I decided to sign up for one-on-one training with Day and couldn’t have made a better decision. After some experiences that affected my confidence in yoga as a method over the years, landing me in physical therapy, this was a bit of a leap of faith for me. However, I absolutely am glad I did. Something I love about Day is that she GENUINELY seems focused on helping her students succeed, and that feels to be her priority, not money or status, and because of that she is willing to speak what she believes to be true about an issue without apology. She is compassionate, grounded in body mechanics, and speaks in a language that works for both seasoned yogis, non-athletes, or athletes advanced in other non-yoga arenas, and she meets you where you are but will challenge you.
I first practiced with Day in 2017 and from my very first class with her my yoga practice completely changed and improved! Day has not only practiced for years but has studied the anatomy of the human body extensively, she is able to look at each student individually and tailors the practice to fit each student’s needs, even the most subtle of her adjustments completely turns around your practice because she is able to see what many others can’t. She is able to recognize those painful patterns in your practice and turn them around in a way that works specifically for your type of body and energy. She teaches from a place of true compassion, offers a safe space for practice and learning and her discipline and commitment to her students are truly inspiring! Thank you Day for sharing your passion and knowledge with all of us!
I first met Day in 2009 at a workshop in Chicago, she was assisting the class and we were partners for an arm balancing segment. That was when I knew there was something different and amazing about her. I was encouraged to go practice with Day by a friend who already practiced with her. In 2014 it happened …
After 1 led primary class with her, I knew I needed to learn so much more from her.
Day’s approach stems from her sincere love of the practice, attention to detail, her self respect and respect towards people who truly want to learn and grow. There is no time for people who don’t take this stuff seriously.
She shares from her many years of experience including the “good, the bad and the ugly” and the pain and suffering that this practice can pull out of you and because of it all, she makes you feel safe. She will never put you in a position that will cause harm. Her passion to teach shines through the moment she walks in the room. It’s not a time to giggle and make friends nor win a popularity contest. When she teaches she gives you her best, she wants you, me, all of us to understand that every movement counts, every breath counts. Strength in body and mind are essential. She effortlessly knows what muscles you are not using and tells you to use the the ones necessary, and she will make sure you understand before she walks away; her patience runs deep to say the least. Day has a sense of what our limits are. She watches closely and knows how far to go to get you there. In order for true lasting change to happen, there needs to be honest effort and work happening and Day makes sure that there is true work happening in her presence. A simple glance from her will make sure you know that. Behind the glance you know there is support and care holding you up. She believes we are stronger than we are even when we think we have nothing left to give. No matter what level, injury or obstacle is in your way Day will guide you and help you understand that the practice truly is for everyone and that the benefits are there if you are willing to do the work.
Over the years people have asked me what it’s like to practice with Day. More recently, people are curious to know what she is doing differently and how has her teaching style changed. If you really want to know the truth, nothing has changed. Day has always taught things a little bit differently. It’s one of the main reasons why I was drawn to her in the first place. It was the way that what she effectively taught was from experience. But it’s more than that. It’s the way she takes her knowledge and distills it to its simplest and most digestible form for you. It’s as if she seeks to limit waste in order to make room for growth. She finds a way to help redirect your energy to where it is needed. What she does is create a tool set for efficiency. These are powerful tools that have the potential to unlock an understanding of what is happening within you. That may start as something physical, but I can say that after years of practice, it evolves into something so much more than that.
The. METHOD. Room. 1/3 yoga 1/3 torture chamber 1/3 love headquarters.
*ahem*
In the 7 or so years as a yoga student, what has set Day apart from others is her genuine understanding of the body– not within the context of a traditional system of poses, but within the context of every day life. Her knowledge of the body as a functional vessel is what allows her to guide students through an intimately tailored process according to the unique composition of each student’s body.
