In each YA class teacher highlight, we feature one of our amazing teachers and interview them so our members and readers can get to know them.This teacher highlight is John Cottrell.
YA Classes, an online yoga and fitness membership by YouAligned, is home to dozens of amazing yoga instructors (including meditation, breathwork, and fitness teachers!). All of our teachers are dedicated, passionate, and experienced leaders within their communities who bring their own unique styles and approaches to our students.
John Cottrell from Salt Lake City, Utah, is one such teacher. We admire his depth and love his wonderful teaching style. I also wonder how he finds time to accomplish everything he has.
In addition to teaching yoga for the past 20+ years, he is a wellness expert, self-proclaimed maestro of holistic living, and has written more than a dozen books (All available on Amazon) is the founder of body yoga,host yoga teacher training I teach online and weekly in-person classes.
I have a background in clinical psychology and a Ph.D. She is a graduate of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, elevating her unique blend of Western psychology and Eastern wisdom. A certified yoga therapist, John bridges psychology and yoga to promote self-improvement and growth.
John tells us a little about his clothing line, his books and blog, and his baking.
“MBODY is more than just my business. It’s a compelling brand that reflects my core values. body wear breaks down gender barriers and offers affordable and stylish yoga wear for men. my book, yoga with intention, brings yoga into daily life and provides insight into obstacles, freedom, and balance.Enjoy my creative cuisine OneCakeWonder.com and explore me Thoughtful blog post”
Want to know more about this amazing teacher? Read.
Learn about YA classes Teacher: John Cottrell
We sat down with this beloved yoga teacher for a Q+A session so that YA Classes members and YouAligned readers can learn more about him.
YA: What is your favorite self-care habit that you cannot live without?
John: My favorite self-care habit is going to the gym and lifting weights. I go almost every day. I start with a little cardio and choose a body part to focus on during my lifting session.
Not only was this good for me, but I also saw my gym workouts as an extension of my yoga practice. It helps you concentrate and become more in tune with your body. It also helps you build strength to practice and teach dynamic yoga poses in power yoga classes.
YA: What songs or musical genres do you often use when teaching (or practicing)?
John: When I teach yoga, I often play some light ambient music in the background. The volume is way down. You don’t want the music to distract your students. It exists as part of the overall environment for a yoga session.
YA: What is your favorite motivational quote?
John: “If you’re ready, you don’t have to be ready.” I don’t know who said it first, but I heard it from RuPaul. I live by that motto.
YA: What is your favorite yoga pose? What is your least favorite?
John: My favorite yoga pose is the side angle pose. I really like the way the pose opens up the hips and upper body. I don’t know if I have a least favorite pose. I know there are some poses I wish I could do better.
Press play for Let’s Balance, a slow yoga flow by John Cottrell.
yoga class
and John Cottrell
YA: When did you first discover yoga? Was it your first love for asana?
I was teaching fitness classes at a local gym and then yoga was introduced into my schedule. I took a few classes and yes, it was Love First Asana. This was in his 1999.
YA: What is your favorite place in the world you have been to so far and why?
John: I have had the opportunity to travel to Peru several times in my life. This beautiful place in the world opened my eyes to my life’s purpose. Peru is where I was inspired to start my yoga business. Working with shamans, traveling the land, and indulging in cultural practices enlightened and inspired me.
Read more about Peru: A yogi’s experience with the world’s highest yoga class on top of Chachani Volcano
YA: What is your most embarrassing moment in teaching or in life?
John: I don’t think I can share my most embarrassing moment here. lol! But let me just say that this experience taught me to be more aware of my surroundings.
YA: What is your best advice for maintaining a powerful mindset?
John: My best advice to people is to take care of yourself. Do what makes you feel good and happy. Make sure these things are positive and empowering as well. They will uplift your spirits and open your heart.
When you treat yourself with love and kindness, it translates into outward expression in your actions.Recently, I published a book called Embrace positivity: let go of negative thoughts. Focuses on self-care and building a positive mindset.
Create a realistic self-care routine with 17 simple practices
What would people be surprised to know about you?
John: People might be surprised that I love cooking and baking. . . a lot. I really enjoy baking sweet treats and sharing them with friends.
YA: Other than your own class, what is your favorite YA class or teacher?
John: My favorite YA class is Slow Burn by Ty Daye. He brings a fun atmosphere while practicing with you. It will make you smile and make you feel like you are back in your childhood.
yoga class
and Thai Day
Want to connect more with John Cottrell?
connect with john Social media Let’s practice with him in YA class today!
John’s classes are approachable, approachable, and engaging. He deftly breaks down poses and breathing techniques in ways that even beginners can understand and embody, yet his teachings leave room for practitioners of all levels to learn, explore, deepen, and enjoy. We truly can’t get enough of the warmth, passion, and his expertise that John brings to Matt.
If you like his classes, connect with him! If you haven’t had a chance to experience John’s teaching style yet, find him in Salt Lake City or take his classes in YA classes.
Take John Cottrell’s online yoga class
yoga class
and John Cottrell
I highly recommend checking out his online yoga classes at YA Classes. Is he not yet a member of your YA class? Try it free for 14 days.
