Emery Bryant, MS, E-RYT 500, CPT

My path to becoming a yoga instructor began with a deep interest in the anatomy and physiology of the human body long before I ever took my first yoga class.  My collegiate studies in the fields of Biology & Health Promotion and Wellness Management have provided me with extensive knowledge and understanding of body mechanics. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2002 and a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management in 2020. In the years between the completion of my bachelor’s degree & the master’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 make sure every yoga session addresses the individual needs of the student in a safe and effective manner.

In 2007, I earned an RYT 200 yoga instructor certification in the VariYoga style. VariYoga 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 and dedicated yogi.  Since completing the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Teacher Training course with Kathleen Kastner and Wade 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 training is teaching me to apply my knowledge and experience to the demanding needs of a specific population: athletes. Thanks to my Power Yoga for Sports training and RYT 300 certification 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 fulltime faculty member at MSU teaching yoga in the university setting. This position allows me to introduce students not only to the physical practice of yoga asana, but also, numerous health and wellness courses.

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 an ACSM certified personal trainer and instructor of Pilates, TRX Suspension Training and SilverSneakers, 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.