I have taken practice with many notable and renowned yoga teachers over the last 14 years. Practicing with Day has provided me with some of the most fruitful and applicable learning experiences thus far. Her knowledge of kinesiology and ability to provide guidance on a individual basis to each of her students makes her one of the best yoga teachers hands down. Whether you’re just starting your yoga journey, or have an advanced practice, Day will take you to the next level in a safe and healthy way. Highly recommend!
When I first had a class with Day, it was incredible, I’ve been practicing for almost 5 years, with many teachers in China, India, USA, Brasil and Argentina, and I feel very identified with the Method. Jump backs and Handstands have been always a challange for me and for every woman, and Day is helping me to make that dream come true! She helped me to reach a whole new level with my practice and that’s why every time I have the chance, I come up to Miami to see her and enjoy the method classes.
About 2 years ago, Day invited me to yoga as a trial that turned into a hobby, But has now become a lifestyle with her help. I never expected that joining her class would lead to the life-changing road towards my love for yoga, fitness, and better health and wellness. I appreciate the welcoming experience I’ve always gotten in Day’s classes since DAY 1! I recommend DAY1YOGA to anyone beginning or even proficient in yoga!!
Meeting Day made me realize that one can achieve a healthier way to connect with oneself! She has an energy that transmits determination, the highest level of concentration and a peaceful aura that irradiates harmony, a quiet heart and a balanced body and mind relationship. Once met her, my heart forever stood connected with hers.
Day completely transformed my yoga practice. Starting with her back in Chicago, I’d say 9-10 years ago, was practice-changing for me. Her discipline and explanation of why things are done a certain way is transforming. She literally helped me to fly (or float). Watching her is mesmerizing; learning from her is a true gift!
I met Day at a workshop on strength drills for yoga as well as a shoulder and hip mobility clinic. I practice in an open yoga room with her as much as I can.
For a while now I have been looking for a yoga teacher with lots of knowledge, experience and a bag of tricks to approach the many difficult and challenging postures that appear in the practice. There is not a conversation I have about yoga where I do not bring her name up and think about how lucky I am to have met her.
NO ONE ☝🏼 but DAY has taken me (even with my injuries and flexibility challenges) further and deeper in the practice in a safe and efficient manner.
She is tough as nails, but if you listen closely to her cues, ask the right questions, and put in the work, you will see amazing results. This practice is truly amazing and the right teacher can catapult you into a personal practice you can create as your very own. All you have to do is show up!
It’s been a 7 year Asthanga experience that has been memorably pleasant and terrifying.
Day is a force of nature! When I struggled with getting up from back-bends at 50, she made it happen. She reassured me that I was not too old.
When I couldn’t do Mysore because the prerequisite was 3 classes per week and my work schedule was crazy, Day defied authority and made that happen too.
Day makes this seemingly impossible practice possible. Without her, Asthanga would be incredibly oppressive. That’s why she is my teacher.
I met Day for the first time in her DC workshop in early 2019. I was impressed by her in-depth knowledge of asanas and human anatomy. Her adjustments, modifications and guidance is unmatched. Don’t let any opportunity to practice under her pass by. Just go to 1 class and you will figure out yourself 🙂 I even went to Florida for a month and it was awesome..!
Esto es sólo un pequeño testimonio de lo que Day Christensen puede lograr en un ser humano, ella logra sacarte de tú zona de comfort, no importa el idioma que domines, aún así no hay impedimento, ella logra su objetivo… despertar esa consciencia que esta dentro de cada uno de nosotros, ella entrega todo su entusiasmo al estar en una práctica y al compartirte su aprendizaje en su camino del yoga, tiene una gran sabiduría sobre la anatomía del cuerpo humano y eso la hace un maestro de yoga único, GRACIAS Day 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I’ve practiced with Day since 2005 when we both lived in Chicago. Since she has moved to Miami, I continue to practice with her every chance I get. If you’re lucky enough as a practitioner to find a teacher who you can continually learn and grow from through each of your own personal evolutions in life and in practice, it is like winning the lottery. And I am one of those lucky few! There are so many teachers out there who are good at teaching, friendly, and who know a lot, but there are not many who are as deeply committed to listening, learning, and their own personal growth through the practice as Day. Day is the most knowledgeable teacher I have ever met. She has a reason for every little thing she says, every adjustment, every sequence, every time she holds you back or lets you try something new. For this, I am inspired by her, admire her, and trust her completely. If you have a chance to practice with her, do not pass it up!
