Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been practicing yoga?
I'm 58, so over 47 years. As a gradeschooler in the late 70s, I had the kind of strength, flexibility, and balance that enabled me to secure my legs behind my head and walk on my hands. Our gym teacher taught us Shoulderstand, which I do today before every class. In 2011, I went on a pilgrimage to visit 14 temples and mosques in India that resulted in a deep connection with my Hindu god Ganesha. I made a commitment to Bikram Yoga in 2014 because of its brutally honest, regimented way of developing the mind, body, and soul. I've trained with many of the greats in the yoga world, including Zefea Samson, Tony Sanchez, Ida Ripley, Scott and Ida Jo Lamps, and Esak Garcia. I was part of a very special Jedi Fight Club training where all 20 participants completed the training in its entirety. I'm also a brown belt in aikido and a USA Archery Level 2 Instructor. As a youth, I studied at the world-renowned Chinese Kung-Fu Wu-Su Temple founded by Grandmaster Alan Lee.

Do you train others?
Yes! I am a certified USA Yoga coach and athlete. I can provide expert instruction and private classes for yoga students of all levels in 26+2, Core 40, I.R.I.S., yin yoga, therapeutic yoga, archery, and martial arts. I own a dedicated space in downtown Philadelphia with free parking for 1-1 or small group classes and have equipment for flexibility testing, abdominal conditoning, and back massage. If you are interested in 1-1 training over Zoom, we can do so for a very reasonable rate.

What is the best way to learn yoga?
Most of us don't have the means to afford private instruction, so the next best thing is to take studio yoga classes. The problems with classes are some can be pretty large and some teachers are more skilled or experienced than others, so your ability to learn and understand the yoga's details will vary from class to class. I recommend attending as many small classes (under ten students) as possible so your teachers really get to know you and follow your progress. You will never learn yoga effectively if you are a fly on the wall in a large class.

Which yoga teachers are your greatest influences?
The following chart shows the teachers who've been my greatest influences. Some of these people have spent extra time with me in or outside of class. Some are great motivators while others have taught me to be more calm. These great teachers taught me what I know so that I can better serve my students. The bubbles closest to me are the teachers who've had the greatest influence on me.

I encourage everyone to create their own guru bubbles chart. Together we can show the world who helped shape us into the person we are today.

Can you lose weight with yoga?
Yes, but yoga is only one piece of the puzzle. If you want to lose weight, let's say ten pounds, you need to condition yourself to eat like someone who weighs ten pounds less than you. If you stray from that habit and eat as much as you currently do or more, you will not lose any weight and will likely gain more. If you don't want to change your eating habits, you have to do more fitness activities. I push myself incredibly hard, to the point of total exhaustion and physical depletion. The people I see with the greatest physical changes are the ones who've done the same.

What do you say to people who think that Bikram Yoga isn't real yoga?
I wouldn't rely on the opinions of anyone who hasn't taken over 1,000 classes of anything.

How do you feel about someone who has completed a 30-Day or even a 365-Day Challenge?
It is a blessing to hear of someone who is serious enough about something to make that commitment.

Are you super-flexible?
No, and I feel that that should not be the end goal of your yoga practice. I'm strong first, flexible second. Pound for pound, I'm probably one of the strongest yoginis out there and that enables me to do the interesting flourishes I do in Eagle, Triangle, Tree, Toe, Root, and Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee.

What is your book, Yoga Building Blocks, about?
Yoga Building Blocks allows readers to experience a progressive yoga routine based on their skill level. Students will learn elements of Bikram Method Yoga, Tony Sanchez's Core 40, and aikido and how these movement arts can be joined together to create a synthesized whole. You can order the book online from Barnes & Noble.

What is your book, Breathe Believe Do, about?
Breathe Believe Do is a guide that describes how my fitness journey led me down a path of introspection and eventually competition in one of the most challenging and controversial sports in the world. I provide principles and techniques that you can apply to any sport or activity so that you can achieve your very best. You can order the book in several formats from Amazon.

What have you accomplished in yoga?
• 250-hour teacher training, Evolation Yoga and RYT 200 Yoga Alliance designation, 2015
• Yin Yoga teacher training, Corina Benner of Wakeup Yoga, 2015
• Core 40 and 45 teacher training, Tony Sanchez of Yogic Physical Culture Academy, 2017
• I.R.I.S. Intermediate Series teacher training, Ida Ripley, 2017
• Ghosh Yoga training, Ida Jo and Scott Lamps, 2018
• Author of "Yoga Building Blocks," 2019
• 300-hour teacher training, Pranakriya Yoga and RYT 500 Yoga Alliance designation, 2020
• Jedi Fight Club with Esak Garcia, 2020
• USA Yoga certified coach, 2021
• Author of "Breathe Believe Do," 2024

• 6th place, IYSF World Yoga Championship 2020
• 7th place, IYSF World Yoga Championship 2021
• Silver Medal, USA Yoga Regional Championship 2022
• Bronze Medal, AYSF World Yoga Championship 2022
• Gold Medal, IYF World Yoga Championship 2022
• Silver Medal, USA Yoga Regional Championship 2023
• Bronze Medal, USA Yoga National Championship 2023
• Gold Medal, IYF World Yoga Championship 2023
• Silver Medal, USA Yoga Regional Championship 2024
• 6th place, IYSF World Yoga Championship 2025
• Gold Medal, USA Yoga Regional Championship 2025
• Silver Medal, IYF World Yoga Championship 2025

• Coached Tico Betancourt to two Silver Medals, USA Yoga Regional Championship 2023, 2025
• Coached three athletes for the USA Yoga National Championship 2025

Dana Trixie Flynn teaches a Lotus Flow class at Namas Day 2015

Yoganand Michael Carroll with students from Meditation: Theory & Teaching, January 2016

Half-Tortoise with Tony Sanchez on my back! March 2017

Eight Angle, January 2019

Jedi Fight Club training, September 2020

Eight Angle at the USA Yoga National Championship, August 2022

Coaching Silver Medalist Tico Betancourt for the USA Yoga Northeast Regional Championship, March 2023