Practice Yoga with Tako
4-Day Sing Better with Yogic Techniques Challenge!
The challenge is over, but the lessons are still available and still free. Reach out if you want access
university
yoga
I design and teach term-based yoga curricula. In-person or remote instruction informed by Universal Design for Learning principles.
private
lessons
Learn yoga in a personalized way. Great for beginners, established practitioners looking to deepen their practice, or anyone for whom one on one work makes sense. Book a free consultation to see if privates might be a good fit for you!
workshops & retreats
Guest teaching one-off or series classes on a variety of subjects, including Workplace Yoga, Manifesting your Heart’s Desire with Yoga Nidra, Authentic Voice: Sing better with Yogic Techniques
studio
classes
I try to keep a public-facing drop-in class or two on my weekly schedule, and am proud to be on the teaching roster at Left Coast Power Yoga! Check out the schedule!
FAQ
Are private yoga lessons worth it for me?
Private yoga lessons might be worthwhile for you if any of the following are true: 1) You want to make measurable, directed progress in your practice and want a customized program specifically to meet your goals 2) You’re brand new to yoga and want to get a handle on the basics before stepping into a group class 3) Group class settings aren’t your thing 4) Getting to a studio’s class at their set places and times simply isn’t practical for you 5) You require a tailored practice to accommodate your needs 6) You learn better in a one-on-one setting or 7) You like to ask a lot of questions!
Why do private yoga lessons cost more than studio classes?
In a group class, everyone is pitching in to pay for my time. It’s a great, fun experience, but everyone shares my attention, and there’s a limit to how much I can tailor instruction to any one person’s goals or needs in such a setting. When we work one-on-one, you have my undivided attention, and we have the ability to tailor sequences crafted especially for you. Private yoga lessons cost more, but depending on your circumstances, they can be more than worth it. Private lessons cost more because you’re getting all of your teacher’s concentrated attention which can lead to stronger, directed results.
What are the benefits of private yoga lessons for a beginner?
Like anything worthwhile, a yoga practice benefits from a strong foundation. Beginner level studio classes are not likely to break down the basics for you and truly start from the beginning. It’s important to start with good habits and alignment when building your practice so you can carry on safely, sustainably, and with ease.
What are the benefits of organization / school / corporate yoga?
Besides earning your people’s undying appreciation, you are likely promoting your mission at the same time in an indirect way. Research has shown that yoga leads to higher productivity, good morale, better learning retention, and fewer sick days. Poor health costs the USA $500 billion in productivity, as well as a billion sick days per year. Studies show yoga for your team will easily pay for itself!
What does a typical private yoga lesson look like?
The beauty of private lessons is that private sessions look different for each student, because they are tailored to the student’s needs and learning style. That said, there are some things you can always expect: A moment to calm down the mind; dynamic full-body warm-up; dynamic yoga poses; cool down poses. How much of each depends on your goals. We might also “workshop” a particular pose; meditate; or discuss your practice.
Do you offer Zoom yoga online?
Yes! While I teach in person as well, many of my yoga offerings: private yoga lessons, corporate yoga, yoga for non-profits, yoga for your school, etc., have Zoom-based options. I enjoy being able to connect with folks from around the globe! While I love teaching in-person, I feel online Zoom-based yoga also holds many benefits as a learning tool. I received a course redesign grant from Mills College and had an opportunity to develop some best practices for online yoga instruction rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
What makes for the best Zoom yoga classes?
The best online yoga teachers are aware of that students have different learning styles and know which technologies to use to benefit each student. Zoom includes dynamic features to benefit students who learn best by seeing, hearing, reading, etc. Like anything else, Zoom yoga has its pros and cons, so the best Zoom yoga classes will take advantage of the intrinsic benefits of learning yoga online. Ultimately, however, the best yoga class for you depends on a great student/teacher fit.
What are the pros & cons of Zoom yoga classes?
There are some big logistical advantages to online yoga! 1) You can work with any yoga instructor in the world, so you have the freedom to choose the best yoga teacher for you regardless of location 2) No travel time, which also reduces childcare requirements. 3) If you’re an introvert, you might feel more comfortable learning over Zoom. Also, there are potential advantages from a learning/practice perspective: 4) Zoom can record your session if desired 5) Zoom has display and transcription options to benefit various learning styles 6) I’ve had students tell me that it’s easier to “drop in” to their inner experience and not be self-conscious over Zoom. Of course, there are some drawbacks to online yoga lessons as well! Over Zoom, the option of hands-on assisting does not exist. There’s also something about arranging to physically meet another person that can raise our mental investment in the present moment.
Do you teach in person?
Yes! I live in Oakland, California, and can likely work with you or your people in person if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is your take on PTSD or Trauma Informed Yoga?
I am deeply moved by the incredible work people are doing in this realm, re-examining some yoga teaching norms, aiming to reduce harm in yoga instruction. I do my best to keep up with latest best practices and incorporate them into my own instruction. At the same time, I recognize that all trauma histories are unique, and therefore the strategies for avoiding further trauma are similarly unique to each practitioner. I would be humbled if you partner with me in creating a healing environment for you.
What is Yin Yoga and do you teach it?
Yin Yoga is at the intersection of a Taoist understanding of the body with asana (pose-based) yoga. Asana was arguably originally the science of extended sitting to support contemplative practice. Unsurprisingly, Yin Yoga is quite a bit slower in pace than what most Westerners are used to. I was trained to teach Yin under Pawan Maheshwari, and am listed in the teacher directory at yinyoga.com