I have knees that need tender care nowadays. It was the working with injuries workshop at BlueBird Sky Yoga in DC where I met Day.
I was amazed as Day mindfully assisted me in ardha baddha Padma Pashimottanasana. Day was very clear as she looked me in the eye and told me “ this practice would change your life”.
“Return tomorrow and I will go through the standing postures with you and you will see the way I teach it. You will never have any trouble remembering.”
I have never understood the standing shapes like she so poetically put in a very public moment that left me with so much confidence in my practice.
Thank you Day for living up to, not just your words, but, all the compassion you demonstrated to all the students to encourage them to be a little more conscious in our practice. I would suggest you invest in her classes. What you come away with money can never buy. At the end of the day, yoga can help you make the transformation from a caterpillar, to cocoon, to butterfly.
Money may let you travel and see many things but to learn about yourself inside through yoga is a price that can never be paid with money or gold. All you ever need is inside you, and Day will touch your heart and soul, her practice is no less than stellar. What an amazing spirit🙏
Day is one of those rare teachers who make each student feel like she believes in them, while simultaneously pushing them to reach their own potential. She’s firm, but has a big heart and people are drawn to that in her. When we hosted Day in Toronto, she encouraged me to invite students from any tradition, not just the mysore students. DdEveryone, no matter what level, got so much from her workshops and drills and just the experience itself of connecting with her. I think a huge part of her work is breaking it all down, making it make sense, and showing the students they can do it. She’s able to share how she makes the practice sustainable, how she gets strong and how to keep it balanced.
When we first met Day, we were so scared and at the same time so fascinated by her strong practice, her personality and her charisma because even if she’s alone in a room, she fills every little spaces around her (do you know what I mean ?)
We started to learn from her the right way to approach to the the practice without neglecting the practice itself or the constancy
Her way of teaching is unique and outside of the box! For that reason we are trying to follow her whenever it’s possible and meet her and her knowledge as much as we can
One of the best teachers we have ever met travelling around the world!
Firm, enterprising, she has created her own method for a safe and lasting practice in order to prevent injuries taking care of different characteristics of each student because we all are different in the mind and in the body
We love her ❤️
When I met Day 3 years ago, I thought my practice was very strong and graceful but the first day I walked into her room and she saw my practice, she noticed some weaknesses like my jump backs and jump throughs, the way I was getting into Dwi pada was not the safest thing for my knees and hips and the way I was doing backbends were compromising my lower back a lot, I was lifting my heels going down and up just to do the posture!!
After 3 years practicing with her, I’m happy to say that my jump backs and jump throughs have improved dramatically. The way I have learned to open my hips in any posture that requires leg behind the head is very safe and efficient, after every day of practicing her back-bending method, I am dropping back with my heels on the floor, going down and up in a very smooth and controlled way!!
Day knows the anatomy of every single movement of the practice and has helped me in every aspect of my daily practice!!! I am very grateful.
I met Day in 2015 in her first trip to Guatemala City and I was so surprised to see how well she knew my body’s weaknesses and strengths only by looking at how I moved in my yoga practice, that’s what hooked me.
Day started coming twice a year to Guatemala and everytime I learned something new that helped me improve my practice, work intelligently on my body’s stiffness, strenghten my weak muscles, stay motivated and injury free.
Her mantra became my hustle: “shoulder stability, hip mobility” and once I understood what she meant, I saw progress.
I feel grateful for her guidance, kindness, knowledge, motivation, drills and adjustments that fuel my yoga home practice. And I feel proud to be able to call her my teacher.
The led class
She entered silently into the noisy room getting suddenly our attention. I couldn’t say if she looked solemn or irreverent.
