Aerobics

Yoga

Barre

Anonymous

IP location

RYT 200hr WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED? A Ventura girl through and through. TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE Yoga found me at a transitional time in my life. I needed an outlet that was healthy and could put all of my energy into. Yoga has kept me centered in the most challenging moments. It has become a tool for me to use whenever I am struggling and/or need direction in life. I had never practiced yoga prior to being introduced to Grassroots by my mom. I started cleaning the floors at this studio knowing absolutely nothing about yoga.. Now my whole life is centered around it and I couldn’t be more grateful. TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE I was given the opportunity to teach at a local treatment facility for young adults during my training. It’s been an amazing opportunity giving back to these teenagers. As far as teaching in a studio, Grassroots is where it starts! WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE? Currently I would have to say Anjaneyasana variations are my favorite. Because I hated lunges so much in the beginning. I wanted to cry and curse while holding a high crescent. I’ve grown to find comfort in this pose. I feel so empowered and strong while holding a high crescent and I love it. I also really love coming into Anjaneyasana from virabhadrasana lll. Makes me feel like a badass! WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK? The big book & basic text have really helped me learn a lot about myself and made me take a deep look within when things have been dark and ugly. Similar to the 8 limbs of yoga the 12 steps holds values and spiritual principles I try to live by day to day on and off my mat. I owe a lot to this community as well. ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS? My advice for beginners would be to give yourself grace, and throw that ego out the door! Don’t compare yourself to others, no matter how hard it is. We are all growing and healing from something that happened yesterday. Focus on your breath, it’s the most important thing. WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU? Community means coming together as one, and sticking together when things get rough. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA? The community! It’s all love here. and I love that the ocean is our backyard. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION? Raklife! Another reason why I love Grassroots so much we are constantly giving back.

Lexi Aquino

Instructor at Grassroots Yoga