Photo courtesy of Natalie Weinstein
Natalie Weinstein
Celebrate women-owned businesses (Alexandria Living included!) and join us for a relaxing evening at beautiful River Farm located at 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, Va., 22308.
Enjoy a 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. yoga class with In Joy Yoga & Nutrition owner, Natalie Weinstein.
Through 8 p.m., enjoy specialty Drinks from Umbrella Dry Drinks owner Sam Kasten and shop local, women-owned vendors White Lily Shoppe, Made in ALX and Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop for a variety of beauty and wellness products.
Rain or shine!
Get tickets through Eventbrite here!
Natalie Weinstein recently chatted with us about her business and her yoga philosophy.
Q: How long have you been practicing yoga? How did you get started?
A: I have been practicing yoga for about 18 years now. I started taking classes my freshman year of college as a way to manage stress and build some "me time" into the week. I have been teaching yoga for over six years and have taught more than 2,000 classes at studios, gyms and for corporations and private clients. I have also led a retreat in Italy!
Q: What type of yoga do you teach or is there anything you specialize in? What do you enjoy about that particular form?
A: I teach a variety of styles: vinyasa flow, beginners, yin yoga, aerial yoga and meditation classes. All of my classes are alignment and anatomy driven and I enjoy focusing on functional movement and mobility work as well. I think each style offers something different and I enjoy teaching them all.
Q: For you, what are the benefits of yoga- both mental and physical? How has yoga contributed to you and your life?
A: Yoga has given me time to reflect, reset and focus inward. I find yoga to be both calming and invigorating--I don't think about anything else while I am teaching or taking classes. Both teaching and taking clears my mind, which is wonderfully beneficial! In addition to yoga, I enjoy hiking, tennis, boxing and do some strength training--yoga has been a great way to balance those activities.
Q: What is your yoga philosophy?
A: There is something for everyone. I believe that the practice of yoga occurs just as much off the mat as on the mat.
Q: Can you tell me more about your teacher training? What does it take to be an instructor? For example, are there specific, unique qualifications?
A: I did my initial 200hr teacher training in Maui and since then I have also done a 20 hour sequencing training, yin and aerial yoga training and gotten my nutrition coaching certification. I am also currently taking a functional anatomy training. All teachers must complete the initial 200hr training and many go on to specialize from there.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a yoga teacher/instructor?
A: I truly enjoy teaching and watching students learn something new about themselves. It's also so rewarding to work with a client to help them achieve their wellness goals.
Q: Do you have a meditation practice? If so, what is your favorite way to meditate?
A: I enjoy meditations that tend to focus on nature imagery. Another way that I like to meditate is to take a quiet walk, particularly in the woods.
Q: For the Women’s Wellness Evening, how do you encourage people who are hesitant to immerse themselves in yoga and meditative practices?
A: Give it a try! It can be hard to try something new, but these classes will be extremely supportive and appropriate for every level. Hopefully you will walk away wanting to take another class!
Q: What do you love about Alexandria from a wellness perspective?
A: Alexandria has so much to offer from a wellness perspective! There are so many activities that I enjoy--exploring the local parks, spending time by the waterfront, biking around the town and the diversity of fitness opportunities. There really is something for everyone.
Q: How can people learn more about you and take your classes?
Take a look at the class schedule on my website: https://injoyyogadc.com/class-schedule and feel free to reach out: natalie@injoyyogadc.com
