The Instructor

Thomas Masanz, Certified Yoga Instructor

I currently hold a Yoga Instructor Level 1 Certificate from Saint Paul College.

I received my education in the Yoga Instructor program at Saint Paul College in Minnesota, and my coursework was a year-long program, with a comprehensive development of principles in Anatomy/Physiology, Yoga Relaxation Therapies, Yoga Postures, Mindfulness and Meditation, Wellness Coaching, Exploration of Spiritual and Life-Applied Topics, and a review of simple and advanced yoga technique.

I also have a Bachelor of Science degree and scientific background in Dietetics, Advanced Human Nutrition, Metabolism, Exercise Nutrition, Occupational Health Psychology, Human Health Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Holistic Health, as a part of a comprehensive degree program in Nutrition Science and Workplace/Health/Wellness Psychology, from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus.

I have practiced many aspects of mindfulness and meditation since age 12, when I taught myself with books and self-guided inquiry to manage and overcome severe headaches, frequent nightmares, and fears of public speaking.

I have practiced the physical posturing of yoga since 2005, and have practiced in styles of Bikram, Hatha Yoga, YogaFit, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Gentle Flow, among others.

I have also practiced self-actualization concepts through yogic lifestyle, and have applied many aspects of devotional prayer and spirituality to my life with yoga. I can teach yoga with or without spiritual focus, as yoga technique is strongly rooted in biology, psychology, and spirituality. Most anyone will find that their own sense of spirituality is enhanced by yoga and mindfulness practice, and yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been shown, in scientific studies, to reduce the negative effects of stress and to aid in healing.

Please visit my blog! http://wowyoga.wordpress.com