Rita Woods

My yoga practice has grown with me through the years.  I have been on my yoga mat as a college graduate (double major in French and Political Science), as a corporate executive (Vice President of Operations, Textile Marketing Group Inc.), as a wife (of twenty years), as a mother (of three children) and as an entrepreneur (my company, Young Yogis Yoga). My personal practice is an Advanced (Hot) Vinyasa Level 2/3 power practice.

In terms of CEC; I specialize in children's yoga teaching methodology, advanced poses (inversions, lifts, etc...) as well as pose/asana sequencing specific to  differing class levels. Proper alignment, technique and modifications; as well as how to link the poses to create routines for specific classes are always emphasized.  For example, classes geared towards a beginner or older person may require more static poses with modifications, while a class geared towards athletes may require longer held poses that are linked to create a cardio-flow.  The ability to integrate varied methods of teaching is especially important when teaching a "mixed level" class.  A great teacher must not only be passionate about yoga but they must possess this level of knowledge and experience in order for their students to walk away from a class and say ,"Wow, that was a great class!"

On a personal level, my yoga practice has kept me healthy and fit in body, calm and serene in presence, and confident and focused in mind.  My life experiences, in turn, make me a more present yogi and thus, a better yoga teacher.  I am able to identify with my students and understand many of their challenges, joys in life.  To teach and share with them the practice of "going within" in order to find and maintain that balanced state of well-being, only enriches my own state of wellness.