Introducing: Erin Porteous
Yoga House Instructor
Erin is nearly a regular instructor at Yoga House! She is one of our go-to subs as she also balances co-owning an interior design business, Petula Designs. She also teaches private classes for as, and she’s our Pre-Natal instructor. In February 2019 she will be holding a Pre-Natal workshop to lead our community in accommodating mommas into their class.
Where are you from?
I am a native of Montrose and belong to a fourth generation farming family. I love the simplicity of small town living mixed with the historic beauty of the town and surrounding area.
What is your favorite activities / hobbies outside of yoga?
I love to travel, read, and stage/decorate homes.
What is your favorite thing about Montrose?
Seeing and socializing with the community of people you have grown up knowing and daily enjoying the view of our amazing mountains.
How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?
Passionate about making life beautiful.
What was your first introduction to yoga, and what was it, that resonated with you with a practice?
I cannot remember when I first discovered Yoga, but years ago I practiced yoga for the benefit of stretching muscles because of my athletics. After some significant injuries, yoga became the only activity I could do; and through many tears and the process of learning to slow down, I fell in love with what Yoga offered my mind and body… strength without heavy weights, movement without heavy impact on the joints, and learned focus on being in the now… not the future.
What are the challenges you face in your personal practice and how do you overcome them?
My previous injuries still affect my practice, making me learn patience as I accept what my body can do each time I come to my mat.
What is the story of inspiration that lead you to become a yoga instructor?
I was recently introduced to faith based yoga and loved the combination of Yoga postures and connection of breath to worship music. I wanted to be able to share the power of movement on your mat with others, in faith and non-faith based settings. Watching a friend practice yoga through her pregnancy and not having any instructors comfortable to modify her, I decided to get Pre/Post Natal certified and teach women how to modify their practice through their pregnancy.
Where did you do your teacher training and what style are you trained in?
I became an alliance certified teacher with training in Chicago through YogaFaith’s RYT200 program. I am also Pre/Post natal certified through Holy Yoga and am currently working on my Yin certification.
What was your biggest take away from teacher training?
Yoga has the ability to touch so many lives in so many ways… each person can find the challenge and strength, the connection of mind and body, and the quietness of coming to your mat in whatever way they need.
Tell us more about the kinds of classes you teach at Yoga House:
I am currently a sub at the Yoga House. My style of class is connection of breath and movement mixed with holding poses for strength.
What is your advice to anyone new to yoga?
Don’t be afraid or ashamed of props. I encourage props in my class as we are all made beautifully unique, and props help in giving you correct alignment to receive the full benefit of the posture. Modifications are wonderful as you work through an injury or build strength.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yoga is never a bad idea, yoga gives you time for 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!
