Young Yoga Instructor Inspires with Humor, Toughness
Christie McClure, 12, of Land O' Lakes is the youngest person in the U.S. with 500 hours of certification.
She may be young, but she will work you over on the mat.
Christie McClure, 12, of Land O' Lakes, is the youngest person in the country to have a 500-hour yoga teaching certification, she said.
"I started yoga when I was 5 years old in Ohio, I went every time my mom went. I thought yoga was so cool and fun that I instantly fell in love with it," Christie said.
She practiced in Ohio for three years, and eventually the family moved to Florida, where she, along with her mom, began training for their certifications.
"My second 5-day I was very sick and my mom asked me if we should just go home and wait until I have gotten better but I said no I will work even harder and longer," Christie said. "She was shocked that I didn’t give up. The most important thing that I have learned is whatever happens in life, happens and you always want to live in the present moment. Another thing is you never give up."
Soon the young yoga master will take on a teaching position at Florida Power Yoga, her mother's new studio, which is opening Feb. 2.
The soon-to-open studio hosted a pre-opening event recently, which drew 65 participants to an outdoor party style yoga session. That was Christie's teaching debut in Land O' Lakes, her mom, Denice McClure, said.
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"There was some laughter before I went up to teach," Christie said. But that didn't last long.
"She took control of the class and drove people to dig deeper with humor, style and toughness," McClure said. "She is inspiring just to watch."
Being so young does have its challenges, but it also has its rewards, Christie has learned.
"The biggest challenge was (if) people take me seriously or think of me as a kid, but then I realized that maybe I could bring something different to their practice like experiencing more childlike play than seriousness, and I have taught lots of adult classes and I find once they are safe in my hands they start to become more playful," Christie said.
"The best part is that I get to see everyone that I teach grow."
Louise F Bucci
11:10 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
So cool Christie and so proud of you. You are an inspiration to the young, young at heart and your peers. Way to go.
KImbrogno
11:16 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
Amazing Christie. We are so proud of you. Can't wait to show Ashley. You are such an inspiration to everyone around you.
Ashley
12:41 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
I am so proud that you are my cousin Christie. You have accomplished so much in a such a small period of time not just with your yoga which is an unbelievable accomplishment but in everything you do. The fact that you are so amazing at doing something you love inspires me. Way to go and congratulations on a job well done.
Your cousin,
Ashley
Michelle Harris McClure
6:16 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Awesome story, Christie!
Uncle Chris, Aunt Michelle & family
Tina McDermott
10:50 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Congrats on the great article Christie! Wishing you the best in your new teaching spot at the new studio!
Bonita Lalli
10:54 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
Such an amazing accomplishment at such an early time in your life. To have something you love to do, as well as a shared love with your mother is an amazing bond. I know both you and your mom will bring great health benefits to many your teach as well as creating a feel-good atmosphere that will keep people coming back. Good luck in your new adventure, I'm so proud of you and the tenacity you have shown in pushing through a 500 hour class through your own personal perseverance. You are a true testament to your peers that if you truly want something, you can attain it no matter what the age. Congrats go out to you, Sis, as well, for being there through the many travels to help Christie accomplish this goal. I wish you both much success in your new adventure. Go Florida Power Yogs! Love Aunt Bonnie
Kellie Lin Knott
10:55 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
Christie - you are a rockstar! Keep sharing & teaching. We were so lucky to have you join us at Midwest Power Yoga for 200 Hour with Debbie. You'll have to come and teach a workshop with us sometime!
traci
1:55 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Christie!!!! you are a rockstar superstar and I can not wait to see you soon. You inspire me to be a better teacher!!! Keep it up darlin!!!!! I am so blessed to have you in my life!!!!!! XOXO T