Meet the Teacher Training Leads: Berkeley

There’s tons of buzz and excitement in CorePower Yoga studios as the start of our Teacher Training program draws near! You might have seen a flyer or heard and announcement after class about Teacher Training, but have you thought about what CorePower Yoga’s Teacher Training program could mean for you? Hear first-hand experiences from Berkeley’s Power Yoga Teacher Training leads, Megan Webster and Addy Dowers.

Why did you sign up for CorePower Yoga’s Teacher Training?

MW: I signed up for CorePower Yoga's Teacher Training initially because I was deeply unhappy in my previous career as a high school guidance counselor. I knew I wanted to do something that helped people, but I was at a loss of what to do. I began practicing at the Berkeley studio as soon as it opened. I decided 2011 was going to be a big year; I was going to quit my job, get married and enroll in Teacher Training! I knew that I wanted to teach after completing Teacher Training, but I went into the program with zero expectations on how it would turn out! I signed up because I wanted to do something for myself and my practice. I ended up receiving SO MUCH more in return!

Did you intend on teaching yoga when you signed up for Teacher Training? If not, why did you decide to become an instructor?

AD: My idea was that I'd be a fabulous Bay Area real estate agent, who taught a class (or two) a week at a local yoga studio. Boy was I way off the mark on that one! Shortly after Teacher Training began, my nerves subsided and I realized that I'd found my way back to my life's purpose!

From an early age I knew exactly what my life's purpose was—to help folks be okay in their own skin, with their own lives and their own stories. I thought being a therapist was my path. By during my senior year, I realized I was quite wrong. I took my Psychology degree from Vassar College and those dreams and left them both on the mantle. Fast forward to one night when I was walking home during Teacher Training. I was envisioning myself guiding a class and all of the encouragement and support that could freely flow through me when I realized I'd finally found it. I'd come back home to my life's purpose!

Why would you encourage CPY students to sign up for Teacher Training, even if they don’t anticipate teaching?

MW: I would encourage all extremely dedicated and talented CorePower Yoga students to sign up for Teacher Training as a way to not only explore your own personal practice, but as a way to explore yourself. A lot of people may scoff when they read this, but I'm actually a pretty shy person. Teacher Training seriously helped me become a more outgoing and much more social person. Even if you have no intention of teaching, Teacher Training is a great way to explore how yoga works, why postures are called what they are and learn a little something about yourself in the process. Teacher Training seriously made me a better, happier person. I made lifelong friends and expanded my sense of community at the Berkeley studio.

AD: There are so many reasons to list, so I'll try to keep it short.

• If you love yoga and seriously can't get enough of it.

• If you want to know more about your alignment and the philosophy about ways to make your practice work for your body.

• If the feeling you get on your mat is something you want to take along with you every day.

• If you are looking for a way to form a deeper connection with (or locate) your true authentic self.

• If you are looking to effect change and growth in your own personal life on the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical planes.

• If you are interested in making new connections with like-minded people that love the world just as much as you do!

What do you think was the biggest benefit you got out of Teacher Training? Why?

MW: There isn't enough space in this blog for me to mention all of the benefits of CorePower Yoga’s Teacher Training program. The biggest benefit that I received from Teacher Training is my amazing new career! I wake up every morning absolutely stoked with my life. I get to help students find their inner warrior in Yoga Sculpt, find a safe and solid foundation in C1 classes and challenge students to reach just a little further in C2 classes.  I'm finally doing what I had set out to do when I graduated from college—help people! I’ve also enjoyed my improved communication skills and the level that my personal practice has progressed to. Those things are invaluable to me because they will serve me for the rest of my life, both professionally and personally.

AD: What can I say? I found myself and my calling. I signed up for Teacher Training and came out as my true authentic self. I have created an extraordinary life that I love. Every day I go to work and am surrounded by the most amazing and inspirational people. 

I am so stoked and honored to co-lead this program with my friend Megan!

It’s not too late to enroll! Discover how a CPY Teacher Training can change your life. Learn more about CorePower Yoga’s Teacher Training programs today!