Meet Beate Viggiani

Beate understands yoga as a system of practices that balance, strengthen, and open practitioners physically, mentally and spiritually. She delights in sharing the joy and benefits of yoga with clear and light-hearted instruction and guidance. As a certified Hatha yoga teacher, Beate is passionate about facilitating a process of self-discovery and self-care that is available and accessible to every body. She teaches with heart, humor and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of all. Over the years, Beate has been inspired by diverse teachers and varied styles of yoga. She is particularly grateful for the opportunity to complete her 500-hour teacher training at Heartspace.

 

What kind of trainings/certificates do you have and when did you get them?

I’ve been a certified R-500 yoga teacher since 2016 and an authorized “Yoga Warriors” instructor since 2015 (this training prepared us to teach trauma-informed yoga). Since then, I’ve completed additional training in yoga anatomy, yoga for managing stress/anxiety, yoga to address aches and pains, and meditation.

How long have you been teaching at HeartSpace?

I completed my initial teacher training with Lauren Toolin (Yoga Vidya) at Heartspace in 2012 and started teaching at a small study in Troy and then at Heartspace shortly after that.

What’s your favorite style of yoga to practice for your personal practice? Do you have a favorite pose/meditation/pranayam?

I’ve been practicing yoga and/or mediation for more than 30 years and have been guided and influenced by many traditions, styles, and wonderful teachers. My favorite way to practice is to link movement with breath, allowing breath to set the pace for my movements. Usually, I weave in a few  yoga movements throughout the day, starting with joint mobilization and stretching in the morning  and ending with an evening practice that relaxes the body and calms the mind.

Why did you decide to teach yoga?

I’ve been teaching movement classes in my spare time since the mid-eighties.  My motto has always been:  “practice what you teach”.  In short, teaching yoga keeps me practicing yoga.

What is your favorite thing to do (aside from yoga)?

I love taking walks, especially with my husband John. We also enjoy hiking, biking and traveling together.