Lafayette Center for Yoga

Lydia has worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years, with the last 13 years devoted to her Hatha Yoga practice and teaching. She earned her Teacher Training certification in 2003 and joined the teaching staff at Jonny Kest Center for Yoga. She also taught Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Slow Flow in other locations in the Detroit Metro area. She has studied with David Williams, Doug Swenson, Jonny Kest (all students of Pattabhi Jois), Paul Grilley, Lillias Folan, Rama Birch, Seane Corn, Steve Ross, Mark Whitwell, Nicki Doane and Vinnie Moreno. 

She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) with Yoga Alliance and maintains the Red Cross CPR certification. Lydia was formerly certified in Aerobics and Personal Training with ACE (American Council on Exercise), THIN (The Health Instructors Network) and received her Personal Training certification from The Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research in Dallas Texas. Lydia is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

"Practicing and teaching yoga and meditation have brought great joy and peace into my life. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand how a regular daily yoga practice can promote health and healing for the body and mind.  My wish is that all my students will open their hearts and minds to the power of breath, and the intuitive knowledge of their bodies.  No matter when you start, no matter what age or physical ability, no matter what comes your way in life, yoga can help you create steadiness and an awareness that will open you to your limitless potential.  My favorite quote is from the great yogi master K. Pattabhi Jois, 'Practice and all is coming!."

Michael has been practicing Hatha Yoga for more than 13 years.  After retirement from DaimlerChrysler, he completed his Teacher Training in 2006 with Jonny Kest , ( a student of Pattabhi Jois of Mysore India) and other renowned Master Teachers at Jonny's Center for Yoga. He has also studied with Paul Grilley, Nicki Doane, Eddie Modestini, Steve Ross, and Vinnie Moreno.

Michael is a graduate of the University of Mississippi in Fine Arts and currently serves on the board of the Acadiana Center for the Arts. He also received his certification in Anatomy Biomechanics from the Cooper Institutes of Aerobics Research and is registered with Yoga Alliance as a Experiencd Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT).

After completeing his yoga training, he began volunteer teaching at Gilda's House in Detroit, a free support community for anyone touched by cancer. He continues to contribute his time by teaching at Lafayette's Miles Perret Cancer Services.

"After teaching my first class at Gilda's Cancer Center, I better understood the powerful healing powers of Yoga for the physical body and emotional spirit. Through my journey of practice and teaching, I am reminded daily that people of all ages and genders and all levels of fitness and wellness can use yoga practice to grow in health and happiness. I believe the biggest misconception about yoga, particularly for men, is that it's just about laying on the floor and  stretching. While I enjoy the soft, long held postures of Yin Yoga, I know that the more challenging  flowing postures along with supporting your body weight is all the strength building anyone needs. These strengthening and stretching postures along with the practice of a full complete yogic breath will keep one fit, healthy and happy."

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