We’re very excited to introduce you to Charlie Bauer from Prana Studio – whose yoga classes you can take in person at Prana Studio in Annapolis, MD, or online at www.Burnalong.com. Take them on your own, or live with friends you invite.
1. What do you teach?
I teach a vinyasa style yoga class at Prana Studio and also teach SUP (stand up paddleboard) yoga at CapitalSUP during the summer months.
2. How did you get into fitness?
I have enjoyed playing many different sports for as long as I can remember so fitness has always been a part of my life. With the encouragement of close friends, I came to yoga looking for an alternative way to stay healthy and not abusing my body on a daily basis. I discovered yoga in 2007 immediately noticed the benefits in my athletic activities as well as off the field of competition.
3. How do you motivate yourself?
One of the great things with yoga is that there is always more to learn and explore. Witnessing my students amazing progression from class to class truly inspires me to learn more and continue to be the best instructor I can be. Having experienced first-hand how much a regular yoga practice can change someone continues to motivate me to help share that with as many people as I can.
4. How do you motivate others?
I always encourage my students to practice regularly. I am a firm believer of practicing what you preach so when students come to the studio they will often find me practicing with other teachers. As I continue to learn and share new information with my students they are motivated to continue to show up on their mats and continue their journey as a yogi.
5. In your classes, how do you accommodate different skill and fitness levels?
My classes are often filled with a mix of students from the first time yogi to students who have practiced for decades. I provide my students options for all levels and work with my students to ensure they can safely enjoy their practice. In the studio we also provide props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters which can be great tools to assist students during the practice. I like to remind my students that yoga is not a competition so they should not worry about what may be happening on the mat next to them.
6. What are the top 3 exercises you recommend for every client?
Sun salutations, inversions (shoulder stand, headstand, etc.), and squats (Malasana) are some of my favorite. Sun salutations if done correctly, can warm and work the entire body and students should work to match their breath to the movement and transition from pose to pose. Sun salutations are great to do if students are short on time or even if they want to warm the body up before or after other types of exercises.
7. How can people best prepare for your classes?
Simply come with an open mind and I will take care of the rest.
8. Who are your heroes and role models?
For me I look to my family as my role models and they have helped shape me into who I am and what I have accomplished thus far. As a yoga teacher, I learn so much from the many teachers I have taken classes from over the years. I try to learn and take with me at least 1 thing from each class I take.
9. What exercise challenge would you encourage people to do?
I always encourage my students to find a regular yoga practice and for me that means practicing 3 or more times per week. When students add a regular yoga practice to their life they will begin to notice these changes to their mind and body that they likely never expected.
See Charlie’s classes here.
