Tania Jones has a yoga-teaching schedule that makes the toughest athlete look wimpy. Bit by the yoga bug, she began teaching in 2010 and now teaches fulltime vinyasa, Hatha and yin at Moksha studios.
Tania is also a lululemon ambassador and Reiki Master practitioner. Even with her packed days, Tania still exudes a chill and happy demeanor with a little energy under the surface.
We had to ask her: how does she do it?
As a hot yoga teacher, do you ever get TOO hot? How do you cool down?
No, my body has adapted to the heat! If I ever feel too hot, I drink water, or lower the temperature in the room.
With a packed schedule as a full time yoga teacher, how do you keep up your energy?
I try to maintain balance by ensuring that I’m getting the rest that I need, staying hydrated and eating as healthy as possible. I also have a regular personal [yoga] practice. I also believe that meditation and mindfulness are important. I sometimes take as little as 15 minutes to clear my mind, and just those few minutes change my perspective.
You infuse Reiki into your retreats and some of your workshops. What does it mean to be a Reiki master practitioner?
I love being able to share Reiki because of its positive effects. I first started doing Reiki four years ago. I received my training from Colleen Janick.
I treat clients, and I also offer certifications to aspiring practitioners in Levels 1, 2 and 3. Reiki is a healing modality that treats the body, mind, emotions & spirit. It often creates feelings of peace, security and well-being.
What do you do on your off days?
Whenever I do have downtime, I love to read. I'm reading about 5 different books right now! I love checking out new restaurants and trying different foods. I also have a newfound passion for jewelry making.
As a vinyasa instructor was it hard teaching yin in the beginning? Tell us about your yin journey.
Teaching yin was difficult when I first started. Yin is all about stillness, and I struggled with that for a while. I loved that same stillness when practicing, but it was definitely a challenge when guiding a class. I grew to love teaching yin when I realized the class was about the student and holding that same space for them.
What is the most surprising thing that you discovered after becoming a yoga teacher?
I discovered yoga teachers come in all shapes and sizes. I also realized that all teachers are at different phases of their own personal journeys and are definitely not all vegans!
Vegan or not, Tania can be found teaching at Moksha Yoga Pickering and Moksha Yoga Markham.
Sweat with her if you can.
