We were lucky to catch up with Linda Freeman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.

I have been practicing yoga since the 1980’s, however as I grew older I found the teachers growing younger and many did not seem to understand the difference between an older body and theirs. Despite practicing longer than some of them had been alive, they would tell me I would be able to get into a lotus position (for example) if I just practiced more. They did not recognize the limitations of my physical structure. One even pressed down on my knees and caused damage.

I decided to get my yoga teacher certification in integrative yoga therapy in 2003 and trained in Brazil. During training I was used as the model for an inflexible body, because while yoga can make you more flexible, it can not alter your physical structure. This understanding is fundamental to the way I teach yoga. I always honor each person’s body and ask only that they challenge themselves only within the limitations of their own structure.

I have also taken advanced training with Dr. Fishman in NYC. He is reknowned for his research on yoga as a healing art. I am trained in his method of yoga for hips, knees and osteoporis, scoliosis, and rotator cuff injuries.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The pandemic allowed my yoga services to expand beyond local geographic restrictions. I now teach theraputic yoga on Zoom on Sunday and Wednesday mornings at 9am. My business is called Bliss Body Yoga with Linda because I believe that each yoga class should be its own experience based on the needs of the practictioners who attend. Therefore, each class is always unique. and registration is required.

I also teach a chair yoga class for seniors in my studio in Marlboro, NY.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe the pandemic taught us all how to pivot! Prior to 2020 I taught yoga in two physical locations. Since the pandemic, I mostly teach via zoom. Now not only do I not have to pay rent for space, but I have students join my classes from as far away as Oregon. My students love being able to take classes from the convenience of their living room and we never have to cancel class due to bad weather. In addition, if someone has to miss the class, they ask me to record it and they still get to do their practice and I still get paid. It’s a win-win at all times.

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

Because I am my business, it is integral that what I teach and the way that I teach contribute to the lives of my students. My business is largely word of mouth and what I am proudest of is the retention of my students. They stay week after week and year after year because of the tremendous value they get out of practicing yoga with me and the way it makes them feel.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blissbodyoga.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissbodyoga/