If you have never taken Kate’s class, you are missing out. Kate is the owner of Yo BK in Williamsburg, that offers hot yoga. When I first met her, she was carrying balloons to wish one of her karma program member’s a happy birthday. I proceeded to take her class and her passion, devotion and love for yoga was very evident. She is a genuine and caring person, which translates to her teaching.
Please, be inspired...
1. How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching yoga for six years and Pilates for two.
2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learned from teaching?
I began practicing Bikram Yoga during my first semester of college and am still best friends with the girl who brought me to my first class. I ran track in high school and the shift to doing yoga nearly everyday was a smooth one. Yoga helped me manage my time better, concentrate and feel fantastic despite the normal college tomfoolery. I continued my practice while studying abroad in Rome and living in Asia for three years after college. It was never a question of whether I would become a teacher - only when the right time was. I have learned so much from teaching: how to communicate clearly, how to act as a leader and how to be compassionate and patient with myself and others. Teaching and practicing yoga has introduced me to the most extraordinary people.
3. What is something that you have learned from a fellow teacher?
My mentor Lisa taught me to be a life-long learner. We have never arrived and that's a beautiful thing.
4. How many times a week do you practice?
Five to six times a week. I like to mix it up with Bikram's Beginner's and Advanced Series, Power Yoga and Hot Pilates. I cheat on my studio once a week and practice elsewhere.
5. Who inspires your practice?
My students and teachers. I am my best self for them when I walk the walk.
6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?
I get grumpy when I don't!
7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?
That we are responsible for our own happiness. Practicing at a studio with great teachers gives us accountability, discipline, support and hopefully fun.
8. Where are you currently teaching?
I own YO BK in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I teach Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates.
9. How has yoga helped your character develop?
I am fiery and love my to-do lists. Yoga has taught me to slow the F down. It helped me embrace a softer side to balance my strength. Owning a studio has helped me cultivate long-term relationships with teachers and students and has shown me how to speak to others' strengths and values.
10. What has kept you practicing all these years?
Yoga makes me feel better than anything. It is an amazing lens for whatever else is going on in my life.
11. What would you tell your self when you started teaching yoga?
Use your (gd) inner thighs! Also, don't have a meltdown if you miss a day of yoga.
12. What are the best ways to start teaching at a yoga studio?
Practice there. I get emails everyday from teachers wanting to teach at my studio and I tell them all the same thing: come practice and see how you fit with the community. If they keep coming back, I know they're serious! I'm very protective over my students and community and need to make sure they have quality teachers who are motivating, kind and varied.
13. Why is breath so important in your practice?
It connects the mind and the body. It is our gauge for knowing if we have gone too far or are experiencing tension.
14. What is your FB name? IG name and twitter?
Kate Davies @kixdavies studio is: @yo.bk