About Val
Valerie Basile Grunther is a 200 hour experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT) with the Yoga Alliance. Teaching since 2006. Teaches corporate, chair, private and semi-private lessons in the central New Jersey area; as well as instructs at various yoga studios. Specializations, chair yoga, osteoporosis, low back pain, chronic illnesses, alignment based yoga flow vinyasa
Inspired by Practice
Valerie Basile Grunther E-RYT
I LOVE TEACHING YOGA!! I have worked and trained to attain a 200 hour experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT) certification through the Yoga Alliance and I've been teaching since 2006. I teach corporate, chair, private and semi-private lessons in the Phoenix metropolitan area; as well as instruct at various yoga studios. I have specialties in teaching yoga for osteoporosis, low back pain and sciatica, chronic illnesses and alignment based yoga flow.
I began my yoga practice in 2001 looking for an enjoyable and safer way to keep in shape. Prior to yoga, I did mostly aerobic exercise that took a toll on my knees and joints and I never really enjoyed any of it. But a healthy lifestyle was important to me. I had a friend suggest taking some yoga classes and I decided to give it a try. At first, yoga was a bit odd to me and so different from the conditioning I was used to. However, I stuck with it, experienced a number of different teachers and classes, and it gradually began to grow on me. I always felt physically and mentally content after a practice and noticed how my strength and flexibility improved in a relatively short period of time. I felt so good all around from practicing yoga, feeling better and healthier than when I was 20 years old! I made it a part of my life, regularly practicing 4 to 5 days a week.
At that point in my life, I was also undergoing yet another career dilemma (many experienced since graduating college). After doing some inner reflection, I clearly saw my calling - becoming a yoga teacher. I simply wanted to share with others the incredible benefits of yoga. I searched for an appropriate teacher training program and decided to train with Jimmy Barkan in Florida, completing a two part extensive training program in the summer and fall of 2007 earning my 200 hour certification with The Yoga Alliance. It was an amazing experience! This was only the beginning for me as I continue to attend workshops, conferences, and read diligently about the many yoga philosophies and practices. My studies have continued with Jason Ray Brown, Leslie Kaminoff, Alison West, Dr. Loren Fishman, Julia Hough, Tom Meyers, Jillian Pransky and Elise Miller.
Outside of yoga, I have a wonderful husband Jeff, and a family of two incredibly spoiled cats Bella and Leo that I love too much! I enjoy traveling, gardening, reading, good food, and spending time with family and friends.
It is so rewarding to see the positive transformation that evolves with my students from their practice. Yoga has certainly transformed my life physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a way of life for me. I know that yoga can do this for every body. Why not give it a try?
