Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Chang.
Hi Amelia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My first yoga teaching opportunity landed unexpectedly. Initially, I practiced at a neighborhood studio on Saturday mornings and one that had a yoga rope wall. Later the studio owner, knowing I am a Physical Therapist and have yoga & rope wall teaching credentials, asked me to teach or sub once in a while. The community I taught was 50+ yrs and above; which is my co-hort too. From there, I got connected with various yoga studios including Prana Yoga La Jolla, and South Park Yoga and Wellness where I teach on weekends. Occasionally, I conduct workshops for yoga studios with focus on spine health and healthy aging. In general, most people want to be accountable in their health choices and want more knowledge in how to move better as we are living longer. I’ve done aerobics, Pilates and other forms of exercise. But I have longevity in my Yoga practice because I benefitted from it physically and mentally; and due to the community of people I’ve met over the years. I’ve met wonderful yogis, teachers and students alike that have shaped my practice and teaching methods.
At first I practiced Yoga for its challenging physical component. However, as many yoga practitioners experience with regular and consistent practice it is also a health and wellness tool. My story as a yoga teacher and student is not a unique one but rather it is a common story. Through the people we meet, our life story seems to be more interconnected.
“Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak” and ” Practice and all is coming” are quotes that inspires me regularly to keep going. I believe whatever one seeks, the opportunity will unfold and more is coming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve practiced Yoga on and off for many years, before taking the Yoga Teacher Training in 2010-2011. But my first teaching opportunity came many years later. I was not seeking to “teach” as I just enjoyed my Saturday practice and learning from various teachers and workshops. I focus on Yoga as a tool for stress relief, Spine Health and Osteoporosis as my niche because I am curious about it for myself. Thus, when it came for me to “teach,” naturally these are the focus of my classes and workshops. Over the years, I still take workshops from various teachers and topics as it applies to my life goals.
I read somewhere, “Teaching what we know isn’t just about imparting skills; it’s about empowering others, giving back to our community, and enriching our own professional journeys.” The knowledge I impart are from my experiences or books I’ve read or from other teachers. I try to quote the sources so I can share and contribute to the community and they know where to find more information if needed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Yoga teacher, I teach Yoga for with use of props to allow for modification of poses and alignment of the body & mind. I follow the Iyengar method for its intelligent of use of props, yoga rope wall and sequencing of poses. But also enjoy other styles of yoga and Meditation. I incorporate those aspects and the science of breathing in classes depending on the group.
I generally teach Yoga with the use of rope wall and other props. My classes allow beginners, or those returning to Yoga after injury or for relief of back pain to move “gently” again and enjoy the benefits of Yoga. I enjoy teaching practical anatomy in my workshops on spine health and topics for healthy aging. I find people generally want to know how the body works and how it makes their practice better.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
During COVID studios closed down. Later as the studios started opening, I think it was a difficult time for everyone to come to class in person again. However, I saw how the community really missed in-person classes compared to online classes. Everyone got through this period and but will always remember each unique stories and life lessons from it!
In that period, I took the time to learn how to upload you tube videos. I found it became stressful to film and edit the videos but so much fun and exhausting at the same time. I named my channel “YOGALIFE with Amelia” ! Nowadays, I don’t have the time to do full videos, but once in a while I will drop a “short” on healthy life and stress relief tips. You are welcome to check it out, subscribe and comment; said just like you tube channel creator ! I believe engaging in social media as a creator contributes to more stress so I consciously opt to not get overwhelmed by it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ameliachang_ptyoga
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/PzlF7d8ct7c?si=yWf2uJ5DuNAwtObX
