Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Graff.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Heather. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started practicing Yoga as a means to help deal with postpartum depression (PPD) in 1998. I had read in a magazine that Yoga was helpful in calming the mind and relaxing the body, so I gave it a try. I practiced off and on for years and in 2007, following an injury, I found myself back on my yoga mat and in private instruction with my original teacher, Valerie Innes. With my love of Yoga reignited, I set my sights on Yoga teacher training. I completed my 200-hour YTT in 2011, under the guidance of Sherry Schreck. I started my first class in my home a week after my graduation.
Following the experience of teaching a student with schizophrenia, I sought out further training in trauma-informed Yoga. I graduated from Trauma-Informed Yoga Training with Hala Khouri in 2012, where I was introduced to James Fox. I trained with James in 2014, when I completed the Prison Yoga Project teacher training. I use techniques learned in these trainings every time I teach Yoga. I customize the class to the students who are attending each and every class. I moved my classes to an online format via Zoom, two months ago. I limit the class size to twelve, so everyone can still receive personalized attention.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been quite a ride so far. The struggles over the past nine years have included studios not paying me for teaching classes, studios closing abruptly with no notice and that time I acted as a managing partner to a studio, only to have them rescind the partnership agreement, right after I doubled the size of their business. That one really stung. But I’ve also learned a lot along the way. And for the lessons learned, I am grateful.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My company, A Yoga Punk, started out of my home in 2011. I teach Yoga full time, specializing in alignment-focused, trauma-informed Hatha Yoga. I am know for being super keen on safety and alignment with a straight forward delivery and precise physical instruction of the poses. I’ve been teaching an all-level Hatha Yoga format since 2016, which I find very helpful in teaching first-time yogis all the way up to seasoned Yoga practitioners. I demonstrate modified as well as more advanced versions of the poses, so there is really something there for everyone. I learned this style of teaching when I taught Yoga at a resort for a couple of years. The challenge I faced was making it meaty enough for the advanced student, yet not too difficult for a first-time student. I really believe yoga is for everyone and I didn’t want to scare anybody away. That is what I am most proud of with my company, being able to offer something safe, challenging and do-able to everyone.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of our city and all of the things it offers. There really is something in San Diego for everyone. At certain times of the year, you can be in the mountains in the snow in the morning and at the beach in the afternoon. It really is awesome.
Pricing:
- Zoom Classes are $12 per class or Class Pass for $100 (10 classes).
- Private Yoga Instruction is $65 per hour. Special 3 Privates for $150 (save $45).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ayogapunk.com
- Phone: 9499296489
- Email: heather@ayogapunk.com
- Instagram: Ayogapunk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ayogapunk
Image Credit:
Rob Andrew Photography
Diane Main Photography
Black Owl Media
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