Yoga and Hiking with Simone Nitzan

While studying Exercise Physiology and working as a personal trainer at the University of British Columbia, yoga found me.

At the time, much of my life was devoted to physical exercise, fitness and competition. My body was fit, but my mind was scattered and lacked clarity.

Shortly after completing my Bachelor’s degree, I traveled to India for the first time. I was immediately struck by the simplicity of life, and the reverence and devotion to a spiritual practice — something I lacked. I decided to dedicate myself to a daily yoga practice, hoping to find some of the simplicity and devotion I had witnessed in India.

Upon my return, I began a Master’s degree in Breathing Physiology. My studies ignited me to explore my physical practice on a deeper level, and consequently, I found Babylon Yoga, a grassroots community of Ashtanga Yoga practitioners. There, I studied under Kevin Grodesky and Chris Richardson. Their fluid style of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method attracted me instantly; the focus on linking the breath and movement felt both natural and methodical. The practice soon became a fundamental part of my life and ultimately, led me to teacher training.

Kevin and Chris introduced me to Ron Reid, Marla Meenakshi Joy and Diane Bruni from Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto. I dove into teacher training at their studio, and over the past 10 years, I have travelled to many parts of the world to continue my education with them, and  have completely over 500 hours of teacher training with Downward Dog Yoga Centre. 

After finishing my Master’s degree, I found myself living in Tel Aviv, a move I made for the love of my life. In Tel Aviv, I practiced and taught Mysore and led classes  and completed a 500 hour teacher training program with Eyal Chehanowski at Lotus Yoga School. I began teaching functional anatomy and physiology in the Lotus Yoga School teacher-training program in 2011 and continue to be part of their faculty today. I have co-directed two teacher training programs with Eyal Chehanowski and Vicky Tomsky, teaching asana, hands on assists, functional anatomy, physiology and the fundamentals of teaching.

For the last several years I have been studying with Stacey Brass Russel in New York City and am truly grateful for the guidance she has given me and how her teachings have shaped my practice and teaching today. I have also begun studying the art of Restorative Yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater and am now a certified Relax and Renew level 1 teacher. 

I have tremendous respect and gratitude for all the teachers and the lineage of teachers that have informed my practice and teaching. I hope to carry on the spirit of their teachings in my own practice and to share the blessings I receive from this practice with my students.