About Kat
I’ve been told by countless people that they didn’t think they liked yoga until they took a class with me.
Bio
Photo by Kylie BellardAfter I retired from Gotham Girls Roller Derby, yoga was the last thing I expected to find on the other side. I mean, I liked skating and hitting people, and yoga is boring in comparison…right?
After I found a class called Yoga Fight Club and started practicing regularly, I realized just how unbalanced roller derby had made my body. My left abdominal muscles were weaker than my right, my back was unhappy, my hips felt tight, and I had limited upper body strength. You might be able to relate to some of those things!
After I completed my yoga teacher training, I realized that I could help skaters like you and me to feel more balanced, stronger, and more flexible. I started Flat Mat Yoga in 2014, and since then have taught individual skaters, leagues, and at Northeast Derby Convention and RollerCon.
Flat Mat is growing beyond derby to rock climbing and running: my current physical activities. Though when I’m not doing those, you’ll still find me at local rinks and skate parks, or snuggling with my pitbull!
Qualifications
Photo by Kylie Bellard2016:
Therapeutic Yoga Intensive
Kinesiology of Yoga
Pain-Free Yoga: Essential Biomechanics for Asana
2015:
The Science of Stretching
Balance Your Hips, Free Your Spine Intensive
Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain
Sacroiliac Joints & Shoulders Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training
2014:
Forrest Yoga Continuing Education for Teachers
2013:
Yoga Behind Bars Teacher Training
Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga
2012:
The Art and Science of Sequencing
Zen of Touch: Traditional Thai Massage Workshop
2011:
Hands-On Assists Training
200-hour Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training (Amanda Wentworth and Holly Coles)
2009-2010:
Team Manager, Bronx Gridlock
2007-2008:
Skater, Gotham Girls Roller Derby (Bronx Gridlock and Wall Street Traitors)
Teaching Style
Photo by Tony FelgueirasI teach adventurous, mindful, and unpretentious yoga. I firmly believe that anyone can do yoga; you don’t need to be super strong or impossibly flexible.
When you take one of my classes, expect to play with your edge, whether that’s trying new poses or slowing waaaaaaay down. Get ready to pay attention to your breath, how you use your hands and feet, and how you align your body. Be open to learning something new about how your body moves that you might not have known before.
And most importantly, know that you don’t have to look a certain way, wear the “right clothes”, or do anything that makes you physically or emotionally uncomfortable.
All you need to do is show up and be willing to explore.
Bio
Photo by Kylie BellardAfter I retired from Gotham Girls Roller Derby, yoga was the last thing I expected to find on the other side. I mean, I liked skating and hitting people, and yoga is boring in comparison…right?
After I found a class called Yoga Fight Club and started practicing regularly, I realized just how unbalanced roller derby had made my body. My left abdominal muscles were weaker than my right, my back was unhappy, my hips felt tight, and I had limited upper body strength. You might be able to relate to some of those things!
After I completed my yoga teacher training, I realized that I could help skaters like you and me to feel more balanced, stronger, and more flexible. I started Flat Mat Yoga in 2014, and since then have taught individual skaters, leagues, and at Northeast Derby Convention and RollerCon.
Flat Mat is growing beyond derby to rock climbing and running: my current physical activities. Though when I’m not doing those, you’ll still find me at local rinks and skate parks, or snuggling with my pitbull!
Qualifications
Photo by Kylie Bellard2016:
Therapeutic Yoga Intensive
Kinesiology of Yoga
Pain-Free Yoga: Essential Biomechanics for Asana
2015:
The Science of Stretching
Balance Your Hips, Free Your Spine Intensive
Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain
Sacroiliac Joints & Shoulders Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training
2014:
Forrest Yoga Continuing Education for Teachers
2013:
Yoga Behind Bars Teacher Training
Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga
2012:
The Art and Science of Sequencing
Zen of Touch: Traditional Thai Massage Workshop
2011:
Hands-On Assists Training
200-hour Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training (Amanda Wentworth and Holly Coles)
2009-2010:
Team Manager, Bronx Gridlock
2007-2008:
Skater, Gotham Girls Roller Derby (Bronx Gridlock and Wall Street Traitors)
Teaching Style
Photo by Tony FelgueirasI teach adventurous, mindful, and unpretentious yoga. I firmly believe that anyone can do yoga; you don’t need to be super strong or impossibly flexible.
When you take one of my classes, expect to play with your edge, whether that’s trying new poses or slowing waaaaaaay down. Get ready to pay attention to your breath, how you use your hands and feet, and how you align your body. Be open to learning something new about how your body moves that you might not have known before.
And most importantly, know that you don’t have to look a certain way, wear the “right clothes”, or do anything that makes you physically or emotionally uncomfortable.
All you need to do is show up and be willing to explore.