Carrie Gerstl

E-RYT 500hr, Bikram Yoga Certified, Elements of Power Yoga 200hr, Expressions of Power Yoga & Hands on Adjustments 50hr, Advanced Sequencing 50hr, Empowerment Yoga 100hrs, Modern Instincts 150hrs, Guided Meditation Certified.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in Tacoma, WA
Raised in Vancouver BC, Canada 
Went to SDSU San Diego- Degree in Psychology 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I am committed to my daily asana practice. No matter how many classes I teach, it is my personal practice that is most important in my life. My yoga practice plays many roles in my life: always helps me with balance, grounding, creativity, anxiety, depression and brings me a sense of calm and joy. 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I began teaching yoga in 2000 with bikram yoga in Manhattan beach,  California and then taught bikram yoga , power yoga and vinyasa  in San Diego county until moving to ventura in 2017.. I began teaching power yoga and vinyasa in 2011.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
All backbends - just feels so good! And also love Bird of Paradise.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?

Rising Strong and Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brene Brown - living whole heartedly , with courage and vulnerability.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Advice for beginners... let go of all expectations and don't compare yourself to anyone else in the room! Also , find humor and lightness in your practice as much s possible! Yoga is fun!

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community is home to me. A place that feels comfortable and warm. My yoga community is one of the most important communities in my life. I have made most of my closest friends at yoga and I love that we are all in this together!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
I love the community of Ventura. I think Ventura has some of the kindest people I have ever met. I also love the beach, and the laidback lifestyle. Plus, lots of great yoga!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Bunny's Buddies is my favorite non profit organization. They are located in San Diego and focus on saving dogs from slaughter houses and meat trucks in China and South Korea, and re-homing the dogs in the US.