American Yoga History
 I started American Yoga with Power Paw wrist supports and Power Straps. I loved the Paws so much because they helped me immensely in my vinyasa practice as well as arm balance and I wanted to share my new pain-free expereince. Also, I always felt traditional yoga straps were just too long for Power and Vinyasa Yoga. These tools became so popular in local classes that the website was born. From there, the creativity spiraled and I began to mix exotic oils by hand until the three, VinYasaMix, Rich Fresh Fig, and ShiVaNilla became part of the American Yoga line.

I wanted to offer resources for yoga in my teaching area because so many students regularly ask where to take good yoga classes and who else I would recommend. I then began posting an on-line schedule of hand-picked classes. My articles, which I write every couple of months, are meant to offer insightful tips to enhancing your yoga practice. I've recently added mats as well. As far as a DVD, or audio CD...well, it's in my long-term plan, but I am never fully satisfied with the "test runs." I want to do it, but my confidence is shaky. It's wait and see on this project!

I am so very thrilled to announce my Teacher Training. I am taking on this venture with the warmest intentions of truly developing competent, knowledgable, compassionate yoga teachers. I believe it's about being able to take the knowledge, the tradition, the spirit of our ancestral yoga, and then bring in your own flavor, your spirit, and teach from the heart.

Namaste ~Monica Schmidt

Monica Schmidt's Bio

Monica Schmidt has self-studied yoga via 12 years of teaching, workshops, and personal research.  She specializes in anatomy and asana mechanics, giving straight-forward instruction on approaching difficult poses with greater ease.  A love of dance/gymnastics prompts a playful, experimental atmosphere in class.  Monica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science & Health Promotion, is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and the American Council on Exercise. She has attended many Omega and Yoga Journal conferences through the years and has presented at the Art of Vinyasa conferences in Miami.