A yoga instructor’s search for mind/body balance

"Peace is born out of balance and balance comes from flexibility."

Newly minted yoga instructor Sarah McIntyre truly believes that yoga helps you remove yourself from the rat race called life and find happiness.

"I had been in and out of yoga classes for years. I always practiced at home and it felt good, but never took time for myself. That is why I signed up for a teacher certification, so I would to commit to it," she explained.

McIntyre just finished The Twisted Monkey Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training in June and now teaches at The Twisted Monkey in Rockledge and Philadelphia Dance Center in Northeast Philadelphia.

The Twisted Monkey offers a 200-hour teacher training program that focuses on Hatha Yoga, the foundation of all physical yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in 15^th century India, and the exploration of the modern styles it has influenced like Vinyasa Flow, Bikram and Power Yoga.

McIntyre was attracted to Hatha Yoga because she was so still so new to the practice. "I wanted to learn the philosophy and about connecting to the life force through meditation. "

Through The Twisted Monkey curriculum, she was required to complete 180 scheduled classroom hours as well as 20 hours of independent study through readings, workshops and yoga classes. During the classes, she not only learned teaching methodologies and technique, but also anatomy and physiology and yoga philosophy.

"A lot of people get certified for other reasons than just to teach. Students are drawn in by interest in anatomy, chakras, or the history of yoga."

She added, "You are encouraged to continue with your education even after your initial certification. There are requirements to maintain your 200 hour certification with continuing your education by attending workshops.  You can take your training further with the 500 hour certification and learn how to teach others and organize retreats. You can personalize your training by taking classes that appeal to you -- focus on meditation, pranayama, anatomy, etc. The sky's the limit."

For McIntyre, the most challenging part of the curriculum was maintaining life/work balance when she got hit with a big project at work in February and March. "I was working long days, but I was still eager to get to my teacher training classes. There were four students in the class and a great instructor. We formed a tight bond and I looked forward to seeing them. Class was a lot of work but also a lot of fun."

"Yoga shouldn't feel stressful. Luckily my instructor believed that too."

So how does she feel teaching so far? She loves leading beginner classes and introducing people to yoga.

"I want to help my students breathe and relax so they can better deal with the stresses of life. It really changes life for the better. Yoga is about the mind, body and soul, not just focusing on the body."

One important lesson she has learned that new instructors should keep in mind is that not every instructor will be the right fit for every student, but there is someone out there for you to teach and someone who wants to learn from you.

When it comes to her personal routine, McIntyre likes to wake up and do a mini yoga session to start her day.

"We tend to breathe too shallow so it is good to meditate and practice breathing every day."

If you are interested in taking a class with Sarah McIntyre, check out her up-to-date class schedule at The Twisted Monkey and Philadelphia Dance Center on her Facebook page.

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