We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
As a Holistic Movement Coach, my mission is to help clients navigate the intricate dance between strength and flexibility, especially when they are at crossroads with surgery—preparing for it, recovering from it, or striving to avoid it altogether. One of the most transformative pieces of advice I’ve ever given is simple yet profound: <b>Become aware of your body.</b> Awareness is the foundation of all change.
Many of us move through life unaware of our posture, alignment, or the habitual patterns that dictate how we move. We carry the echoes of advice from coaches, parents, or siblings, but rarely do we pause to consider how these instructions align with our unique bodies and life journeys. Every body is different, shaped by personal histories and daily routines, often riddled with repetitive motions we perform unconsciously.
One story stands out vividly. A client in her seventies, an avid yoga practitioner, was preparing for back surgery due to persistent mid-to-lower back pain. Despite her dedication to yoga, she struggled with pain that was steadily taking a toll on her quality of life. During our initial assessment, it became evident that she had never truly learned how to engage her core muscles effectively. This lack of engagement was contributing to her discomfort and limiting her ability to find relief through her practice.
We embarked on a journey of <b>CORE RE-EDUCATION</b>. In our sessions, we focused on reconnecting her with her body, teaching her how to consciously engage and control her core muscles—a revelation she had never experienced before. The results were astounding. By the time her surgery came around, she was not only more prepared physically but also mentally empowered.
Post-surgery, she returned to our yoga classes, radiant and free from the crippling pain she had carried for years. She described feeling “spacious,” a word that perfectly encapsulates the newfound ease and freedom in her body. Her story is a testament to the power of awareness and the profound impact it can have on one’s health and well-being.
In every client, I see the potential for transformation through awareness. It’s the first step towards reclaiming control over our bodies, and it’s never too late to start.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Building Bridges Through Breath, Movement, and Connection: My Story
Hi, I’m Michelle Smith, and I’m here to help busy professionals improve their flexibility, balance, and strength—integrating movement seamlessly into their lives. My work isn’t just about teaching yoga or biomechanics; it’s about empowering people to move and live more optimally, no matter how much time they have in their day.
My journey into this work has been anything but conventional. I grew up in a bilingual household in Ecuador, shaped by my Ecuadorian mom and my “Tennessippi” dad, where movement and adrenaline were a way of life. I competed in equestrian vaulting and jumping at state and national levels, while my dad raced motorcycles professionally. So, you could say movement was in my blood.
But it wasn’t until my early 20s—living in China of all places—that I truly discovered yoga and meditation. Funny enough, it wasn’t a planned spiritual awakening but a twisted ankle that forced me to slow down. What started as a way to heal my body turned into a transformative journey of self-love, mindfulness, and passion that continues to guide me today.
Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering my craft, completing over 1,000 hours of trainings in Yoga, deeply focused in Alignment, Longevity, and Functional Movement. I’ve had the privilege of learning from luminaries like Amy Ippoliti, Lara Heimann, Richard Freeman, and Mary Taylor. Most recently, I’ve expanded my teaching to include Steel Mace Vinyasa, an innovative approach that blends strength, flow, and mindfulness, developed by Summer Huntington.
What sets me apart isn’t just my training but my belief in building bridges—between cultures, between movement styles, and within communities. As someone who teaches in both English and Spanish, I understand the power of creating spaces where people feel seen and included. For too long, non-English-speaking communities haven’t had access to yoga in ways that feel truly welcoming. And for English speakers, stepping into diverse spaces can be both important and deeply enriching.
I offer a wide variety of services, including private sessions, group classes, corporate yoga, workshops, retreats, and even online resources through platforms like Patreon, YouTube, Gaia.com, and YogaDownload.com. My classes are more than just movement—they’re designed to integrate biomechanics, kinesiology, and mindfulness with reflections that invite deeper introspection and personal growth.
One of the biggest challenges my clients face is staying consistent in their movement practice amidst the demands of modern life. Many are desk workers battling stiffness, poor posture, and the anxiety that comes from an over-scheduled, sedentary lifestyle. I get it—I’ve been there myself, dealing with burnout and physical tension. That’s why I focus on sustainable, accessible practices like Functional Chair Yoga, strength training, and yoga therapeutics to help clients overcome these hurdles and build healthier habits.
What I’m most proud of is the sense of community I’ve cultivated. Since 2016, I’ve been offering bilingual yoga classes in Denver, and it’s been a labor of love to create a space where Spanish-speaking students feel truly at home. In the past year, I’ve co-hosted “Self-Care Sundays” with my friend Jess Daher, a licensed massage therapist. This monthly bilingual event combines meditation, journaling, restorative yoga, and hands-on assists (or <b>masajitos</b>). Seeing our community grow and thrive has been nothing short of magical.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower people to connect with their bodies and breath while fostering meaningful relationships with themselves and others. Movement is more than just exercise—it’s a way to break down barriers, build bridges, and create a healthier, more compassionate world.
