ANDREA TESTA, RYT, owner & director of FreeSpirit Yoga 

0. Hometown & Childhood ambition.. Ravenna, Ohio.  Moved to San Diego after college graduation (Kent State U 1988) to be with family then to LB 2 years later.  Childhood ambition was to be a Veterinarian so I could love and take care of cats and dogs and teddy bears and all my stuffed animals J

0. First Yoga class & most influential teacher?  In 1992, my friend Michelle challenged me to quit smoking cigs. She didn't like it when I smoked in the car on our way to work (I was a buyer & planner at DayRunner organizer co.).  I told her I was not addicted to the nicotine, but instead to the breathing in and out of smoking.   She told me about her yoga class and to come check it out to do some deep breathing.  So I went with her to her yoga class at LB parks & rec and discovered Irene Holsters.  I never even knew there was any other teacher for 5 years.  It was only Irene!  (My twin brother Mark also told me to do yoga about 5 years prior to that)

0. When did you realize you wanted to teach yoga?  When Irene suggested I might be a good teacher and to go to the White Lotus Foundation where she got her training…and then in order to get out of Corporate America.

0. Favorite pose and why?   Downdog, because I can just hang out in it and breathe, stretch and be still mentally & physically, both at the same time.  Since my shoulder surgery last May '08, I so appreciate Downdog and want for nothing more.

 Most challenging part of your practice?  Doing it early in the day before I start working in my home office, which is where i also do my yoga and other excercises on a ball, roller, hang from a pull-up bar, use bands, straps, weights and whatever else i can manuver on.  (My office overlooks our huge vegetable garden, it's nice!)  Also backbend (Urdhva Dhanurasana) can sometimes be difficult for me mainly because of my wrists....genetics maybe.

0. Current book?  Princess (series of 3) Life behind the veil in Saudi Arabia

0. Movie that changed the way you think?  Johnathon Livingston Seagull.  I saw the movie (after having read the book) in the mid-80’s and it inspired me to go beyond my many limitations that I had then.  Maybe that was the beginning of my Free Spirit nature.

0. Cause you feel most passionate about?  Breast cancer awareness, detection, and cure.  Check out the link www.armyofwomen.org/getinvolved.  Find out how it may be easier than we think to help "Be the change you want to see in the world"...Mahatma Ghandi

 9. Retreat place?  Hiking in the mountains or on my surf board…both of these on Kauai, Hawaii.

0. Comfort food.  Good Sushi  & POPCORN that I make in my WhirlyPop with a little bit of butter and fresh shredded cheddar cheese....mmmm. 
0. Person who inspired you most?  I have several:  1. My partner Shelly and her way of being present in every situation and at every given moment, and loving me to death!  2. My college roommate and her mom, Carrie & Nancy!  They have an amazing relationship, friendship and loving family!  Both have always been supportive of whatever and whoever I am, even 25 yrs. later.  It's been wonderful being part of their family all these years!  3. My twin brother (yes I have a twin! He is a chiropractor in Denver and first told me to do yoga for my health about 25 yrs. ago) for his constant drive to better himself and his insatiable appetite for life, love, family and food (he’s an amazing cook!) Here he is with Shelly in their cooking aprons, in Ohio, over the Christmas Holidays... bbbrrrr...cute huh?  

0. People want to know…how often YOU practice.  Everyday, even if it’s only 5 mins.  I’m sure to get into downdog (sometimes over a chair) and a sun salutation, easy twists, and lots of breathing.  It’s a great way to start my day!  I attend classes at FreeSpirit Yoga  :)

 13.   What ELSE do you do besides Yoga for exercise?  Walk, jog & bike now and then and I took up both snowboarding & surfing at 41.  I'll be 45 this year :)  

14.  Other hobbies or interests?  I love running my business, FSY!  Puzzles, reading about life in other countries, creating our home, scrubbing down & smooching our cats, dancing crazily, making you all laugh once in a while, and -- I’m going to take up cooking in our newly (happening right now) remodeled kitchen.   

