Happy New Rockin' Year @ Mighty Yoga!

A lot's a buzzing in 2013 already!  A sweet rockin' New Year's Day class with Rachel raised more than $200 for the Africa Yoga Project!  Then an impromptu yoga groovin' fest w/ Zainab & DJ HyFi on Friday!

Now we're kicking off a new winter class schedule with new times, classes, plus we have a ROCKIN' line up of workshops and programs all winter long!  Remember to check out our online schedule and website so you don't miss out on the fun!  Heck, you might want it to be your home page, too! ;)

And we're also EXCITED to introduce our newest teacher, Toni Hodge!  She's been teaching around town, and we're thrilled she's joined the team.  You can catch her subbing later this month and she'll be teaching regular classes in February when we roll out our 4th Annual February Challenge!  In the meantime, meet this cool chica below!

Hello, Toni!

How did you come to yoga?
Toni:  I came to yoga due to my deep interest in physical activities. I like to give everything a try, so while in college I gave it a chance, and just one class was all it took!

What do you like about Power Yoga? 
I enjoy power yoga for the very purpose I think it serves, to ignite true empowerment from within myself to help guide me in taking action steps through the challenges in life.

How has your yoga changed since the first time you practiced? 
A major notable change in my practice from the first time up until now I would have to say is the evolution of my emotions. How I process them, filter and channel them feels much more manageable and balanced.

Why did you decide to teach yoga? 
I decided to teach yoga because it came natural to me, like I have been doing it since I was born!

Any tips for someone new to yoga? 
I would say if you like power yoga and you are new to it, try it for at least 2 months before you stop! haha

What is your favorite pose or poses?  
One of my favorite poses is warrior 2. It is quite simple, but I feel very strong and centered in my inner warrior when I am in it.

What do you like to do off the yoga mat? 
I love traveling. I also enjoy good food with friends and hiking, of course!

What fuels you? 
Yoga. Food. Friends. Meditation. Nature. Sometimes the right kind of music, too!

What makes you Mighty? 
What makes me mighty.... the two words of the month are... Resilience and Perseverance.

Meet our new teacher, Lara Green!

In case you haven't noticed, Lara Green has joined the Mighty family!  A former student at Mighty, Lara took a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica (um, we're not jealous or anything), and she's back to share her love for yoga with us.  We're so excited to have her on the team!  She's subbing throughout the summer and will be on our regular schedule in the fall.  Look out for her bright smile in class!

How did you come to yoga?
I started stretching and breathing with my mother, one of my greatest teachers, as a young kid. I began my yoga practice about 7 years ago. I was in college at SUNY New Paltz, and the gym offered free classes. I would leave class feeling like I was floating on air!

What do you like about Power Yoga?
I tried lots of styles before I found my true fit in Power Yoga. I love it because it is challenging, but also well-rounded and nourishing. Whether I am working with concentration, endurance, breath focus, or advancing in the physical postures, my time on the mat transfers into positive growth and development in every facet of my life! I leave a Power Yoga class feeling content, balanced, and at peace.

How has your yoga changed since the first time you practiced?
I used to drag myself to class because I knew I would feel great after I practiced. Sometimes, it was a real struggle to motivate myself to step on the mat. Today, I can’t imagine how I ever survived without yoga! I have seen marked progress in my physical practice,and I have learned so much about my body and the nature of my mind.

Why did you decide to teach yoga? 
I was planning a 6-month trip to Central America to volunteer at an elementary school and get certified to teach English. I knew I wanted to incorporate yoga into my daily routine. I was looking to deepen my asana practice, and also spend time in meditation. When I discovered a 200 hr. certification in the jungle of Costa Rica- it seemed like a great match. I decided to combine my love for teaching and yoga, and share the practice with others. I wanted to make yoga accessible to people of all walks of life, and to spread joy and wellness to everyone who was willing to try it!

Any tips for someone new to yoga?
Commit yourself to taking at least three classes. It might seem intimidating, challenging, and foreign at first. As you practice and become comfortable with the poses, it gets easier, more fluid, and way more fun!

What is your favorite pose or poses?
Virabhadrasana 3! I love balance poses because they require deep focus, strength, and stability. I also love supported Supta Baddha Konasana to open the front body and restore and soothe after a tough practice.

What do you like to do off the yoga mat? 
Hiking, travelling, singing, dancing and floating on tubes in Cayuga lake!  

What fuels you? 
Kombucha! Movement and nature! New experiences, fresh air, flowing water, climbing trees, and playing with kids.

What makes you MIGHTY? 
I am courageous, compassionate and strong. I have a deeply rooted connection with community and family. Together, we are even mightier!

Bon Voyage, Alexa! We'll miss you!

Please join us in wishing one of our teachers, Alexa, a Mighty farewell for now.  She will be departing Ithaca in May to do research on birds in Papua New Guinea for much of this next year.  Alexa will be working several projects from investigating the impacts of climate change on bird species to testing theories about why some species live where they do.  This will be Alexa's third voyage out to PNG and her longest visit yet.  She tells us that the fieldwork will be rugged and remote, climbing mountains to make camps at different elevations where they can survey birds in their habitats.  Hmm, jungle yoga, anyone?  

We wish you the best, Alexa!  And we can't wait to hear about all your adventures when you return!