Amanda Markland Yoga

Jul 2013

I've been taking three classes a week from Amanda Markland at Cityoga for about eight months now, and she has helped to vastly awaken and deepen my Ashtanga practice. She is knowledgeable in the science and philosophy of yoga and offers personalized attention to each of her students with hands-on adjustments and verbal support. She knows my practice well enough to anticipate exactly when I'll need her help to get into a pose. She has a supportive, no-nonsense approach to teaching that is refreshingly honest. Her traditional approach of direct teacher-to-student training has been passed down directly from the forefather of Ashtanga, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn the practice in such a time-honored fashion. Thanks, Amanda, and namaste!

Feb 2011

Whether you're looking to try yoga for the first time, or if you've practiced in the past and are currently seeking classes that aren't watered down, Amanda is a great instructor! She offers a wide variety of classes - I've attended most of them at least once and usually go to open level vinyasa. If you're familiar with yoga: Amanda's style is ashtanga-inspired vinyasa (and she actually leads a full ashtanga primary once a month.) If you aren't familiar with yoga, that means that her style is more of the athletic-ish kind of yoga, a flow of poses linking movement to breath, very focused on proper alignment so you will get the maximum benefit. Basically, this is probably what you're looking for if you have seen yoga and want to give it a try. Amanda's approach to classes is very down-to-earth and not intimidating at all. She is great at making adjustments to your poses and offering alternatives. She does introduce each pose with both the sanskrit and "Western" name, so you get a little history and context while not having to memorize anything. And she has a good balance to her classes - if you're just in it for the exercise and stretching, you'll get that. If you're in it for the mental benefits too, you'll definitely get that. The thing I like most about Amanda's classes is that she has an intuition for helping people push past their thresholds and grow in their practice, while also coaching on when to hold back. With yoga, it's very personal and there is always somewhere else to go, and Amanda will typically share experiences with her own growth and limits in her practice. Basically, if you're looking for a challenging class that won't make you feel like a failure, go try one of Amanda's classes. And if you say "Meh, I'm not flexible!!" then you should probably already be there. I can't think of a single person that wouldn't benefit from one of Amanda's classes.

Feb 2011

I found Amanda's classes online last fall. I came to her vinyasa class having practiced primarily hatha. She was helpful, informative, fun and inspiring. Her classes are always challenging with new things to try as well as the chance at attempting the asana that still eludes you. She has lots of good information and is willing to share it. These classes strike a unique balance between fun, information and challenge. She has greatly expanded my practice by helping me gain the curiosity and confidence to try new things.