Lonne Dickerson teaches many days and times every week including Free Chanting, Prenatal, Baby Yoga, Level 1 and more!

1.    Hometown & Childhood ambition:    I was born in Newport Beach and moved to Long Beach before the age of one. I wanted to be a dancer and photographer and live on a little island. That's what it said in my 5th grade year book :)
 
  2.    First Yoga class & most influential teacher :   My first yoga class was at Omadawn Yoga Studio in Seal Beach in 1998, where I met Andrea. She was not my first teacher but remains to be one of my favorites and most influential. I also like taking workshops from Shiva Rae. My first class was funny. I remember thinking, "oh, I'm a dancer this isn't going to be too hard".  Then remember being sore  in areas I had never felt before. The class was for beginners but it was still challenging. There were like 40 people shoved into that little room. His name was Even Porter, I think he may teach in LA now. I went with two on my friends/neighbors, guys, and all they could talk about after wards was how they heard a bunch of people farting all through class! LOL! Hey it happens right?

 3.    When did you realize you wanted to teach yoga?   HaHa...you mean when did Andrea realized she wanted me to teach yoga :) I used to only work the desk at FreeSpirit Yoga and Andrea used to always ask me to sub classes and I was like "no way, I'm not a teacher". She would always say, "you need to get your teacher training"...so I thought about it and did. I am so happy I did. That was back in '02.  Yoga is a huge part of my life...I am fully employed by yoga and I even do it on my days  off :)
 
  4.    Favorite pose and why?     I'm really feeling Trikanasana (Triangle) right now. I think because of how open I feel in it. The strength and the balance I love. I'm trying to get better at hand stands. I want to feel as grounded in it as I do in a head stand...which is another one of my favorites! Oh I just love so many and could go on & on...ooooo twists lying down too... :)
  
 5.    Most challenging part of your practice :     Trying not to think of remembering things I like in class so I can show my students. Doing yoga now is so different than when I didn't teach. So in general...being present...like everyone else I guess :)
 
  6.    Current book?   So many right now....The Shack by William P. Young, Healing Mantra's by Thomas Ashley-Ferrand (my teacher) this one I use as a reference all the time. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, and Dharma Punx by Noah Levine. Those are just the ones on my night stand.
   I do wanna through in a plug for my friend Peter Joseph Gallager. He wrote "The Little  White Trip" it's a mystery and scary...it keeps you hooked and I read it in like two  days...also he self published it and sold thousands of copies himself out on the Venice boardwalk..check out www.thelittlewhitetrip.com or ask me to get you a copy :)
 
 7.    Movie that changed the way you think?     I really don't know to be honest. I wanna say "The Secret" or "What the Bleep" or something in that realm like "The Celestine Prophecy" (the book was WAY better) ...but I was raised with these ways of thinking from my Mom and it just confirmed it I guess.
 
 8.    Cause you feel most passionate about?     IDF SCID Initiative . My son Jonah Zakai was born with SCID  (severe combined immune deficiency) also known as "bubble boy" and passed at 16 months old. He would be 8 1/2 years old this year. IDF SCID Initiative is helping to bring  awareness about SCID and also trying to get it onto the test given at birth...like CF, because so many babies aren't diagnosed until it's too late.

If you would like to make a donation you can here... https://www.primaryimmune.org/you_can_help/donate.asp?type=scid
 
  9.    Retreat place :     My husband Jude and I just stayed at the GREATEST place in Ojai for our first wedding anniversary. It's called the Ojai Foundation and we stayed in a Yurt. It was Awesome! I also have loved my times spent at the Zen Mountain Center with FreeSpirit Yoga and my "Mantra Camp" at Far Horizons near Kings Canyon. I would love to go on a retreat to Thailand or Brazil. But a more convenient place to retreat for me is....the beach, my bed and the bath :)

 10.    Comfort food :    Anything sweet or cheesy. I love Chocolate and Fettichini Alfredo...not together though. LOL!
 
 11.    Person who inspired you most :   My son, Jonah. He taught me be present and enjoy every moment you have with the ones you love. That we all are here for a purpose bigger than ourselves and that death is just another part of life....we continue to live, just not in the physical. The spiritual is the most important and continuous. Though we may not understand it in this life, we will when we move into spirit, in this life or the next.

