In addition to more classes and more workshops, we're thrilled to welcome new teacher, Liz Falk, to the Mighty team! We wanted to get to know this cool gal who hails from Boulder and Washington, DC, so we asked her a few questions, and we found out she brings some wonderful energy to her teaching. Meet her in person Tuesdays at 4:30pm!
Mighty Yoga: How did you start yoga?
Liz Falk: I starting taking yoga classes when I was at college in Boulder, CO. I was intimidated at first because Boulder is a pretty "hard core" place and everybody was a lot better than I was. After a few classes I was hooked. I found it to be the perfect balance of exercise for the body and the mind, something I had not experienced before.
MY: What do you like about Power Yoga?
Liz: Overall, I just LOVE the challenge. It's never easy and no two classes are ever alike. I love the flow of power yoga because of the necessary connection between movement and the breath. I'm not a dancer at all, in fact I'm quite intimidated by it, but when my mind, breath and movement are all in sync during a yoga practice, it feels like a really beautiful dance. Creativity juices flow, the whole body relaxes yet stays strong as it moves. It's really pretty awesome :)
MY: How has your yoga changed since the first time you practiced?
Liz: Yoga was only a physical practice for me when I first started. I was quite inflexible, barely able to reach below my knees or sit comfortably in
Sukhasana (a.k.a. easy pose), so my focus was on physically trying to get into and move through poses. I was also an athlete so just wanted a good workout. After a few months I noticed my running was improving and I became much more flexible. Poses became more comfortable. I started noticing my breath and learned how to connect the two.
MY: Why did you decide to teach yoga?
Liz: Teaching is challenging and super fun! I have been an educator for many years, mostly teaching garden related topics. I first became a teacher because I was inspired by other teachers. The progression was similar with yoga. I always loved doing yoga but it wasn't until I had a few absolutely amazing and inspirational teachers that I really got deep into yoga as a practice and appreciated all it has to offer. A good teacher can help students feel and benefit from the full expression of a pose. I hope I am that kind of teacher for some of my students.
MY: Any tips for someone new to yoga?
Liz: Patience, first and foremost. Some poses will come easily and others hard. And secondly, make it fun. The body, mind, breath connection takes some serious concentration, so I think it's really important to smile a bit in our poses, stay relaxed and always be open to play and exploration.
MY: What is your favorite pose or poses? Why?
Liz: Oh goodness, this is a hard choice. Probably
Chaturanga Dandasana (a.k.a. four-limbed staff pose) because it involves so many muscle groups and provides the body with so much benefit when done correctly. I also love arm balances. They are really fun to try even when I can't do them and really satisfying when I can.
MY: What do you like to do off the yoga mat?
Liz: My hobbies are mostly outdoors related—hiking, running, cross-country skiing or swimming depending on the season. Also I am an aspiring farmer and work part-time as a community garden & compost educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. I'm passionate about all things food related and hope my efforts will help the greater community have access to fresh and affordable food.
