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Wife, Mom, Yogi, and more
Hi, I’m Julia. I’m a 500 hour certified yoga teacher, C-IAYT certified yoga therapist, and NASM certified personal trainer. I'm interested in helping spread a little more joy to this world. I’m a wife and busy mom of three boys. I believe that yoga is more than simply poses or "exercise". My personal desire is to help women learn to practice self-compassion, self-care, and connect to their authentic selves through the practice of yoga.
I received my 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher certificates through My Vinyasa Practice (based in Austin, TX). I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Integrative Studies - Human Services and Sociology - from Kennesaw State University. I have special interests in trauma informed yoga, core and pelvic floor yoga therapy, prenatal and postnatal yoga, chronic pain management, and neurodiversity.
My personal journey with yoga began four years ago during my third pregnancy. I had developed disordered eating and compulsive exercise habits postpartum. When my recovery required that I take a break from running and high intensity exercise, yoga became my top joyful movement. It was during this time that the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga became very important in my life. My hope is that through my experiences, I can help other women learn to view themselves compassionately, as more than bodies, and find their own joyful movement in personal yoga practice.
Yoga Training & Certificates
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - online. Michelle Young, My Vinyasa Practice, Austin, TX
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - online. Michelle Young, My Vinyasa Practice, Austin TX
Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Yoga - online. Dr. Arielle Schwartz for the Embody Lab
Continuing Education certifications in Trauma-informed Yoga, Adaptive Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga - Michelle Young, My Vinyasa Practice, Austin, TX
Mindfulness Coaching Certification - online. Michelle Young, My Vinyasa Practice, Austin, TX
Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification - Michelle Young, My Vinyasa Practice, Austin, TX
NASM Personal Trainer Certification
About Embrace Joy Yoga
I chose the name “Embrace Joy” because it is my hope that the content on this blog and website will help you embrace joy through the movement of yoga. Whether you are a busy parent, student, professional, or simply someone needing a little extra self-care, I am happy to provide a place where you can experience joyful movement and peace for your mind and soul. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
I have trained in a few different styles of yoga, including Vinyasa (flow), Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, and Adaptive yoga. My passion is for everyone to be able to do yoga, regardless of body size, shape, race, age, or any other factor. I believe that yoga has benefits that go behind simply stretching and flexibility. Yoga can be a stress relief, help our bodies and minds heal from trauma, and help us nourish our souls. I teach from a trauma-informed perspective, and also through a body neutrality lens. My teaching style is through a Health at Every Size perspective, meaning I believe healthy looks different on everyone, and I do not teach yoga as a means to promote weight loss. I have a special interest in helping active women who are healing from disordered eating and body image issues through physical yoga practices (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and mindfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
I teach a variety of yoga styles. My yoga teacher training covered Vinyasa (also called "flow"), Yin, Restorative, Trauma Informed, Adaptive yoga (yoga using props, walls, chairs, etc.) and Yoga Nidra. Most of the videos you will find on this blog are what I consider slow-flow or gentle Vinyasa, as well as Yin.
You do not need any special equipment to start practicing yoga. I do recommend investing in a yoga mat. However, you can use a towel or thick blanket in place of a mat. Other props that may be useful are yoga blocks, yoga straps, and bolsters. However, you do not absolutely need those props to do most of my yoga videos. If I specify a video uses props, and you do not have any, I will give alternatives for items that can be used (I.E. a thick book in place of a yoga block or a tie or scarf in place of a strap).
On my blog and on my YouTube channel, I do have some free yoga videos.
At this time, I do not offer live classes. If you are interested in hosting group therapeutic yoga sessions for your team or your business, please email me at julia@embracejoyyoga.com
