Becoming a Yoga Teacher at 50+: A New Beginning

Welcome to Vita Statera Wellness ! Today, I want to share my personal story regarding how I found my way back to yoga—and why I decided to sign-up for yoga teacher training.

On my other website and YouTube Channel, Provenance Preservation, I have shared my Functional Health Journey, reviews of no alcohol beverage alternatives, gardening, canning and cooking. I am passionate about lifestyle changes and aligning the mind and body through intentional movement and meditation, which ultimately led to me starting this website.

But how does yoga fit in? Yoga has been an on-again, off-again passion of mine for years.

My Introduction to Yoga

I started practicing yoga many years ago when we were living in downtown Chicago. At the time, I was training for marathons and spending hours pounding the pavement. I would also head to the gym with my husband for weight training. I remember peeking into the yoga studio at my gym, curious but unsure. Eventually, I gave it a try and thoroughly enjoyed the classes.

Initially I used yoga as a cross-training tool—something to complement my running routine and keep me flexible. However, I soon realized yoga helped balance my body. Leaving class, I had the strange sensation that I was taller. My running posture improved, I gained flexibility, and it offered a calm, grounding contrast to all the miles I was logging.

Life Happened and Yoga Faded

But like many things, yoga (and marathons) fell away during a busy season of life. We moved out of the city, took on a major home renovation (painting, sanding, staining, landscaping—all the DIY things), and the yoga practice that had become such a grounding force in my life disappeared.

Years later, in my new hometown, I became curious about the yoga classes at the local gym we had joined. I started attending yoga classes again—but they were crowded, noisy, and lacked the serene energy I remembered. So, I found a local studio and once again yoga became a regular ritual… until the pandemic hit.

Yoga in a New Form

Like so many, I pivoted during COVID. Thankfully, my studio went virtual and I was able to practice in my home. I began exploring online yoga and stumbled upon an entire world of teachers, styles, and even meditation. I was exposed to flows filmed in peaceful homes or studios and breathtaking natural settings. Some were purely physical; others were deeply spiritual.

And slowly, I began to wonder: What if I didn’t just practice yoga—what if I signed up for teacher training to deepen my practice even further with the possibility of teaching?

Why Teacher Training?

My background as a scientist and mentor made this transition feel natural. I’ve spent years teaching, training, and guiding others professionally. Pairing these skills with my passion for yoga felt like the right step.

Of course, my dream teacher training would have taken place oceanside in Costa Rica or Bali (who doesn’t dream of yoga with the sound of waves and a beautiful tropical setting?). However, with a full-time job and real-life responsibilities, I needed something flexible and practical.

I explored many options—local weekend immersions, multi-month in-person trainings—but none quite worked with my life. That’s when I found Soma Yoga Institute.

A Perfect Fit: Soma Yoga Institute

Soma Yoga Institute offered the best of both worlds: flexible, online training with real human connection. It felt holistic, not just focused on poses, but also pranayama (breathwork), meditation, yoga philosophy, and even the business side of yoga. Soma also had great reviews from previous students. I officially began the 200-hour online therapeutic yoga teacher training certification program on September 1st, 2023 and completed my training in April 2024. I am so happy I made this commitment.

What makes Soma special is the balance:

• Weekly cohort meetings with a small group of fellow students.
• One-on-one mentorship for guidance, feedback, and support.
• A practice partner to rehearse teaching and build confidence.
• Independent coursework that fit my schedule, whether early mornings or late nights.

During the training, I focused on expanding my knowledge and experience with:

• Alignment: Understanding how every part of my body moves and connects.
• Sequencing: Learning how to create flows that feel natural and nourishing.
• Meditation: Deepening this stillness practice and integrating it more regularly.

It was a hybrid experience that fit my life—and that’s what allowed me to complete the training.

Training Completed. What am I doing now?

As I progressed through my yoga teacher training, I enjoyed personal growth but also the possibility of sharing what I learned with others. Recently, I have begun leading casual classes with friends—creating space for connection, movement, and support. I am also using this training as a way to give back, offering donation-based classes to raise funds for causes close to my heart. This includes local dog rescue organizations and other community-based efforts. It has been incredibly fulfilling to combine my passion for wellness with a purpose beyond myself, and I look forward to expanding these offerings as my journey continues.

If you’re curious about yoga, functional health, or even just what it looks like to try something new in midlife—I’d love to take you with me on this journey. Maybe I’ll even share my yoga practice with you! I also encourage you to Map out your own wellness journey. Let’s feel our best, prioritize self-care, and build lasting self-confidence to face life’s transitions with courage and clarity.

Thank you for being here.

With gratitude,
Laura