We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teresa Undurraga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teresa below.
Alright, Teresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.
I had just moved to Saint Louis from Switzerland via New York City. I decided to do my 200 hour yoga teacher training over the summer in a two week intensive at a studio in Clayton that doesn’t exist anymore. I had been practicing yoga since my early 20’s and was eager to teach a real live class. I had already practiced with my family and felt ready. I had auditioned at Club Fitness and got my first role as a sub. They called me saying they needed someone to teach an evening class. When I showed up there were almost 35 people in the room. I was so nervous but excited. I had my playlist ready, I had practiced my sequence and I taught a kick-ass class. I was on cloud nine. The feeling was amazing! After that I secured a few weekly classes at other gyms and yoga studios in the area. This was almost 8 years ago. I have been teaching yoga full time ever since.
Teresa, 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?
Hola! I’m a 500 hour Certified Yoga Instructor based in Saint Louis, Missouri with over 2000 teaching hours under my belt. Before becoming a yoga instructor I was fortunate to be a student of yoga for 15 years learning from outstanding teachers in New York, Tokyo, Geneva and Mexico City. I completed my 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training through South River Yoga. I love teaching Vinyasa Flow, Deep Stretch, Power Yoga, Slow Flow and Buti Yoga.
When I’m not teaching yoga I spend my time with my crazy Argentine husband and two precious young daughters. There’s never a dull moment in our casa!
Yoga is a powerful healing tool that ignites, transcends, nurtures and awakens the mind, body and spirit. I wish to share my experience and passion with my students so they can also ignite the light within.
Nice to meet you, mucho gusto!
-Namaste-
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Practice practice practice. Being a full time yoga instructor requires continuous training and education. The best way to keep your classes fun and interesting for students it to teach what you learn. Practice incorporating some yoga philosophy, meditation, breath work, etc into your classes not just the physical aspect. The more you practice as an instructor the better your classes become.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I moved to Saint Louis I had been working in digital marketing for almost a decade in New York and Geneva. I was burned out and not interested in managing clients and their 24/7 demands. We were going to start a family and the work life balance in the digital marketing industry is very hard. I thought about what my passions were and yoga was top on my list. I decided to leave my career and get my 200 hour yoga teacher training. This was the best decision. I do something I am passionate about. I get to set my own schedule. I get to spend time with my family. I have balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yogabyteresa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tete_undu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teteyoga/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tmu201
Image Credits
Heather Roth Photography Thrive STL AD Images Practicing Yoga Yoga Six