Megan Protz

We are excited to introduce you to our December instructor feature Megan Protz. Since her first experience with yoga when she was 12, Megan has grown to love and value the practice. She's found it has changed her perspective on how she views herself and the world and she's committed to sharing that knowledge with her students. When you leave her class you can expect to have worked up a sweat, but also feel refreshed and relaxed. 

As part of our instructor series, we sat down with Megan to chat about where her love from yoga stemmed from, what she loves about teaching and what her best advice is for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Can you describe your first experience with yoga? What was it like?

My first experience with yoga was when i was 12 years old. I stole my moms yoga tapes and did them in the basement of my parents house. It was interesting because I would only really do the postures that at the time I found felt good to me and then half goofed off when my mom was there doing it with me. At the time, I couldn't wrap my head around these mellow breathing techniques that now I find so much value and benefit in.

What made you fall in love with yoga?

I think the love for yoga came from my very athletic background growing up, I did biathlon, soccer and swam on my high school team, It mostly allowed my body to stay mobile while I was doing all of these activities like a supplement to keep my body in motion and allow for my mobility to stay up. It was all about the physical discovery at the beginning which I think draws a lot of people to yoga and now it has transpired into a natural acceptance, curiosity and love of the flow of mind and body together as a whole.

Who inspires you?

People. In general how authentic and genuine every innate human being is and how they will have a certain path, journey, Iliad that they will be on. It's how everything within the human experience is felt; how resilient and expansive EVERY individual truly is to everything that happens.

Where/when did you take your teaching certification?

I did my initial 200 hour teacher training in 2014 here in Calgary at Yoga Passage, then I went on to take my 300 Hour teacher training in Vancouver at the Vancouver School of Yoga in 2014- 2015 . I am currently enrolled at Mt Royal University taking my 3000 hour Yoga Therapy teacher training at the moment (2017-2019).

What was the biggest take-away from that?

At the moment, is Space; in the body, mind, spiritual world and growth from within that space. How the Gunas move and constantly revolve within that space, how the 8 limbs of yoga ignite within these spaces, and how resilient and capable people are. I also think I am learning how to be kinder and more gentle with myself too within all these yogic teachings. We are so GOSH DARN hard on ourselves for absolutely no reason.

What can students expect when they come to your classes?

I hope they can take away some internal and external softness with regards to how they view themselves and how the experience and perceive the outer world, as well as hopefully working up a rocking sweat or leaving serious restored and relaxed.

What has been the most rewarding part of being an instructor of yoga?

Most challenging? I think the most rewarding part is giving people an experience, whether I am unsheathing it from within them or discovering something new about themselves (emotionally, physically, spiritually) or maybe creating space for a different possible outlook on life and how they navigate their experiences. Honestly for me... right now... I don't know if I have a difficult part of being a yoga instructor, I think maybe listening to when people say 'I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible", but I think every teacher can relate to that. It is like hearing " I can't learn Spanish, I don't know Spanish". It's a practice and the relaying of that understanding that it is a constant practice, on and off the mat.

What is your best advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

LISTEN! To your body, and to your intuition. Notice what it craves the most. It will tell you what you need. A class, stretch, walk, jog, spin, snowboard, boxing, nature, vegetables, wine, chocolate, water, cuddles, space, and most importantly Nature! Get out to those big beautiful mountains that we are so lucky to have in our backyard!

What are your goals this year? Personal, Work, Growth etc.

Continue with my schooling, potentially start building my own teacher training program, maybe build some workshop style classes, maybe lead some retreats, start a Wellness Consulting business, travel... not sure where yet, continue my path of yogic discovery, maybe build a website, maybe adopt ten dogs. The list is a vast one for me at the moment and I can't wait to soak up every minute of it!

Where & when can we check out your classes?

At the moment I am teaching Yoga and Spin at Soul Studios down at 5126 126 Ave SE in Calgary. I am also co-teaching Yoga Thrive this winter through the Holy Cross centre. I am also open to taking private clients as well for yoga therapy. If anyone is interested please e-mail me at yogimegs93@gmail.com

Photos by Kolby @ Simply Modern Marketing

Shop Meg's looks here