NASM CPT + Corrective Exercise Specialist, 500 hour RYT, PN1 Nutrition Coach
Fitness + Wellness Coach, President of JSC Fitness JSC Fitness
New York City, NY
Tell us about yourself, your story, where you are from, practice, etc.
I started off in fashion + business entrepreneurship and have worked for large fashion companies + publishing houses with a focus on marketing, sales, and branding. But have always had a passion for fitness. I spent hours on end at a gym and always had other members approach me with questions on certain exercises and what I do to stay fit etc. It was a natural fit for me to educate myself further and become a trainer.
I was always working a full time job in corporate and working all other hours in the day as a trainer. I eventually realized that fitness is my passion and I never feel it's work for me so naturally I left running other people's business and started working for myself and my own company. This happened approximately 4 years ago and that was when I launched JSC Fitness.
I have over 15 years of teaching experience as a NASM certified trainer. Then become a RYT and have been teaching for almost 8 years. Then more recently became certified as a Precision Nutrition 1 Nutrition Coach. I create full spectrum wellness programs for my clients incorporating training, yoga and recovery, and nutrition sessions so my clients can create a complete and healthy lifestyle of their own.
Specifically speaking, my yoga practice started off as a strictly Vinyasa Flow, learning from Lauren Hanna from Sonic Yoga but have evolved tremendously since I have worked with teachers like Nevine Michaan, Abbie Galvin, Nikki Vallella, Ariel Karass, Phillip Askew, and David Regellin. I don't teach as much flow but do have a sequence that is much more focused on alignment and breathwork and fully understand the poses and the anatomy of each pose. It is my JOY to teach students about body awareness and yoga transforms you while on the mat so they can take those lessons off the mat and into the world.
How and why did you start yoga?
I always incorporated yoga in my own workouts and loved how in tune with my body I was when practicing in class. I was a CPT then so as part of my continuing education, I chose to get my Teacher Training and I can't tell you how that has not only changed my style in training but my entire LIFE.
Who was your great mentor/teacher?
Thich Nhat Hanh, Dalai Lama, Muhammad Ali and my father
Tell us your practice style and how did you choose your yoga method?
It's a hybrid of Vinyasa + Katonah method. I started off teaching Vinyasa because I love the sequence flows with breathwork but since I started studying under Nevine Michaan and Abbie Galvin (Katonah theory) my teaching style has shifted slightly incorporating both Vinyasa + Katonah.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
Too many to count. But yoga helps me every day to stay mindful and present in every moment of every day.
What is your mind set when you step onto the mat?
Always...this is my time, my breath, and my connection to the higher power.
When did you understand you wanted to be a yoga teacher?
When I was in SF and just started my fitness training career. I loved everything about yoga and craved more about the practice and the physical benefits.
What is the most rewarding part of being a yoga teacher?
That a student can step out of my classes and learn just a little bit more about their bodies and how divine it is to connect to it.
Why is yoga so important for the times we’re living in?
MINDFUL MINDFUL MINDFUL. This is something we so need in our time. If we were truly mindful of all sentients we would be more empathetic and do what it takes to create a more peaceful world with less suffering.
How important is living a healthy lifestyle (clean eating/eating healthy for example) important to the yogi lifestyle?
I wouldn't say it's important just for the yogi lifestyle but for those that want a healthy and vibrant lifestyle....it is incredibly important. A clean, balanced, and healthful lifestyle is essential to live disease and pain free.
Any natural ingredients and/or vitamins (example: Chlorophyll, Vitamin b12) that you recommend? And why?
I love Calm Magnesium, Integrative Therapeutics Magnesium Malate, Vital Proteins Collage Peptides, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and Rainbow Light vitamins.
How important is hydrating/drinking water to the yoga lifestyle/your practice?
It is essential to stay hydrated.
Your favorite quote?
The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be. - Dalai Lama
Where we can we find you? Instagram, website, etc
@jscfitness // www.jscfitness.com