Join me on this journey. Whether you’re looking for a personalized movement plan, a corporate wellness program, or a chance to explore bilingual yoga, I’d love to connect. You can find me at local Denver studios, hosting retreats in Ecuador and Colorado, or online. Let’s move, breathe, and grow together, one mindful moment at a time.
🌟 Explore more at: [https://stan.store/michellesmithyoga](https://stan.store/michellesmithyoga)
🌟 Follow along on Instagram: @michellesmithyoga
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
When I think about what truly makes someone successful in the world of yoga and movement coaching, it’s not just training or knowledge—though those are, of course, essential. It’s authenticity. It’s having the courage to peel back the layers, let go of external expectations, and step into who you truly are, every single time you teach.
I first began to understand this when I was living in Shanghai, China. I was inspired by my teachers and the transformative energy in their classes. I would watch people walk in with frowns or poker faces and leave with lighter steps, softer expressions, and an unmistakable spark of joy. My yoga teacher, Fela, once said to me, “You’re ready to teach.” At first, I didn’t believe him. Teaching seemed like a huge leap—a completely different skill than practicing. But I trusted his guidance, and with determination, I embarked on my first training.
What I quickly realized was how much more there is to teaching than knowing the poses or memorizing a sequence. It required practice, vulnerability, and a willingness to stumble and grow. When I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Denver, I still held onto the hope that I could make a living teaching yoga. But the reality hit hard: it’s not an easy path. Many of us had to take on additional jobs while teaching studio classes and hosting practice sessions with each other just to find our footing—and, more importantly, our voices.
That process took years. For me, it wasn’t until I started peeling back the masks I had unconsciously been wearing—those shaped by societal expectations, the influence or comparison with my own teachers, and even my inner critic—that I began to attract the students who truly resonated with my approach. Those were the ones who stayed, who became part of a growing community I was honored to serve.
This process of self-discovery is something no training can teach you. It’s personal, raw, and ongoing. But it’s also the key to success in this field. When you teach from a place of authenticity, you’re not just offering a class—you’re offering connection, trust, and a safe space for others to show up as themselves.
Now, as someone who guides and mentors other yoga teachers, this is what I encourage them to lean into. Yes, you need to know your biomechanics, alignment, and sequencing—but what truly sets you apart is <b>you</b>. It takes practice and commitment to discover what that means, to bring it forward consistently, and to trust that the right students will find you when you do.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore how I can help guide you on this path of authenticity. Because while it’s not always easy, it’s the most fulfilling work you’ll ever do.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life has a way of pulling the rug out from under us just when we think we’ve got it all figured out. That’s exactly what happened to me in September 2015 while I was living in Shanghai, China. In the span of a few weeks, everything I thought was stable in my life unraveled. I was fired from a job I loved, a six-year relationship ended and so was our lease, and suddenly I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what to do next.
For what felt like months, the yoga studio became my refuge. I spent countless hours there—practicing, reflecting, and quite honestly, trying to piece my heart and my life back together. During the days, I’d take myself out for solo lunch dates to think, meet up with friends or potential employers, and slowly map out my next steps. It wasn’t easy, but over time, things began to fall into place. I landed an incredible job opportunity, found a place to live, and eventually realized that this challenging season had taught me something invaluable: how to truly love and rely on myself.
Fast forward to 2020, and I found myself at yet another major pivot point. By then, I was living in the U.S., comfortably settled in a sales position with steady benefits and bonuses. On paper, it was the “right” job—secure, respectable, the kind of work that aligned with the mentality I’d grown up with: “You need a real job, not a hobby.” But deep down, I knew it wasn’t what I was meant to do. My heart was in teaching yoga, helping others find freedom in movement and connection to themselves.
Letting go of that steady paycheck was terrifying. It required a massive shift in my mindset, lots of inner work, and the unwavering support of my family, friends, and community. But it was also the best decision I’ve ever made. I dove headfirst into building my yoga and holistic movement business, determined to make it not just a passion, but a sustainable career.
Looking back now, I couldn’t be prouder. By 2024, my business had its best year yet, and it’s continued to grow and double annually. Every time I look around at the students in my classes, the clients I’ve helped find strength and ease in their bodies, or the community we’ve built together, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
These pivots weren’t easy—they came with heartbreak, uncertainty, and a lot of late nights questioning whether I was making the right choices. But they also taught me resilience, self-trust, and the power of following my intuition. Today, I feel honored to do this work every day. It’s not just a “real job”—it’s my calling. And it all started by being brave enough to pivot when life demanded it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/michellesmithyoga
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@michellesmithyoga.
- Other: www.patreon.com/michellesmithyoga and https://stan.store/michellesmithyoga
Image Credits
Alex Isabel Photography, Adrian E. Solis, Rob Bell with F4D Studio for YogaDownload.com, Rahkmo Photo