At Least 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Yoga Instructor, Alex!

At Least 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Yoga Instructor, Alex! 

Yoga has impacted us all differently in a positive way. Some of us have a better headspace because of Yoga. Some of us made friends and personal relationships because of our classes at  YTB. Many of us are able to get through this pandemic because of yoga and the YTB  community. With yoga doing so much for all of us, I asked questions to all of our yoga instructors here at YTB. As many of you may see Alex as more than an instructor to you, here are some things you probably never knew about her.  

What is your go-to pose and why? What are some of the benefits of the pose you have chosen?  

I'm not sure I can pick just one pose but I love all the backbends. Half-moon backbend, standing bow pulling, bow pose on the belly, camel pose. 

Backbends have really helped change my body, mind, overall health. 

On a physical level, "all backbends heal the spine". So if someone's back is aching, these are magical elixirs. 

Squeezing the back muscles not only strengthens the spine, relieving back pain, but it also stretches the front body, creating more room for the digestive organs, the lungs, liver, heart, etc.  In this way, they are able to function optimally. 

The more we can train ourselves to stand upright through backbends, we create less squish for these organs by slouching less in our day-to-day lives. So backbends work in the short-term and in the long-term. 

On an emotional level backbends tap into the chakras at the throat (your voice), heart, hips  (groin, root chakra). This can make one feel vulnerable at first but invincible with a longtime practice. 

If I had to pick just one of the backbends I would pick bow pose on the floor because there's the added benefit of massaging the belly and digestive organs on the floor when you're in it. 

If you had to stay in a yoga pose for 24 hours, which one would it be? 

That’s a funny question. I don’t think it’s a good idea to stay in any pose, yoga or otherwise for  24 hours. Ha! We’re trying to find balance—away from obsession or extremes. 

What was yoga-like for you in the beginning? 

My first yoga class was in 1997. It was a Vinyasa class. All I remember was that I loved it. I was looking for flexibility but got so much more, especially when taught about linking breath with movement. It was the first time I felt simultaneously calmer but stronger. But it was also inconsistent. Each class was different and it was hard to improve. Then I found the Classic 26+2 and was rocked. 

What would you advise new yogis? 

Try not to set up expectations on what you think you should be able to do in class. Don’t beat yourself up or get discouraged if you couldn’t “do everything”. Every attempt to balance on one leg is your yoga. Every time you take a break is also your yoga. It’s a process in which the only win is that you KNOW yourself. The best part is you can start at any age and do it into your 100s. So, you have time. 

Do you have a favorite yogi/guru that inspires you? If so, who and why? 

I don’t have just one. I feel lucky to have had many great teachers who shared their love of the practice with me. 

If you got to go on a funded yoga retreat for one week and you got to bring one person/pet,  where would you retreat to and who would you bring? 

I would take my husband with me to Mexico. We both love the food there, we both love swimming and yoga. Note: the yoga workshops I’ve traveled to have rarely been at fun, beachy locations. Also, my husband does practice but he has never been to a workshop with me. 

If yoga manifested into a person, fell head-over-heels for you, and even proposed to you, would you marry them/date them or friend-zone them? Why? 

I feel that yoga is manifested in ME. I am my yoga. I know that I have all I need already, I just need to keep going. 

How has your practice/teaching changed in the last 2 years? 

COVID hit hard for everyone of course. I was in a big slump for a bit. I had no interest in teaching or taking classes for a few weeks. Then some students reached out to me and coaxed me out of my rut. I am tremendously GRATEFUL to these students and to YTB for supporting me during the lockdown. 

These days I feel my practice of teaching and taking classes has more heart than before. It’s less about me and more about the community that became tighter during the last 2 years. Meeting in zoom and then later meeting outside for class in the park became vital ways to keep a connection with each other. 

Enjoyed getting to know Alex a little more? What are some things you never knew about her? What are some things you did know about her? Have any additional questions for her? You know where to find her, here at YTB