Emery Bryant

I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2002. In the years following the completion of my Bachelor’s Degree my attention focused on yoga as well as other forms of movement and exercise. My love of learning was satisfied with numerous certifications, hands-on training and employment in the fitness industry. I draw from my science education and years of experience teaching fitness classes to ensure every yoga session addresses the individual needs of the students in a safe and effective manner. In 2007, I earned an RYT 200 yoga instructor certification in the VariYoga style. VairYoga was developed by the collaborative effort of Andrea Fournet and Bryan Fowler of the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville, AR. VariYoga (short for “variety”) was born from Andrea’s and Bryan’s 25 years combined teaching experience and is influenced by the styles of Iyengar, Anusara and Viniyoga, creating a non-dogmatic practice that recognizes“one size does not fit all”. In my yoga classes I draw from this well rounded training to help students, particularly beginners, modify the practice to suit their individual needs. After many years and hundreds of hours on the mat as a student and teacher, I found myself looking for ways to deepen my personal practice both externally, exploring the limits of my physical capabilities, as well as internally, developing stronger mental concentration and focus.  What I found was Ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga (the original “Power Yoga”) is a very dynamic, focused, and vigorous style of yoga; sure to challenge even the most seasoned athlete or dedicated yogi.  Since completing the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Teacher Training course with Wade and Kathleen Mortenson of Maya Yoga in Kansas City, I enjoy helping motivated students take their yoga practice and fitness level to new heights.  My most recent yoga certification has taught me to apply my knowledge and experience to the demanding needs of a specific population; collegiate athletes. Thanks to my Power Yoga for Sports training and 300 RYT certificate under the tutelage of  Gwen Lawrence, yoga instructor to the New York Giants and countless other professional athletes, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with numerous university athletic programs.  The physical and mental demands placed on young competitive athletes are great and the benefits of a regular yoga practice are apparent.  I lead teams such as volleyball, basketball, swimming & diving, softball and golf in sport specific yoga sessions to compliment their training regimen.  Both the coaches and student athletes alike are seeing the positive effects of yoga on flexibility, balance, core stability, injury prevention and mental focus paying off on the court, field, or in the pool! In addition to teaching yoga in a studio setting, private lessons and as part of an athletic department I also serve as a faculty member at Missouri State University teaching yoga in the university setting. This position allows me to introduce students not only to the physical practice of yoga asana, but also, to the rich history and intriguing philosophy behind the practice in its many forms. Although yoga always has been, and continues to be, my first love as well as my area of specialty, my training and experience in various other fitness modalities has deepened my understanding of exercise physiology and made me a better yoga instructor.  As a Pilates instructor, TRX Suspension Training instructor, SilverSneakers instructor and certified personal trainer with the YMCA of the USA I work with a wide range of clients from pre-teens to retirees, from the inactive to the fitness enthusiast.  No two bodies are alike but everyone can benefit from an individualized and intelligently constructed yoga practice. “10+ years after embarking on my yoga journey I find that, even though I’m consistently growing stronger, increasing flexibility and gaining balance, when it comes to my yoga practice (or life for that matter) the challenges never cease, the awakening is never complete, and there is always something more to discover…that’s what draws me back to the mat day after day.” –Emery Bryant