MEET & GREET: KATE of SAVANNAH POWER YOGA
"The practice of yoga teaches us to balance effort and ease and find a steady place of strength and stability."
-Kate Taylor
I have a confession to make: I had been terrified to try a class at Savannah Power Yoga. Obviously, I have spent time with Savannah Power Yoga, the people and the place, not only at the photo shoot but the time before that to, the drop by, the calls and the lunch or two. I have talked to the teachers, checked out the facility and was thoroughly impressed but still I lingered in my fear. Afraid that it was too hardcore, too much for me, too serious. I kept justifying it with the excuse that it was in Sandfly and I, well, I live downtown. [That excuse worked well until Kate told me that she and dog her traveled right by my house on their morning walks.] In January, teacher and friend Kim Norvell started a Yoga for night owls class that meets at 9 pm on Mondays. This, THIS, was my chance! I swallowed hard and made a commitment to attend. I recruited a friend and we recruited another friend when we went the second time. Yes, there was a second time, a third time, and last night was my fifth week in a row. The energy surrounding the practice is infectious, the class is tough, it's hot, but wow does it feel good to bring your mat and do some breathing & moving. The teachers are inclusive and encouraging, the space is beautiful and thoughtful. Today we got a chance to throw some questions at Kate Taylor, owner of the studio and what a joy it was! Enjoy!
What is your favorite hidden gem in Savannah?
Sandfly! We have such a great a great community of small locally owned businesses out here.
photos by Leeann Ritch Photography. Left shot shows the exterior of the studio. Stephanie Mobley, Kate Taylor,and Kim Norvell, inside the studio.
How would you encourage someone to stick with the resolution to live a healthier life in 2015?
Approach it one day at a time. Wake up and set an intention for your day. If you don’t fulfill it 100%, start again with a good intention for the next day. Cultivating a healthy lifestyle can be a lot like meditation. Sometimes we have to start over again and again.
How do you keep yourself motivated to teach yoga?
I practice yoga! Getting on my mat reminds how much I love the practice and inspires me to share it with others.
What got you started with practicing yoga?
60 hour work weeks in the software industry.
What type of Yoga do you teach at SPY and what makes that yoga different than the yoga of other studios?
We teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. This method offers a consistent, challenging practice without dogma. I love that this style of yoga is suited to all ages and body types. I can teach it to 25 year old guys and 70 year old women and they both love it!
What are some of the other programs that SPY hosts throughout the year?
Wow. There are so many things always going on at SPY. Our Clean Detox Program has been a huge success and changed a lot of lives. We also offer incredible luxury yoga retreats on Saint Simons Island. By far my favorite program, though, is our yoga teacher training. We limit the group to about 12 students and I love shepherding enthusiastic yogis through the awakening that comes with studying yoga (and themselves) in depth.
What is your favorite pose?
Reclining twist. It's like a free visit to the chiropractor.
Kate's favorite pose: Reclining Twist is illustrated on the left. On the right, in the studio, air plants love life in the heated studio as well as reminding yogis the importance of breath.
What do you love most about teaching yoga?
Seeing the physical, emotional and spiritual transformation that happens when people get on their mats and breathe and move.
What do you love about owning your own business?
I am the creator of my own destiny and I get to create a space for others to share what they love.
Why do you think Yoga appeals to so many people?
I think most of us are seeking balance. Our 21st century culture encourages us to multitask all day long and then we collapse with exhaustion and start the process all over again the next day. The practice of yoga teaches us to balance effort and ease and find a steady place of strength and stability.
How would you describe your approach to your work?
I try to approach my work from the same place that I approach my yoga practice: balancing effort and ease. As a recovering Type A workaholic, one of my new mantras is “there are no yoga emergencies."
I can't work with unethical people.
What is your favorite place to have a drink in Savannah?
Bonna Bella Yacht Club
What is your favorite place to shop local?
Satchel
Where will your next vacation be?
The Florida Keys
The last gift you got?
Homemade candy from one of my yoga students.
What is the most surprising thing in your handbag?
Red lipstick. If you know me, you know I rarely wear lipstick and especially not red.
I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Kate and Savannah Power Yoga. They are inspiring, powerful and welcoming so please don't let fear keep you from the studio as long as it kept me away! They have classes seven days a week with times that work with busy schedules. Or if you're a night owl: I'll see you on Monday night at 9 pm. I'll be sweating but also smiling!
Savannah Power Yoga // 7360 Skidaway Rd, suite J-3 // 912.349.2756 // Register Now!
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