Introducing: Chanel Brooks
Yoga House Instructor
Chanel is a power house of wisdom, flow and hot yoga! She began her journey with Yoga House in September, only a few short months after the studio’s grand opening. Chanel is a wealth of information and leads strong and inspired classes. She also has established herself as a leader, sharing her knowledge and passion of yoga – not only in her classes – but in her workshops.
Where are you from?
I am originally from laguna beach California. I moved to Telluride Colorado when I was junior in high school, to live with my mom and finish HS. My mom eventually moved to Montrose and decided to move close to family as I was starting a family of my own.
I love the big small town feel of Montrose and that it is evolving, I love being a place that is on the brink of becoming. Love what Montrose offers. Everyone is so humble, kind and welcoming in Montrose which really gives it the true Colorado feel.
What is your favorite activities / hobbies outside of yoga?
My favorite activities outside of yoga are being outside, meditating and connecting with the moon, drinking tea, listening to music, journaling, writing, eating delicious plants, seeing live music and generally having fun.
What is your favorite thing about Montrose?
This might sound a little ridiculous but my favorite thing about Montrose is that there is not one but two Himalayan food spots here, Punhill has got to be one of my all time favorite restaurants ever ever ever, in Colorado, in the US, across the board, the best. My favorite. I also love love Black canyon and that you can ski less then an hour away in multiple directions. I also love that there is Skydiving in Montrose!! Most of all the community, such great, down to earth people!
How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?
Compassionate, unique, authentic, loving, open minded and fun!
What was your first introduction to yoga, and what was it, that resonated with you with a practice?
Bikram yoga was my first introduction when I was 15 yo living in Laguna. The steadiness and intensity was my favorite aspects of the practice. I was hooked immediately.
What are the challenges you face in your personal practice and how do you overcome them?
I don’t see challenges in my practice or life but more opportunities to always grow and evolve into a better version of myself.
What is the story of inspiration that lead you to become a yoga instructor?
The moment I tried yoga I knew I wanted to be an instructor. I honestly don’t know why, just an unexplainable feeling that yoga gave me. It made more sense then anything else in my life. Yoga’s philosophy is the deepest depth of personal truth I have ever known and I was only pleasantly surprised that it was even more true the deeper I got into the practice.
Where did you do your teacher training and what style are you trained in?
I did my 200hr Vinyasa teacher training in Southern CALIFORNIA in Laguna Niguel CA at Beyond Hot Yoga.
What was your biggest take away from teacher training?
My biggest take away from my teacher training was knowing that I am perfectly imperfect and that’s perfect just the way I am. To teach from my heart and to trust it first. To be authentically myself and to just go with it. Even when I am unsure: my heart is the light, my guide and my compass as a teacher.
Tell us more about the kinds of classes you teach at Yoga House (style, length, type of music, do you use essential oils, or anything you’d like to share about your classes):
I teach a yin yang as an intro to yin yoga. I love the balance of yin yang and have been forever inspired from the yin yang sign. I find what better way to incorporate that in life and in yoga. I also teach Hot yoga, I was certified in hot vinyasa and Generally any type of power yoga is my jam. I love to including interesting music, interesting flows that keep you on your toes. Love getting down with some essential oils and palo santo to cleanse the spirit. My favorite little surprise is a nice cool eucalyptus towel after hot yoga classes! Perfect way to cool off and wipe off the sweat!
What is your advice to anyone new to yoga?
Approach it with a deep sense of curiosity like a child sees the world. Avoid saying I cant. Always try. Intend and urge to find your truth through your practice. Always have an intention on why you are practicing. Be Brave.
Anything else you would like to add?
I love and appreciate every single one of you. My love for the yogis I get to share this community with can not be expressed enough. Thank you for coming to my classes, thank you for taking time to make it your mat, thank you reading these words and sharing your time with me! I cannot wait to practice with you!
Ready to Try A Class?
Colorado Yoga House is open 6 days of the week and during some months, open 7 days a week. Yoga House encompasses instructors with various backgrounds and teaching styles so you can always continue to discover the depths of this amazing discipline. Click below to see our current schedule, and we look forward to seeing you in class!
