Balance Work Yoga And Massage
About
After 10 years of dealing with chronic back, neck and debilitating arm pain which nearly led to surgery, Mark found yoga and massage therapy. Inspired by their restorative healing powers, he went on to receive a Yoga Alliance teaching certification through The Center for Yoga in Larchmont and a 500 hr. California Massage Therapist license through the Institute for PsychoStructural Balancing in Culver City.
In 2004, he opened BalanceWork Yoga and Massage, with the goal of bringing the stress-reducing benefits of yoga and massage to businesses and private clients throughout Los Angeles.
Over the last several years, Mark has provided services to a vast array of clients, from City Hall West Hollywood, American Film Institute, Sports Chalet, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to professional musicians, movie producers, comedians, attorneys, writers, CFOs, photographers and court reporters.
Mark loves teaching beginning and intermediate students ways to safely center an align themselves both physically and mentally. His teaching is influenced by Iyengar, Anusara, Structural Yoga Therapy, and Trigger Point Therapy. Additionally, he offers deep tissue massage, relaxation massage, trigger point therapy, aromatherapy and energetic bodywork.
Website: www.balancework.com
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/balance-work-yoga-and-massage-los-angeles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balance-Work-Yoga-and-Massage-104889629569203/
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically I do an intake to find out what the student's goals are and what they want to get out of the work together. I also assess if there are structural postural imbalances and/or pain/discomfort that needs investigating.
Using that info, I create a plan for increasing strength, flexibility and overall awareness. In addition to yoga, sometimes it involves teaching students self-massage techniques to compliment the efficacy of the yoga program.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm an ERYT through Yoga Alliance (teacher with over 1000 hours of teaching) and a massage therapist with a focus in trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage
The best education however, has been my own exploration of yoga and massage practice, and witnessing how I have benefited from it over the years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
In-house lesson rates vary depending on number of sessions purchased. etc.
There is an additional fee for out-call lessons. Additional fee is determined by travel time and distance.
How did you get started teaching?
Once I started feeling the physcial and mental benefits of my yoga practice and massage work, I was hooked. I soon realized I wanted to share what I found and took a yoga training to start teaching in 2003. In 2009, I added massage therapy.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work well with those who are new to yoga, healing from injuries, and looking to deepen their knowledge of themselves and yoga.
I have worked with clients from age 10 to 82, people brand new to yoga to regular students looking for a deeper level of practice.
Over the years, I have provided services to a vast array of clients, from City Hall West Hollywood, American Film Institute, Sports Chalet, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to professional musicians, hair stylists, movie producers, comedians, attorneys, wrtiers CFOs, Photographers and court reporters
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love when students find healing through yoga. For instance, one of my new students had her father passed away a month ago, and she felt the class was particularly helpful in reconnecting and giving herself the love she needs to make it through rough times.
Those are the moments I feel the most rewarded by my work.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who can tailor a practice suited to you and your specific need/desires. Also someone with a good understanding of anatomy and body mechanics so that you get a strong technical foundation to keep you safe and healthy. If you don't develop a foundation of technique and body awareness in yoga, it is possible to create or exacerbate injuries!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is my primary motivation for taking private yoga lessons?
What's important to me in a teacher?