Meet our July Teacher of the Month, Kyle Weiger! Kyle is an energetic and passionate yoga instructor and gymnast who inspires personal transformation through his athletic, yet meditative classes. Read on for some yoga insights from this superstar teacher!
When did you start practicing yoga?
October 2010...It was about 6 years after my best friend recommended yoga to me for the first time. I should have listened sooner:)
What has yoga brought to your life?
Yoga has settled me down in a major way. I used to stress about work deadlines, how others perceived me, and about chasing unimportant things. It's allowed me to slow down and appreciate the things that are really important like friendship, love, and the people closest to me.
Why did you become a yoga instructor?
When I went from being a crazy workaholic to actually getting to know myself, I couldn't help but wonder how many others there were out there that still were corporate zombies. I became a teacher to help people put down their laptops and smartphones, even if it's only an hour at a time :)
What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
A steady yoga practice will allow you to calm the chaos of everyday life. It will give you the ability to learn from stress, and use it as fuel to become a better individual. Also, did I mention that it gets you in shape? :)
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
Yoga is not a race to the "finish line". There is no end, no goal, no mountain top to reach. Yoga is meant to be explored rather than conquered. When you're first starting out, move at a pace that suits you and be happy with it. Your body will naturally adapt as you practice more.
What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
My style of yoga is athletic and meditative all rolled into one. By engaging the body in rhythmic movement, your mind wanders away from the clutter, and you focus on the body, the breath, and the quietness. I love exploring balancing on my hands, engaging the small (but important) muscle groups, and deepening the postures. My style will challenge you, and maybe make you feel a little vulnerable, but at the end of each class you'll feel proud of the hard work you put in.
What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
Handstand, handstand, handstand! The reason I love teaching this posture is simple: Moving from a state of "I can't" into a state of of "I'm learning how" is such a powerful feeling. I've felt it myself, and I see it in my students - that look of "I've never done that before!" Handstand is coveted by many, but what people need to realize is that it's simply a position of the body that can be learned through repeat practice over time...just like every other yoga pose.
Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
Doing yoga online, in your home, on your schedule is a terrific way to practice. All practitioners should have a home practice. The value of solitude is lost in most people, and they feel the need to constantly be surrounded by activity. The quiet and calm you can experience at home is where some of the biggest personal breakthroughs happen. Be proud of the fact that you are devoted to your personal development and take the time to give a little gift to yourself each day.
Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
I'm not sure where it originated, but one of my favorite quotes about yoga, work, relationships, life, everything, is this: "If it were easy, everyone would do it." I remind myself of this every time something starts to seem difficult or challenging.
What do you like to do "off the mat"?
Off the mat, I'm a baseball fanatic, wannabe sushi chef, and gymnast. I'm in a constant state of learning, and love feeding my brain with information on the things that intrigue me. Also, I love learning from anyone who is great at what they do. I don't care if it's baking cakes or starting a billion-dollar tech company...if you've found a way to break the status quo in your particular field, I'm all ears.
Kyle's philosophy around yoga is simple: The poses don't matter so much, but your reaction to them means everything. For Kyle, yoga isn't about getting your foot behind your head or balancing on one arm. It's about being willing to try something new, being vulnerable and open, and being ok with doing just for the sake of doing, with no attachment to outcome. There is no finish line, the is only progress.
Download or stream one of Kyle's classes today:
Ninja Yoga
Bound Wild Thing - A Heart Opening Experience
Float Back to Chaturanga
