Vinyasa: Ashtanga

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Dates
Friday 12/08/2023 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Friday 12/15/2023 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Friday 12/29/2023 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Hot Yoga RTP-Cary-Morrisville
126 Morrisville Square Way
Morrisville, NC 27560

In Ashtanga lineage, K. Pattabhi Jois advised students to practice practice practice and all will come, including preparatory salutations (5A and 5B), which is how we begin each class.  We proceed to standing, seated and finishing postures.  Nikki will demonstrate throughout class, with modification options.  CORK blocks and grip towels are strongly recommended. Spring-Summer-Fall months include mid-morning practice at the studio. Studio classes will not use mirrors, so that you practice independent of your location.  During COLD or inclement weather months, we offer a home based practice via ZOOM.  Established practitioners may prefer to practice [VIDEO OFF] since rolling out of bed at 6am.  If you practice with [VIDEO ON], Nikki will share feedback with you.  Class participation link is sent just before start time.  Reserve your space in class by midnight of the prior evening.


Nikki Jones

I look forward to teaching, learning & practicing with you!  I grew up in the Midwest, consumed with classical piano & private girls' school.  I studied chemical engineering & classical piano at Tulane University and subsequently moved to east coast (Boston & Philadelphia suburbs).  After graduate school MBA, I got married and had 2 boys while working in the consumer products/pharmaceutical/vaccine industries.  During these years, I physically stressed my body with piano, racquetball, long distance running, snowboarding and challenging childbirths (2 cesarean sections).  Eventually, knee problems forced me to discontinue high impact sports.  I reached peak stress levels when family members were diagnosed with cancer and mental illness.  A close friend recruited me to Hatha Yoga (Bikram Method).  Although overwhelmed by first few classes, I was surprised by the physical & emotional outlet, without the physical stress on my joints.  After several months,  I joined an awesome network of yoga studios called Twisters and my practice became stronger (less stressed, less fatigued, more patient, leaner).  Within a year, my abdominal strength improved along with reduced swelling, scar tissue and numbness from c-sections.  Over a few years, my joint ache, stiffness, hand/foot repetitive motion issues improved.  I became increasingly intrigued by Hatha Vinyasa yoga and expanded my practice to include Hatha Ashtanga yoga (Primary Series).  From last ~20 years to present, I give major credit to  yoga for the mental & physical strength that I have achieved with 50 years living on this earth.  In spring 2017, I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis, but I am pain-free, and no knee surgery!  I am so proud of being coached & influenced by outstanding instructors, practitioners & business owners in our global yoga community.  I’m inspired and humbled on a daily basis by my yoga family.  My mission is to share yoga with everyone who is willing to come & try.  I’ll see you in the hot room... no fears … safe space.  I hope to see you soon!  Here are some of my achievements so far:
  • 500 hr TT Certification (Bikram Yoga College of India)certified by Bikram Choudhury to teach Original Bikram Method, as taught by Bikram & Rajashree Choudhury (also called Hatha 26&2)
  • Travel teaching: taught Hatha 26&2 classes in Mexico, London, Ohio, North/South Carolina, California
  • Local teaching:  taught 3,000+ yoga classes at Hot Yoga RTP-Cary-Morrisville from 2015 to present; launched Yoga for Teens for 2nd year at Sterling Montessori and Charter School
  • Company launch:  Formed Butterfly Transformation & Healing (BTAH), LLC  in 2015 with strategic intent to teach yoga exploration & skills for lifelong practice
  • Completed build-out and opening of boutique hot yoga studio, Hot Yoga RTP-Cary-Morrisville
  • Expanded yoga school offerings to include Hatha yoga (26&2, Ashtanga, Rocket, Slow Flow), Yin Yoga, as well as strengthening & toning classes.
  • Launched Yoga for Teens, teaching middle school yoga classes & supporting teen dancers at the studio
  • Launched Destination Yoga, teaching customized yoga programs at requested locations for businesses, leisure, family activity, resorts and much more 
  • Secured 2020 Teacher Training Debut:  Rocket Teacher Training with Carson Clay Calhoun

Continuing Education (CE)/Certification - Original Hot Yoga Association & Yoga Alliance

26&2: completed CE intensives (Esak Garcia, Jared McCann, Craig Villani, Lynn Witlow, Diane Ducharme Gardener, Benjamin Sears, Gianna Purcell, Zeb Homison) 

ZebYoga: certified by Zeb Homison to teach Beyond 26&2, a Hatha yoga sequence to grow & expand postures included in Ghosh's Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Yoga series

Ashtanga: ongoing student of Traditional Ashtanga Primary Series as taught by David Garrigues, completed CE Ashtanga 2nd Series Immersion as taught by David Williams.

Annie Thompson Yoga:  completed CE Inversion Immersion

Yin Yoga:  completed CE as taught by Shala Worsley, Asheville Yoga

HIIT:  completed CE, certified by creator Monique Crous to teach Hot HIIT