Grounding, powerful, and relaxing are 3 words that come to mind when asked to describe Josh’s Friday night Hot class at GottaYoga University. Maybe it’s his background in counseling. Maybe it’s his love of philosophy. Continue reading to learn more about Josh. To have the full experience, take Josh’s Friday evening Hot class at 6:15pm – get your weekend started right!
What was your first yoga class as student like?
I went to my first yoga class with a soccer team mate because he suggested that it is a great work out, detoxifying, and makes you feel great. So, naturally he brought me to a 90-minute, 105 degree power yoga class! I remember slipping and sliding all over my mat, and trying to move in ways Iike never before while keeping an eye on my teammate’s body as to gauge what I ought to look like and where to be on my mat. This first class was intense, intimidating, hot, wet, a challenge to breathe, and invigorating – I loved it!
Describe what it was like to teach your first class. How many students? Were you nervous? How did you prepare?
I taught six students. I wrote out my entire class, every cue, every breath, every movement, and every detail I could think of. I then recited out loud the class three or four times. This took about four hours. I was incredibly nervous because I felt that I ought to teach as well as my favorite teachers. To calm my nerves, I prepared and practiced what I would say, drank a kombucha, and decided to jump in and go for it.
What posture do you enjoy the most/least? Why?
My least favorite pose is Easy Pose (deceiving name!) as well as pigeon because I have extremely tight hips. I’ve been playing competitive soccer for 26 years and for a long time I predominately kicked with my right foot. Pigeon pose helped me realize that I was more open on my right side and tighter on my left. A few years ago I decided to change that, and now I can kick a soccer ball with equal force and accuracy on either foot. Pigeon, my nemesis, has helped me make changes that improved my game! So it could be said I’ve learned to love my least favorite poses.
What advice would you give new students? Continue reading →