“Before I enrolled in YTT, I thought I was ‘too stiff’ or ‘not flexible enough’ to become a yoga instructor. All false by the way… and even though I certainly am not able to get into some of the poses I make it work and find that the benefits are amazing to all bodies no matter the age or flexibility.” -April Farnham
This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring April Farnham who joined was one of the FIRST to graduate from our online YTT in 2020! If you know April, you know already knows she’s hugely inspirational, but have you heard her yoga teacher training story?? We caught up with April recently for Who Are They Today?
When did you complete your YTT certification with Rise + Vibe school of yoga?
I actually completed my yoga training during COVID in 2020, finishing via online. It actually was very helpful during the lockdown.
What motivated you to first enroll in teacher training?
As a fitness instructor I certainly knew what yoga was but had never experienced it. I used to do a cool down in my fitness classes and someone remarked how it was very similar to the yoga class they had taken which made me do a deep dive into the practice. I thought I was “too stiff” or “not flexible enough” to become a yoga instructor. All false by the way, and even though I certainly am not able to get into some of the poses I make it work and find that the benefits are amazing to all bodies no matter the age or flexibility.
Can you reflect a bit on the ‘Why?’ of you training, why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?
I really prefer to teach restorative yoga as I am an ultra runner who weight trains so I NEED the mellow, healing yin in my practice for balance.
Tell a little about the community of the YTT program...
Chrissy is AMAZING her positive energy reminds me of sunshine, you can feel it just by being around her. Her knowledge and passion are unlike any other instructor I’ve seen.
What was your biggest take away from YTT? What has changed?
Yoga has taught me to breathe, literally.
What do you remember most from YTT?
Being able to jump in on a training that worked for my schedule, I am extremely grateful for being allowed to finish at my own pace.
What does an average day in your life look like currently?
I’m extremely lucky as I friends that do pre-dawn runs/hikes with me. and I love my job and the ladies I work with. I bake for fun, volunteer once a week at a dog rescue and organize fun runs to get people motivated.
Are you teaching yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!
I taught yoga for a couple of years before COVID hit. Now I do pop up classes that are in 6 week increments and people love them.
Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!
I practice yoga at least three days a week, before of after my run or workouts it helps me feel centered and ready to take on the day.
What does yoga currently add to your life? Or, what does it take away?!
Stress it definitely takes stress away!
Would you recommend this training to others? Why?
Even if you decide to not teach, yoga and is extremely beneficial for the body, mind and soul. Everyone could benefit from yoga!
What's next? Any new things happening in 2024?
Not in the works yet, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something probably a series of some kind.