Testimonials
Michael's teacher-training program changed my life! I took the yoga-teacher training at Ashtanga thinking I'd improve my yoga practice, make yoga a bigger part of my life, and maybe, just maybe, teach if I could ever work up the nerve. Less than two years later, I find myself filling my schedule with yoga-teaching gigs, engrossing myself in all things Ashtanga/Vinyasa and even opening up my own studio.
Michael's thoughtful, thorough teaching, with his emphasis on anatomy, hands-on adjustments & asana sequencing, prepared me well. The training was nicely balanced between handouts, lectures, discussions, workshops and instruction practice. I feel thankful every day--for yoga, for Michael's instruction and for my own motivation to see the training through.
Leigha Butler 2009-2010
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The Yoga Teacher Training at Ashtanga of New Paltz was perfect for my schedule and learning focus. As someone with a full-time job, having a teacher training class on Sunday afternoon was great. It made the learning process more manageable and gave me able time to study, reflect, and practice during the week.
Michael's teacher training has a strong focus on anatomy and that aligned well with my desire to use yoga as a therapeutic medium for those new to yoga, recovering from injuries, or with a lower level of fitness. We received a great amount of information about common injuries and physical limitations and how to modify postures to accommodate them. We also received instruction in performing adjustments and how to approach students recovering from an injury or with limited flexibility. I feel much more confident now that I can help my students to feel better and improve their health instead of inadvertently harming them further.
I have just begun teaching but already I am putting what I learned in training into good use. There is nothing more satisfying that modifying a posture for a student who is struggling and seeing how a subtle shift can cause them to relax and enjoy the practice of yoga. I'm incredibly satisfied with my teacher training experience and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to become a teacher or increase their knowledge about yoga anatomy.
Laura Z 2010-2011
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I have been a student at Ashtanga Yoga of New Paltz for the past 5 years. When I felt ready to take my practice to a new level, it made perfect sense to take a teacher training at the studio I felt the most comfortable going to as a student.
The certification course taught me so much more about anatomy, philosophy and alignment than I knew before. The amount of students in the class made it possible to personalize the certification and feel very comfortable due to the individualized focus within the group. I feel amazingly excelled in my practice and am very comfortable beginning a new level of practice, which I can absolutely thank my training for.
I would recommend a teacher training certification at Ashtanga wholeheartedly to anyone who is looking to find a new advancement in their practice and their ability to guide others towards a path in yoga.
Thank you!
Elizabeth Gross Summer 2011