About
Life
After working in the health and wellness industry for 10 years in a high stress corporate environment, it was time for a change. Geanetta was overweight, tired and unhappy. No matter how many hours she worked, deadlines were missed, projects were late, and the constant feeling of being overwhelmed was debilitating.
Change
Having 2 boys and missing special events, never being present emotionally, Geanetta realized that she missed much of their young lives. With the encouragement of her husband, Geanetta decided to make changes. After eight years of practicing the physical benefits of yoga, she was introduced to the mental benefits of mindfulness through a yoga teacher training program. With a passion for teaching and a motivator by heart it was her perfect fit.
Balance
While work place stress will always be a part of life and with increased technological advances information will continue to be in abundance, we must teach and pass down stress management techniques. Working long hours is sometimes necessary, emails will continue to bog down inboxes, deadlines are just a fact of life in this modern world. Not only does Geanetta understand the corporate world and the stresses that come with it, she has learned that with a healthy mind through meditation comes a healthy body and a balanced life.
I enjoy helping others meet their goals and encouraging people to work outside their comfort zone. All to often we ask why our gaols are not met or why didn't I lose weight. We are constantly running around and tired. By taking personal time for ourselves learning something new and challenging themselves you will find results that cannot be found in any other envirnoment.
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Lee Z.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Usually the first session will be between 1 - 2 hours. Getting to know the client and understanding their goals will allow me the teacher to customized a plan for them. Each person is different. While their goals may be generally the same, the avenue in which to meet that goal is different. I don't believe that depriving oneself of food and other things that are enjoyed by an individual, balance is key to long term sustainable weight loss. Our first session includes a goal tracker, general assessment, yoga practice, and follow-up communications to stay in touch. One session can be costly; the goal is not for me to have 4 sessions a month but to provide a long term foundation so that each session can be spaced out while there is some regular communication to keep each person motivated.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a 200 hour RYT and working on a 500 hour RYT certification with 10 years of natural industry product knowledge.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Each lesson has a minimum fee of $60. My time and the clients time is valuable and I care about each client’s commitment to this program. I give clients an outstanding session with follow up communications that take precious time. Based on my drive and additional requests the rate may increase. I do give discounts to clients that give me a referral.
How did you get started teaching?
As stated in my bio, I personally needed to learn how to slow down and enjoy life with my family and children. To me, yoga is more than yoga. I'm not the skinniest person or the strongest, but I'm proud of myself and find comfort in my imperfections. Yoga helped me find the confidence I needed to move forward and embrace the past. The constant pain I used to feel in my hip after a running injury is gone.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with beginner clients with absolutely no experience to advanced practitioners. Each person brings a unique understanding to yoga and what it means to them. I've also teamed up with a Psychiatrist to work with his patients that have addition dependency and have worked with people who have chronic injuries and need some time to recover.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Each teacher is different and while some teachers have many certifications and others may have a different background that can bring value to you, it's important that you keep an open mind about the teacher and what's right for you. Sometimes a client will work better with one teacher vs. another. Honesty will get you a long way. Other things you should consider when hiring a teacher.
1. Is the teacher registered through Yoga Alliance? Yoga Alliance is one of the few checks and balances out there in the yoga industry. Anyone can teach yoga without a teacher certification. Yoga teaching standards vary from place to place and the Yoga Alliance site is one of the few checks and balances out there.
2. Price does matter. Yes, you may get a great teacher for a great price, but that may not always be the case. Each teacher brings a unique skill set and background. This is your health and your body. Remember you only have one body and a teacher that does not take the time to learn you and your unique body can cause long term damage. Form matters from a beginner to an advanced level, all of us need to always improve on our practice and should care about form.
3. Group classes are great if you know what you’re doing. Many people begin their yoga in a group class with the same people who have been practicing for years. It's intimidating and can be overwhelming. When I teach a group class sometimes, I cannot get to everyone and help them into the pose. Understanding what the pose is and how you can modify the pose is really important to a long term practice.
4. Yoga can cause injury. Let's be real, yoga is a form of exercise and the teacher is responsible for your wellbeing. In a group setting, it's hard to help everyone. In a private session your teacher should work on form and helping you understand proper placement of your body. While you may be looking to lose weight, that only works if your body isn't injured do take the time to learn the poses. Weight loss comes with time. There is no quick solution to losing weight or toning the body.
5. Private lessons matter. If you can't afford a private lesson, start at a beginner class. while you may have practiced yoga years ago, your body is now at a beginner level. It will come back and you pick it up quickly getting back to the old flexible you, starting at a beginner level or taking a private lesson can go a long way in helping you find your fitness goals and succeeding long term. After all isn’t that what you’re looking for? Long term healthy life habits?
6. Is the teacher right for you? While each teacher brings a unique skill set and expertise, if you don’t like the teacher then they’re not right for you and the teacher should understand that. A good teacher knows that their not the perfect instructor for everyone and should be more than willing to provide another teacher contact. Your health and body is the most important thing you can invest in. Don’t let a personality conflict or bad teacher turn you off from trying again.
7. Is yoga right for me? Just like in school, a good teacher makes all the difference in the world. But if you find that you’ve tried several classes and teachers and your still not grooving yoga, move on! Try something new and don’t be angry about the time and money you’ve invested in trying yoga. If you don’t try it, then you will never know. Stop trying to force something to work just because everyone says it’s awesome. Find what works for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I generally ask the students to have a list of questions ready when we meet for our first session. It's really important that the student is open with their health. While we do not need to know about everything, however it is highly recommended that we know about high or low blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions. Also asking your Dr. if your physically ready for yoga is also recommended. Being prepared with a clear vision as to what the client is looking for, weight loss, pain management, meditation, yoga, or both will help the teacher better understand what your needs are.