners

I'm so pleased to offer a Yoga for Absolute Beginners series in March - the 19th through the 23rd of April, from 6:45 PM to 8 PM on Sundays!In addition to our class time, each student receives a personal one hour session!I'll share a bit about what to expect from this series, then answer a few questions I've been asked.What to expect:Introduction to the history of yogaYoga is over 5,000 years old. I can't possibly cover the history in six sessions even if I was a big expert (and I'm not)! But what I can do is give you the foundational information I wish I'd had, when I first started practicing twenty years ago!Yoga language, yoga concepts, and SanskritI'd like you to feel comfortable in a class - to know what to expect, whatever class you may end up in. Even though there are many, many types of yoga classes there are a few things I feel I can safely - and smartly - teach you, to prepare you for any setting you walk into.The Eight Limbs of YogaWhat are the Eight Limbs of Yoga and why do they matter? Our physical health may be important to us, and that's a good thing. But there is more to yoga than just corporeal exercise. We are more than just the strength and flexibility of our bodies.While most the time you meet with me at Little Switch - in a group class, or private practice - we will be employing the physical arm of yoga - asana (or poses) - I want to touch on all eight arms of yoga for context. I promise: you'll be glad I did.Physical alignmentWhen it comes to asana, alignment and form are more important than trying to "look" like the instructor, or form an impressive-looking shape or feat of strength. In our six weeks I will get you grounded in alignment so you can enjoy practice, so you can stay safer in practice, and so you can benefit from practice.Families of posesI will lead us through varying degrees of depth of all basic families of yoga postures: standing poses, twists, hip openers, inversions, forward bends, backbends, arm balances, yin, and restorative yoga.Yoga in Western culture"Yoga" means an awful lot of different things. I want you equipped to find the classes - and instructors - that work best for you. My goal is for these six weeks to empower your own path. You deserve to enjoy every minute of your practice - it shouldn't be a chore, or a competition.Connection with the communitySix weeks together - we'll get to know one another a little bit! I promise, you'll feel a special fondness for the students you share this time with. Over time, I think you'll find that's the highest value experience of the series.A personal hour with yours truly!That's right! Each one of you who enrolls receives a one-on-one hour with me to talk about your practice, about any modifications or variations that may suit you, about any…

What to expect in group class

Group classes - at a studio, YMCA, or gym - are by far the most common yoga experience for most Americans.You know the drill: you show up, take off your shoes and socks, unroll your mat, and begin with some breathing or light stretching, then soon you're off to doing synchronous poses (called asana) with the rest of the class.That's the general gist!Here's what to expect at Little Switch.CourtesyMake sure to arrive five minutes before classtime at the latest - because it will take you time to remove your coat, shoes and socks, and to find a place to unroll your mat.If you haven't yet reviewed my paperwork and signed the waiver, make sure to be there at least fifteen minutes early - that's 5:15. Don't worry, you just have to read and sign the waiver once!All are welcome!I know almost all yoga studios say this kind of thing, but I have been to many "Beginner" classes where suddenly the instructor was throwing down incredibly difficult asana or vigorous flow sequences.This can feel so incredibly discouraging for a Beginner.As an instructor leading a group class, it's not possible to personalize each asana for each student (that is what private instruction is for). My job is to hold space.But I often teach TO the beginner (inasmuch as I can in a group class), trusting that the more seasoned practitioner can still find usefulness in each asana.If you ever have a question if a class or particular Series are a good fit for you - simply ask me!I do not touch students without consent.In my first few months of class, I won't be touching you at all! This is so I can focus on setting up the space, my verbal queueing - that sort of thing.I am more likely to provide adjustment during private instruction, but only when needed (and usually it is not needed).But in every case I ask before I adjust a student. I will never assume consent - ever.I like to use props.I am currently working on gathering more props because the more we have access to - the better!I've written about props a bit before. My preference is that EVERY student brings them nearby before class starts. Even if you think you "don't need them" - they will benefit your practice a great deal, and lead you into a better and stronger place for the times you practice without them.We conclude on time.Just like you can expect me ready to start class on time - I'll end class on time, too. In the first limb of yoga we practice the Yamas - and the third Yama is Asteya: non-stealing. I don't steal your time. Your time is your most precious resource.We end class with a longer savasana.If you want 59 of your 60 minutes to be booty-toning, abs-busting sweaty workout - frankly, I'm just not the instructor for you.Savasana (final resting pose; corpse pose) is important to allow our bodies and minds to absorb our practice, to allow…

What to expect in private instruction

If you are considering private instruction with me - congratulations!This is one of the smartest and deepest investments you can make in your practice.My private practice with my own teachers has been one of the most helpful, exhilarating, and deeply moving yoga experiences of my life! I get stronger, stretch better, work safer, breathe deeper, and experience more confidence and joy in my practice!Not to mention I get to work on those extras that are fun to play with: headstands, splits, upward bow pose. These asana aren't necessary to master (or even attempt) but under the guidance of an instructor I was able to progress in these advanced asanas safely! By myself and in group class, I wasn't making headway.Now, as an instructor myself I am so glad to be in the position to provide private sessions to my students.If you're thinking about private practice, here is what to expect:I bring my particular ethos to every session.If you don't like what you read here, it is likely I am not a good fit for you. I am always happy to clarify any questions you have.If you're into my vibe, then let's meet!Getting ready for private instruction:You don't have to over-prepare. Like all my students, you need to affirm you have discussed yoga practice with a trusted and qualified professional, and you need to  review and sign my three forms: the liability waiver, attestation of health/Covid status, and photography policy. You may request these before our time together, and come to me with any questions - or we can go over them in our first session.While we can of course meet in your home, I advise we meet in my studio space or my home.Here's why.Being away from your home environment will help you put all your to-do list aside (like housework, bills to pay, et cetera) and will relieve you of any (subtle or overt) pressure to "host" me in your space.Being away from your home environment will help you segregate your practice, and focus on your practice. You may in time develop a solid home practice (although that is hard to stick to, for many), but in many ways meeting in a private studio setting, is more impactful.Just you and I!You will want to come dressed comfortably, and to bring your mat. I will have props available and we will be discussing them during our time together.Our first meeting:You get to relax and let me ask you some questions, and take notes. This will help me better get to know your history, your goals, and your hopes.The orientation and intake part of our session will take anywhere from fifteen to forty minutes. Then we'l get moovin' and groovin'!Asana:The asana, pranayama and pratyahara we work through we work through will depend on our initial discussion, as well as check-ins at the beginning of each session.Consent:I do not touch my students without consent - no exceptions. Never worry that I will touch you in class or in private instruction without first…

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