About
Beautiful blessings everyone!
My name is Gretchen. I am founder, creator and visionary of Vibrant Awakenings Yoga, Dance and Wellness.
My wellness journey began over 10 years ago. I had a totally different lifestyle and mindset. Working a dead-end job in the private sector, I was stuck behind a desk staring at a computer screen for hours on end - eating boxes of cookies and BonBons. I was miserable. Although it was a well paying gig, I was unhappy in my life and putting on weight. Deep down, I knew I needed to make a change. Not just physically but mentally too.
At that time, yoga found me and it changed my life. The healing aspects of the practice helped to reduce my stress levels and anxiety. With continued practice, I acquired a well-balanced understanding of the connection between the mind, body and breath. Unlocking the potential, I deepened the connection with my inner self and developed a beautiful relationship built on acceptance, gratitude and love. This inspired me to help others and offer guidance to those in my community who were looking for support finding their own fitness path.
Today, I love a different life! I've lost 100 pounds and am now a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Yogi who inspire lives! In 2017, I received my 200-hour yoga certification with Three Sisters Yoga and, took a variety of subsequent workshops and seminars, in areas of meditation and trauma. In 2018, I finally decided to do something more meaningful with my life. I left corporate America and pursued my passion to educate and motivate others to achieve their wellness and spiritual goals. I am currently continuing my education credits with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (“NASM”) and working on my Nutritional Coach certification.
I am deeply grateful for the wisdom my instructors and teachers have shared with me over the years and am happy to have the opportunity to share this knowledge with all of you. With a kind, light-hearted approach, I will guide you with compassion and a concentrated focus on your goals and needs. Offering clear, concise instruction, modification and/or adjustments, as well as breathing techniques, you will certainly find your inner balance and provide you with roadmap that will enhance your personal development.
Hope to see you on the mat!
Namaste.
All my life, my family and close riends always called me a "Nurturer." I never really got it growing up but, later realized, I was the mother hen of my friends. Checking on everyone after a night out, finding ways to help if one was sick, pitching in when and where I could, etc. I JUST LOVE HELPING PEOPLE! It's no wonder, why I ending up working in Human Resources most of life.
Now, I embrace this passion to help, support and encourage others to achieve their wellness and fitness goals.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process for working with a new client is as follows:
Initial assessment - Conversational / I like to discuss my clients goals, current habits as well as any past injuries or current medical restraints.h
Physical Assessment - In-Person/Online / The Physical assessment consists of a series fundamental movements and exercises that challenges a clients mobility, stability and balance. This allows me to determine where the client may build strength, balance, etc. so that I can personalize there fitness program.
Follow-up - Phone / Online - Discussion and presentation of fitness program, my professional recommendations to achieve the clients goals, pricing and scheduling mutually-agreeable sessions.
Closing - Email / I will reconfirm by contract the items discussed and agreed. Once the contract is signed, I will create my clients customized program, detailed exercise regimen for days they are with or without me.
1st Session - Online/In-Person - LET'S GO!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
200-HR Registered Yoga Teacher / Yoga Alliance
Personal Training Certification / NASM
Group Fitness Certication / NASM
BASc Business Administation
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing varies from client to client based on their needs, expectations, type of modality (yoga, dance, personal training) as well as training perferences (online or in-person.) General pricing is provided after initial consulation, final pricing is confirmed after assessment follow-up.
How did you get started teaching?
When Yoga found me, it changed my life. Not just physically but mentally and I realized everyone needed Yoga in their life. That's when I started teaching friends, family and started out on my wellness journey.
What types of students have you worked with?
I love working with all people! My students range from college students to house wives and senior citizens. I've also worked with many private clients during pre-natel care, suffering from trauma and/or high anxiety using restorative and breathing techniques to deal with these aliments.
Not to mention, I am always a student and make it a point to learn something new everyday!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently attended and lead a virtual yoga class for World Yoga Day. The event was hosted in collaboration with the NYC Parks and Recreation department and it was their 1st event after closing the ShapeUp NYC program due to COVID-19.
I was honored and grateful to take part in the event and the participants were scattered throughout the state. It was an awesome and humbling feeling to know that while distant.. we were all still very much connected.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You want to find a teacher who is knowledgable, caring and patient. This person should be attentive to your needs and willing to meet you EXACTLY where you are (physically as well as mentally) and can push you to go that much further.
That someone could be... ME!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask about a teacher/trainer:
Background / Modalities taught
Experience / Certifications
Likes/Dislikes
Availability
Pricing*