Click to View Teacher Profile: Cynthia Neilson
An atmosphere of enthusiasm, humor and practical wisdom permeate Cynthia’s Yoga classes. With over 30 years of teaching experience and an uncommon commitment to personal growth, she brings a rare depth and breadth of knowledge to her work that inspires the beginner and advanced student alike.
Cynthia is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and an experienced registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with Yoga Alliance (Registry ID# 8300). She has studied directly with the Iyengar Family and Senior Iyengar Yoga instructors Patricia Walden, Manouso Manos, Faeq Biria, Neeta Data and Gloria Goldberg.
“This Mark is used under license by certificated Iyengar Yoga Teachers world wide to ensure an internationally recognized standard of excellence in teaching. Only the world’s most knowledgeable, rigorously-trained teachers earn Iyengar Yoga Certification.”
She began teaching yoga in Hawaii in 1974, then moved to Europe and taught for four years before settling in Southern California. Currently in her eighth year as a staff instructor at Iyengar Yoga Center of North County in Encinitas, CA. Cynthia is under the guidance of her mentor and Senior Level Iyengar Yoga teacher Carolyn Belko. Cynthia is the Lead Yoga instructor and coordinator for the Yoga program at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point which she initiated in 1995. In addition to coordinating the Yoga program; Cynthia conducts private workshops with individuals and groups in Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and Zumba. She has also taught Yoga and Tai Chi to the National Parkinson’s Association for three years and has been affiliated with the association for ten years.
In addition to her extensive yoga training, Cynthia’s considerable knowledge of body-mind integration has been informed by complimentary areas of study, practice and teaching. Just some of her attainments include (1) International Pilate’s Certification – all levels, (2) Advanced Therapeutics Certification in Thai Massage, (3) Advanced Therapeutics Certification in Lymphatic Shiatsu, (4) Tai Chi – Yang Style, (5) Tai Chi for Arthritis – Sun Style, (6) Zumba Basic, (7) Zumba Gold and (8) Aerobics Instructor Certification – AFFA.
This depth of training and teaching is further informed by personal injuries which she now considers to be blessings on her path. From them she has learned greater compassion, insight and knowledge of the rehabilitative aspects of Yoga with attention to muscular-skeletal assignment, postural modifications and a focused rigor. From her refined expertise and love of yoga, students are moved toward improved health, maximized potential and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Cynthia in the press:
An interview with Cynthia at the National Iyengar convention
Cynthia shows a Ritz-Carlton guest yoga poses to help neck problems
