My Yoga Journey

I began my fitness career in 2006 as a fitness instructor. Years later yoga captivated me. It taught me how to slow down, be still and truly breath. 

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My journey into yoga was unexpected. Back then I was a hyper active fitness instructor leading intense classes like athletic step, bootcamp, and weight training. When an injury steered me towards yoga training, I felt very disappointed as I was suppose to go to bootcamp training. Little did I know yoga would transform my life. 

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I also have a background as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant and I worked on the acute floors of a hospital until 2023. 

 

Like many, I faced life's challenges. In January 2022, while working at the hospital, I suffered a serious injury  lifting a heavy patient. For over one year I was not able to straighten my right arm and  was not able to turn my head, rotate my upper body without extreme pain. I was moving like a robot. 

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In April 2022, I also had a knee scope; my poor knees from years of over training with high impact plyometric aerobics and not listening to my body. I was always going at high speed movements. 

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Let's say 2022 was not only physically challenging but mentally challenging as well.

 

After being to countless specialist and therapies, I thankfully found someone in March 2023 who could diagnose and help me on the road to healing; thank you Ricki Porter!!! 

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Losing muscle mass over a year was humbling. Going from handstands to finding child pose difficult due to discomfort,  challenged everything I knew from my yoga trainings and my practice.

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Despite that,  I kept practising yoga and was getting physically and mentally stronger.

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Then in November 2024, I was involved in a very bizarre incident, which left me with a serious head concussion. Of all my life's challenges, this had to be the hardest to recover from. I lost a part of me for awhile after that. 

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Once again I had to start my yoga practice over.

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Even though I am not as physically strong as I once was, the journey I have been on made me realize that life is precious and nothing should be taken for granted. We should be thankful for every day. 

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​I will be honest, for many years before my injuries, I forgot what it felt like to start yoga poses as a beginner. These experiences have made me more empathetic  to those just starting the physical aspect of yoga and how much courage it takes to begin something new.  

 

​​​Why Do I Do Yoga?

​I practice yoga for strength, flexibility,and balance. It quiets my mind and connects me to a deeper level of stillness - growing stronger in mind/body.

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What Do I Focus on as a Yoga Teacher?

I prioritize technique, ensuring every movement is safe and aligned. ​

I aim to inspire growth, both on and off the mat. Guiding students to discover their own potential. 

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What  Training Backgrounds Do I Have?

200 Hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) - Yoga Alliance Approved

Fitness Instructor​

Physiotherapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Some of My Specialty Trainings:

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• 200 Hour Teacher Training Program-Yoga Alliance Approved

• Trauma Informed Instructor - PTSD and Anxiety

• YogaFit for Addiction and Recovery

• YogaFit Seniors 

• YogaFit Sweat 

• YogaFit YogaLean

• YogaFit Anatomy & Alignment 

• YogaFit Kids

• YogaFit for Warriors

• Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant Diploma​

• Group Fitness Instructor 

• Mental Health First Aid Basic Canada

• Bonefit Trained Exercise Training Workshop for Healthcare Professionals-Osteoporosis Canada

• East to West Pilates Mat Certificate Course

• Stott Pilates Training 

• BodyStep Certification- Les Mills International

• Can-Fit Pro Group Fitness and Personal Training Conferences from 2007-2012

• Resist-A-Ball Certification (stability ball training)

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The Scariest Thing I Have Done Working in the  Fitness Industry 

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Teaching a bootcamp for the first time at a Military Base with 47 military personnel was very terrifying. Just minutes before the training was suppose to start, I remember going into the equipment room and asking myself, what was I doing here? It was a moment of sheer terror.  I thought I was going to be sick. I told myself if I could get through the next hour, I could do anything. The hour flew by and I had so much fun!

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Where Have I Taught Yoga

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- Various gyms in Moncton; Goodlife, St.Pat's, Town of Riverview

-Local High School

-Moncton Military Base

-Dorchester Penitentiary; General Population and Psychiatric 

-Lunch hour classes at local businesses (for the employees)

-My own classes at various locations

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Hardest Part of Yoga for Me

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To be still.

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Growing up, discipline meant sitting still in a chair. It felt like an eternity but, according to Mom, it would be no more than 5 minutes. This was challenging for my energetic spirit as I wanted to be outside running.

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Over my years of teaching, I have noticed that many people would leave during meditation at the end of class. I have come to realize that mediation and being still is one of the most important things we can learn from yoga. 

 

In a world that never seems to stop, when was the last time you were still? Aware of each inhale and exhale, truly present in the moment.

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Namaste

The light in me

Honours the light in you. 

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Sam

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