We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Riker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

There have been many defining moments in my life that rocked me at my core and ultimately steered me in another – better – direction. There was a particular point in my yoga teaching career when I hit a low; I felt stuck and drowning in low self-esteem. I felt called to share some of my “story” to my students at the beginning of a yoga class. I told them about how I adorned my feet with tattoos of feathers as a reminder to walk softer…talk softer…be softer…all based on my insecurities of carrying the label of “too much” for too long and being told so, many times throughout my life. Months later, I received an anonymous message on Instagram. There were no posts or pictures attached to this account.
This person felt called to reach out to me and share that they were a student in my class that one day I told the story about my tattoos.
They continued to share that my story made them sad; they witnessed me to be holding back from my true nature, that I shouldn’t feel shame from my “innate fiery energy”. They encouraged that I change my story from my tattoos invoking lightness to instead me taking flight[ness] and rise out of the box I was obviously craving to break out from…
All I can say is that I’ve never known who this person is still to this day. But they witnessed me when I needed it most. I felt like I was given permission to be myself in a way I couldn’t quite give to myself. From that day forward, I stopped pretending to be someone I’m not. I flew out of the cage I was keeping myself tethered to and truly felt like phoenix rising…and I’ve been flying ever since. This person made such a massive impact on my life – just a random note – and I am forever grateful.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began teaching yoga while living abroad in South Korea to my fellow expat community. Though I was there teaching English, something clicked in my heart from that very first yoga class. I had never felt more….right. When my contract ended, I immediately attended yoga training in San Francisco and relocated to Tampa to begin teaching studio classes. I’ve spent the past 9 years in Tampa Bay, growing my experience and building my clientele. I celebrated ten years as a yoga instructor this year, now leading international yoga retreats each summer as well as leading annual Yoga Teacher Training programs. My journey has been incredible and with hard work, focus and consistent passion, I am fulfilling my work life with immense joy and creativity.
I truly align with educating yoga students ~ you will always receive nuggets of important information or wisdoms in my group classes. When working one on one, I will make it my mission to help my clients grow.
I don’t just love yoga – I BELIEVE in modern yoga, and the capacity it has to lead ALL people down a better path for a happy and healthy life.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

You can have all the knowledge in the world…but can you teach it? I’m a true believer in immersive training. Informed by my experiences teaching English as a secondary language overseas, my worldly perspective is based on learning through means of DOING. I don’t like to use intimidating jargon in my classes. I don’t need to use Sanskrit terminology or anatomical cues to ask someone to reach their arm up to the ceiling. I prefer to watch, listen, encourage and touch to help my students FEEL a yoga shape and stay in awareness. Observation and Listening skills are KEY at success as an instructor. It’s not a performance. It’s not about the sequence or the music or me for that matter! I am wise with my words and clear in my diction to leave the rest up to the student. And I watch. And I listen. And I adjust. And repeat. Improvisational skills are also very important. Lastly, continuing my OWN practice is essential. I will always only teach what I know myself. All of these skills are far more important than knowing yoga poses and how to sequence them. I wasn’t always like this. It took time to develop this confidence and trust – I say this because each instructor has their own journey and WILL grow with consistent teaching experience. It just takes time :)

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have to give all the credit to the studios and mentors who have grown me from the beginning. I’ve been on staff of various studios through Tampa Bay. I’ve also held managing positions at a few of them. Every experience taught me who I am…and even who I am not! But ultimately, led me to the woman and instructor I am today. Additionally, I’ve learned so much about the “business” of yoga which has allowed me to fine-tune ways to become independently successful. We have an insanely incredible yoga community. I genuinely do not believe my path would lead me to where I am now if I didn’t have the “training grounds” of Tampa Bay yoga.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amandarikeryoga.com
• Instagram: @amandarikeryoga