RYT 200
Certifications, Trainings and Specialties:
- Fundamentals of Anatomy with Jason Crandell
- Yoga Sequencing with Jason Crandell
- Yin Yoga 50 Hour Training with Bernie Clark
- Fit Body Focus: Neck & Shoulders with Margo Pena
- Trauma Informed Street Yoga training with Mark Lilly
- Prenatal Yoga with Megan Sloan,
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga training with Vania Kent and Morgan Vanderpool
Practicing/Teaching since:
Sonja is a Washingtonian who began practicing yoga in her living room after school to decrease teenage angst. She wanted to do something active while the weather outside was intolerable. Lilias Yoga and You was on PBS in 1977 with yoga teacher, Lilias Folan, – the Julia Childs of yoga. While in high school the Kent Commons opened and Sonja was thrilled to be able to attend a yoga class there. She continued to practice at home throughout the years. In 2012 she discovered a fantastic teacher at LA Fitness, of all places, who introduced her to Pilates and interested her in practicing yoga in studio. This is where Sonja discovered Three Trees Yoga in 2013. From there her love of yoga grew – it was the one place she didn’t have to think about anything but the sensations she was feeling in her body and mind with the connection of movement to breath. She completed her Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Three Trees in November of 2015. Sonja began teaching after spin yoga back in 2015 during the trend of 45 minutes of spin followed by 45 minutes of yoga. She has taught at Longevita since April of 2016.
What to expect in class:
Overall balance consisting of strengthening, stretching, floor work, slow flow and movement to breath connection while finding the joy and the balance between serious and silly. Careful detail to alignment and injury prevention.
Biggest influences:
Biggest influences include Jeni Martinez, former Three Trees yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer, Rebecca Ray, former Three Trees yoga teacher, Jason Crandell, owner of Yoga Method Teacher Training because of their attention to detail and their teaching skills.
Hobbies when not teaching:
When not teaching, you’ll find Sonja in the kitchen cooking local farm fresh vegetables and other healthy but delicious recipes, in the yard gardening and working on her outdoor space, hiking, biking, walking and traveling to ordinary and exotic places. She loves to learn and continues to educate herself in the areas of health and wellness. Sonja also likes to binge watch Netflix after doing the above.
Invitation to take a class:
Sonja teaches a hatha style yoga class mixed in with a little flow to all levels. Hot yoga does not agree with her, so you won’t find her in the hot room, even as a sub. In the summer months, you’ll experience her virtual class in the beauty of her labor of love – her back yard! She focuses on alignment and form to prevent injuries. Most students that enjoy her class are over 40 and want to continue to exercise for a lifetime rather than wear themselves out before their time. You’ll leave her class feeling an all over balance of mind, body and soul.
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