She stopped at the teacher place gazing each of us. A short hello with a full smile and few words to introduce the led primary series.
Ekam. Inhale.
There is a strange deep connection arising with Day when she counts the primary series. Worries and distracting thoughts vanished together, while I am surrendering to the flow of the sequence among breathes and movements.
The Mysore class
Day is a generous teacher that does not hide herself behind nice words and blameless advices. She is spotting me while adjusting someone the opposite side of the shala. She recognize my control freak attitude, my basic and consolidate patterns and ask for some deep personal challenging modifications. It requires a change, to keep on going.
The Special classes
She is well known for her hyper-controlled slow transition in the jumps and in the handstands. Actually if yoga is the art of repeating a perfect movement or asana controlling your own mind and body, that’s really a good example of it. And amazingly Day teaches the basic movements, exercises your body to get into those transitions, to get that kind of flowing control.
The circuits she proposes with music and several exercises performed cooperatively are really amusing and taking.
The Intro classes
But if I have to say which are the favorite classes to me, I should choose between the ones that introduces the Sun Salutation and the first asanas of the Primary and the ones that explains the functionality of our body in the main postures.
In both of these kind of classes the effectiveness of the didactic of the Day’s method is really evident.
Schematic, repetitive, connecting, clear, scientific. She unveils the vinyasa count of each asana, the secrets for a correct approach depending on your type of body. Information that you can judge, test and verify because they are simple and touchable.
Day teaches yoga as a music master. Beginning from the scales, because you can do it, enjoy it and repeat it. Not from the Fifth of Beethoven she is used to say! That will come. After long time of disciplined practice, with a method.
Every day as the Day 1.
I first met Day in 2009 at a workshop in Chicago, she was assisting the class and we were partners for an arm balancing segment. That was when I knew there was something different and amazing about her. I was encouraged to go practice with Day by a friend who already practiced with her. In 2014 it happened …
After 1 led primary class with her, I knew I needed to learn so much more from her.
Day’s approach stems from her sincere love of the practice, attention to detail, her self respect and respect towards people who truly want to learn and grow. There is no time for people who don’t take this stuff seriously.
She shares from her many years of experience including the “good, the bad and the ugly” and the pain and suffering that this practice can pull out of you and because of it all, she makes you feel safe. She will never put you in a position that will cause harm. Her passion to teach shines through the moment she walks in the room. It’s not a time to giggle and make friends nor win a popularity contest. When she teaches she gives you her best, she wants you, me, all of us to understand that every movement counts, every breath counts. Strength in body and mind are essential. She effortlessly knows what muscles you are not using and tells you to use the the ones necessary, and she will make sure you understand before she walks away; her patience runs deep to say the least. Day has a sense of what our limits are. She watches closely and knows how far to go to get you there. In order for true lasting change to happen, there needs to be honest effort and work happening and Day makes sure that there is true work happening in her presence. A simple glance from her will make sure you know that. Behind the glance you know there is support and care holding you up. She believes we are stronger than we are even when we think we have nothing left to give. No matter what level, injury or obstacle is in your way Day will guide you and help you understand that the practice truly is for everyone and that the benefits are there if you are willing to do the work.
En mi estudiar yoga, Day representa el conocimiento cuando explota dentro al organismo, (my big bang), la primera clase que tuve con Day quedé conmovida por la intimidad que brinda, el tiempo que dedica a explicar cada detalle del tema. La importancia de los músculos, la forma en que habla del movimiento y su importancia, y el estudio que ella hace de cada cuerpo que “ajusta”es como ver a un escultor griego en su estudio.
Su método es innovador y rebelde, como su imagen irreverente y su forma de “humanizar” la practica de cada asana.
Después de tomar mi primer taller con Day, mis estudios de yoga ha tomado un curso distinto, he aprendido a concentrarme en la libertad y el empoderamiento de mi practica a nivel físico.
