Equally at home in the beaches of Los Angeles and the mountain ranges of Mammoth, Yogaia teacher Anne Spinner has been sharing her love of yoga since 2009. She finds her groove within a physically demanding, calming and spirit nourishing class that has its roots in Vinyasa flow.
Her infectious smile and positive energy filters through every class and her clear, simple, direct and intuitive teaching style help people connect to the inner layers of self. Brew yourself a tea and read on as we sit down with this Los Angeles teacher to find out what first got her on the yoga mat, what gets her up in the morning and her juiciest pieces of wisdom for new and seasoned yogis alike.
What first brought you to yoga?
I first was introduced to yoga during an art history class in college. My professor had us doing savasana and meditation between the desks on the floor. I had no idea what we were doing at the time but I know I liked it. I then found the physical practice soon after to compliment how physically active I was with skiing, triathlons, wake-boarding – you name it. As time has passed on, so have some of those hobbies but yoga has stuck around!
What yoga styles do you teach, and why?
My style is a blend but it’s based on Vinyasa. I love the movement and creativity of the practice. It feels so good in the body to let go of tension and find space within that you might not realize exists. I also love to teach Yin and restoratives and meditation. Our bodies deserve to be taken care of and to slow down in order to rest, repair and receive.
What is your best piece of advice/wisdom to new yogis?
Stick with the practice. Find a teacher who really speaks to you. And don’t let your ego take over, don’t push yourself. You have your whole life to practice yoga, there is no rush!
Dream big: where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I see myself delivering yoga to people all over the world in some way or another. I see myself having a family and travelling a lot! I see myself as healthy and fit as I am today. I see myself being able to breathe easy. I see myself living somewhere where I can have more dogs and maybe horses and goats too!
Quickfire! Finish these sentences…
My vice is…. bullet coffee in the morning, followed by another cup or two. I can’t function without it.
My teaching style is… creative fun flow.
My ideal breakfast is… breakfast sandwich and a fruit smoothie.
After work, I… come home and walk my golden retrievers Kota and Halley, and finish up the day by cooking dinner and maybe watch a show or read a book.
You wouldn’t know that… as a child a was a competitive gymnast but ended my career by breaking my back.
If I wasn’t a yoga teacher I would… be either a backup dancer or a pro skier on the freestyle circuit, but I’m not sure I’m qualified for either. 🙂
