Teaching Both Christian Yoga and Pilates: Meet Susan Spangler
January 15, 2010 by Courtney Chalfant
Filed under Your Stories
Fitness professional Susan Spangler offers Christian Yoga at her wellness studio
Yahweh Yoga graduate Susan Spangler was already a health professional before embarking on her Christian Yoga teacher training. Susan owns Pro-Skills Plus and Pilates Plus Wellness Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Susan received her CCYT designation from Yahweh Yoga in 2009 and will receive her Yoga Alliance RYT designation in January, 2010 after completing the Yahweh Yoga 15-day RYT program.
Susan is a busy woman but kindly took the time to share her Christian Yoga journey with our readers:
Why did you decide to become a Christian Yoga teacher?
I decided to become a Christian Yoga teacher because I wanted to merge the physical aspects of Yoga (balance, strength, etc.) with the Christ-centered spiritual aspects which Yahweh Yoga offered. I was hesitant to enroll in other programs and intrigued at how Yahweh was merging traditional Yoga training in a Christ-centered format.
What was your favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga teacher training experience?
My favorite part of the Yahweh Yoga program was learning and practicing Yoga with like-minded and spiritually grounded teachers and students.
What benefits do you receive by practicing Christian Yoga?
I am benefiting by practicing Christian Yoga because the practice puts me in the presence of God.
What has practicing Christian Yoga meant to your relationship with God?
This practice has greatly improved my relationship with God, improved my spiritual meditations on God’s word and made me truly grateful for the gifts I have been given.
Has Christian Yoga helped your health? If so, how?
My body is definitely transforming—I have always exercised and been a devout Pilates practioner, but something had been missing. The Christian Yoga was definitely what I was searching for.
How has Christian Yoga helped your personality “off the mat?”
My goal is to interact and relate to every human and creature that I come in contact with sharing the word of God. I feel very blessed to be in position to motivate others to improve their health and wellness. My goal is to be the best that I can be and to help others do the same.
What made you choose to travel so far to study at Yahweh Yoga?
Honestly, it was DeAnna. In my initial conversation with her, I said something like, “I can’t imagine being able to travel away from my studio and family for an extended time.” She simply said, “Pray about it and ask God to make a way.” I am returning for the second time in Jan 2010 thanks to DeAnna and Courtney.
What does teaching Christian yoga mean to you?
Teaching Christian Yoga is important to me be because it allows me to do what I love (teach) while connecting to God and the students in a way that I can’t in other classes that I teach.
What do you hope people feel when they experience one of your classes?
I hope that people will feel better, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I hope they will feel peace and more connected to God’s word.
It is most important to me is that my students feel feel loved and served.
~Susan Spangler
What was your favorite part of your training and stay at Yahweh Yoga?
I loved all of it, but especially to focus on nutrition and eating.
Anything else you would like to share?
It has been amazing to see how God has worked through all the talented folks at Yahweh and I love seeing them be blessed with success. I look forward to a long lasting relationship with Yahweh and wish them the best.
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