 12.    People want to know…how often do YOU practice?      I do mantra and meditation everyday and I could say I  practice yoga everyday too, because yoga is not just on your mat but  how you take it into the rest of your life :) I try to practice asana weekly, but when you teach nearly 20 yoga classes a week it's sometimes hard to fit in. I LOVE YOGA :)
 
   13.    What ELSE do you do besides Yoga for exercise?     I am taking a little break right now, but I train in Capoeira which is a Brazilian Martial Art   incorporating Dance, Martial Arts, Acrobats, Music and Singing. Check out www.capoeriabrasil.com This is the LA head quarters for the Long Beach Crew. I also love to ride my bike, walk and dance!

14. Other hobbies or interests?  I love to travel, thought I don't get to as much as I'd like :( I also like Art and Photography, Dancing, Crocheting, Sewing, helping women give birth, I'm a Doula, and spending time with my husband Jude.  I'm a newlywed so I felt compelled to say that...I know, Cheesy and sweet...just like my comfort food....ok that was a bit much.

Thanks for caring and listening everyone :)  See you in class!

Hometown & Childhood ambition?   Torrance, Ca.  Sports Trainer (rehabilitation for injured athletes), EMT, Lawyer, and even a mechanic!

First Yoga class & most influential teacher?    Summer of 2004.    There were so many great teachers, I cant just narrow it down to one! They weren’t          famous teachers though, just the local long beach and seal beach teachers!  They know who they are! If I had to pick a famous teacher that really inspired me it would be Bryan Kest, I like the way he keeps it real with the students that your yoga practice should be a frequently used tool to manage the stress of your life. Also, John Friend, he really teaches from the Heart.

When did you realize you wanted to teach yoga?    When I was teaching classes as soon as I returned from a month long training program. It wasn’t until I began teaching that I was absolutely sure that this was my path. I was very shy and wasn’t quite sure how I had managed to get myself into something that required me to be the center of attention or even an orator at that… but didn’t take long for me to get over it after I was “thrown in the ring” of teaching, I became enamored with this role and still am to this day!

Favorite pose and why?  Scorpion Pose. I have still yet to master it and it is my favorite thing to work on, it feels exhilarating! It combines two of my favorites, backbends and fore arm balances. Gives me courage, faith in my strength and lots of flexibility within it all. It really requires you to focus on that place of balance, it clears the mind because it takes so much focus. And I love a clear mind!

Most challenging part of your practice?  Consistency with DAILY practice. Life gets soooo busy.  

Current book?  Urban Homestead, and Reclaiming Your Sovereign Citizenship.

Movie that changed the way you think?  Gregg Braden : Awakening to Zero Point (YouTube), Celestine Prophecy, and The Secret  

Cause you feel most passionate about?  Individual Sovereignty, Ones Birth Right to common things, Food, Shelter, Water, Land etc…

Retreat place?   Yes that would be nice! I would love to retreat to Jamaica! Or Costa Rica, Some Island, any tropical one will do!  

Comfort food?  Yams, Refried Beans (No Lard of Course) or French Fries!

Person who inspired you most?   Wow, So many people inspire me in so many ways. I would have to say all those great seers, sages, and ancestor who came before and had such a deep and profound respect and love For All of  Nature and everything contained within it. The students I teach also inspire me every time I guide a class, it fills me with spirit when I am in their presence and watching them experience their own spiritual journey…

People want to know…how often do YOU practice?   About 2 or 3 times a week. Not always though!  Having a child has really re-arranged my life! But I am enjoying the ride!  

What ELSE do you do besides Yoga for exercise?   Chase after my son who is now 21 months old and into everything. We go for lots walks and bike rides as well. Gardening seems like an exercise sometimes…love doing that too.

