Debbie Lai: Movement for the Whole Self
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About Me
About My Pilates
About My Yoga

 

About Me

PicturePhoto by Melanie Reynard
I am a recent transplant from NYC and am a San Francisco based yoga and Pilates instructor. I like to cook, and I have two rescued miniature poodle-mixes who light up my life. I love being upside down and finding ways to fly.

A former policy analyst, I discovered yoga in Southern California while attending graduate school. What started out as an attempt to gain flexibility and strength in the body has turned into a journey to practice kindness, self-acceptance, and happiness. I reluctantly came to Pilates for rehabilitation, but ended up falling in love with the method.

I believe that we are all little sparklers waiting to realize our potential. My objective is to cultivate mindfulness and self-acceptance through a methodological, compassionate, and challenging yoga or Pilates practice. My yoga classes are inspired by the therapeutic and alignment focus of the Iyengar tradition, as well as the physicality and breath-based sequences of the Ashtanga tradition. I also teach restorative classes that encourage the body to let go of tension passively. My Pilates classes focus on developing functional strength and movement in the body, and are inspired by teachers from both the classical and contemporary lineages. I have taught in studios, gyms, people's homes, condo buildings, corporate offices, public events, and even on the beach. 

I am so grateful to all of my teachers who have guided me along my path and helped me grow.  A special thank you goes out to my husband; I would never have had the courage to take this journey without his support. I also want to acknowledge my incredible friends and students who constantly energize and amaze me.  

I hope to see you on the mat. Come practice with me, and we will have fun!

Love,
Debbie


 

About My Pilates

Picture
Photo by Emily Abramson
 My Pilates classes are focused on developing functional movement.  Many injuries are caused by asymmetries in the body, and Pilates can aid in the rehabilitation process. Together, we can find ways to alter the movement patterns in the body so that the overused muscles can relax, and the under-utilized muscles can strengthen. Sessions can be designed around a variety of goals, such as supporting an injury recovery effort or increasing the tone in your core muscles. I am certified to teach Pilates mat, equipment, and Prenatal classes through Yogaworks, a Pilates Method Alliance certified program. I specialize in working with those with musculoskeletal issues, such as scoliosis, or other special conditions, such as pregnancy. I have studied under teachers that come from a wide array of trainings, including the Kane School, Stott Pilates, and Romana Kryzanowska, one of the original Pilates teachers in the United States. 

 

About My Yoga

I have over 600 hours of trainings through Yogaworks and Pure Yoga in California and New York City, and was a member of the Yogaworks teacher training team as a teaching assistant in NYC. My yoga classes are informed by a mindfulness practice as well as my continued studies and evolving understanding of human anatomy.  I teach vinyasa (flow-based), hatha (slower and static), and restorative (relaxation focused) classes.  Developing mindfulness can start with attention to the physical body.  As a teacher, I am here to help guide you from the outside in. Whether you want a tutorial on getting into a handstand or learning how to relax, I can help.  I have experience working with students with hip replacements, scoliosis, and limited mobility, as well as students working to deepen their personal asana practice. My mentors include Maty Ezraty, Paula Liberis, Chrissy Carter, and Heather Seiniger. 
Picture
Photo by Melanie Reynard
Picture
Photo by Melanie Reynard
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  • About
    • ABOUT ME
    • TESTIMONIALS
  • CLASSES
  • 1:1
  • PRE/POSTNATAL
    • ABOUT PRE/POSTNATAL SESSIONS
    • PRENATAL POSTURE GUIDE (FREE)
    • POSTNATAL POSTURE AND EXERCISE GUIDE (FREE)
  • Connect