Other hobbies or interests?   Crafting: jewelry, art etc. I also LOVE to Cook!

Dharma has been a Massage Therapist since 2000 having completed her program at Body Mind College in San Diego.  She is also a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist since 2007, graduating from California College of Ayurveda.  She knows her stuff, so check her out for an awesome massage and then get your dosha's balanced!

Dharma's Class Schedule is every Tuesday 3pm & 4:30pm, Wednesday 7:30pm, Friday 5:45pm,  and Sunday 9:00am

Pat is our Pilates instructor and combines her yoga training into her classes.  

Hometown & Childhood ambition?  Long Beach.  There were only 3 choices in the olden days: nurse, secretary or teacher....I chose teacher

First Pilates class & most influetial teacher? 1996 and finished the training in 2000 with Marie-Jose Blom of the Long Beach Dance Conditioning.   (Yoga...1992 Yoga Center in Costa Mesa.  Baron Baptiste & Rolf Gates)

When did you realize you wanted to teach Pilates & yoga?  After being a runner for 25 yrs. and aquiring bad back pain, I tried Pilates and didn't get it at first.  So I emersed myself into it and did the training to better my aches and pains.  I didn't know I wanted to teach -  I just fell into it and LOVE it.

Favorite pose and why?  Warrior (1-2-3)-- I feel empowered.  For Pilates I like mat better than reformer or chair because you can add yoga to it.  I like the flexibility and spirituality of yoga and the strengthening and athleticism of Pilates.  Pilates came from Yoga poses.

Most challenging part of your practice?  Back Bends - can't do them.

Current book?  A Yankee in Mexican Califronia:  Abel Stearns

Cause you feel most passionate about?  Fitness for people (including children) of all ages

Retreat place?  Mammoth

Comfort food?  cookies

Person who inspired you most?    Betty Sunofsky-she is my hero!

People want to know...how often do YOU practice?    not as much as I'd like to because I'm working a lot- but try to do 3-5x per week.

What else do you do besides Pilates for exercise?   walk, zumba, yoga, gym, ski, golf, tennis

Other hobbies or interests?    sew, knit, quilt, ceramics, paint (oil)

Hometown & childhood ambition:  I was born in Lakenheath, Suffolk, England., but we lived all over.  A lot of my youth was spent in Las Vegas, Nevada.  As a kid, I wanted to be an architect.

First Yoga class & most influential teacher?   I took yoga once when I was in college and disliked it (we never got off the floor).  I later found a teacher named Roz and fell in LOVE with the asana side of yoga.  Now I love EVERYTHING about it.

When did you realize you wanted to teach yoga?  My teacher suggested I become a teacher.  So I went to a training and loved it.

Favorite pose and why?  Dancer (Natarajasana) because it is a balance and a great quad stretch.

Most challenging part of your practice?   Making time to take other people's classes.

Current book?  Integral Yoga:  The Yoga Sutrasof Pantanjali, but Sri Swami Satchidananada (I am reading it as a part of YogaFit training Level 4) 

 Cause you fell most passionate about?  I feel passionate about the humane society for animals, but I must admit that I don't do enough to help out.

Retreat place?  Huntington Beach Library & Park

Comfort food?  Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

Person who inspired you most?  My sister.  She's not afraid of anything; a real go-getter.

People want to know...how often do YOU practice?  I teach Yoga 4 days a week and do most of it during class.   

What else do you do besides Yoga for exercise?  Cardio Kickbox, step aerobics, free weights, set class, dance classes, hiking.

Other hobbies or interests?  Theater for kids--I love directing musicals (this year we are doing "Oklahoma" see http://dms.schoolloop.com/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1225554306490).  I also direct a show choir.  In the summer I enjoy camping, traveling and taking dance classes.  Oh-and I write fiction books, Chick Lit. (If anyone knows a good literary agent, send them my way.)

If you haven't tried Erin's Core Yoga class yet, I suggest you do!  I have often told Erin that she should make a video...she speaks flawlessly, describes things well and makes it all look so effortless!   Andrea Testa