Después del taller con Day, mi filosofía y sentir acerca de Yoga se ha acentuado, disfruto la libertad de pensar que ella promueve, la capacidad de rebelarse ante lo inútil de las tradiciones y su necesidad-instinto artistico de compartir la verdad con humildad.
We have hosted Day in Ireland for two years and look forward to many more. She is the easiest teacher to host, nothing phases her, there is no drama.
Her intellect is such that she can explain and justify her teaching cues. Her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and asanas creates an environment of trust and awe. She has a no BS approach to teaching and her complete understanding of different bodies means everyone works hard but smart with no fear. Day takes teaching very seriously and has instilled a desire to work hard, get stronger and maintain a practice over a lifetime. Her teaching style makes absolute sense as it is based on sound knowledge of how the body is designed to move. I am intrigued by the wisdom behind the day1yoga method and look forward to finding out more when she visits us.
I have been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for over 15 years and Day Christensen is among the most dedicated, knowledgeable, insightful teachers I have met. I first met Day in 2003 and she had just begun a regular Mysore practice. I was in awe that she had read the entire Hatha Yoga Pradipika before embarking on a regular physical practice. She does her research and she knows what she is talking about. Her knowledge and (equally important) her insight into bodies and how they move is incredible. I currently direct a Mysore program in Washington, D.C., and as my mentor, she visits our program yearly to lead the Mysore room and teach workshops. I always learn something new when I am with her and what I learn transforms aspects of my teaching. I have taken hundreds of hours of teacher workshops and trainings over the past 15 years, and 90% of what I learned and apply to my own teaching comes from Day- both from attending her workshops and being her student in the Mysore room.
I used to think that if a teacher could “get” me into a posture, it was a success. If a teacher could make me go “deeper” into a backbend or in a leg-behind-the-head posture I was impressed and inspired. Now I realize that while finding that depth might still be fun, the most important component is doing so safely. And not just safely in the moment, but safely in the long-run. Day’s deep anatomical knowledge coupled with her consistent practice allow her to help us go deeply and explore the limits of our bodies, intentionally, in ways that support our movement and build strength and mobility, both of which are needed for long-term practice.
About a year ago several of us traveled out of town to practice with Day Christensen. We all follow her on social media and wanted to learn from one of the best. Although she is Authorized Lvl 2 in Ashtanga yoga, her workshops focused more on simple movement, individual differences, and what a regular person can do with the body they already have to enjoy and grow their yoga practice. She knows what she’s capable of doing, however, she wants YOU to know what YOU are capable of doing. Day doesn’t spend your time and your money showing off, instead she uses her experience and knowledge to answer your questions, find where you might be stuck, and hopefully give you the tools to help yourself in your own practice. We brought her here from Miami because we know what a difference a weekend with her can make and we want you to benefit.
I started practicing with Day a little over 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself, for my practice and as a new and upcoming yoga teacher. Day’s thorough understanding of anatomy combined with a deep rooted education of the Ashtanga Yoga method and her strong work ethic, makes her one of the most informed and knowledgeable yoga teachers out there teaching today! After practicing vinyasa style yoga for years and never having a solid foundation of what my body was supposed to be doing in specific poses, my whole understanding of proper alignment changed while practicing under Day’s guidance and therefore elevated my own personal practice on and off the mat, and has made me a better more informed practitioner and teacher.
Day’s personal, firsthand experience with injuries has made her exceptionally smart and intuitive on how to recover and rehab while maintaining a daily practice that is both challenging and accessible and most importantly without pain. She helped me tremendously when I was having knee pain from tight hips and hamstrings and improper alignment on my left side from a broken ankle by creating a specific sequence of poses and stretches that I could incorporate before I started my practice and gave me modifications in Marichasana B and D, Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana and Padmasana. After doing this for about a month or so, I had no knee pain and was able to slowly get back into practicing without any modifications but to this day still start my practice with the same sequence of stretches she gave to me during my injury. Whether you’re looking to start a practice, build strength, recover from an injury or just simply want a more structured, one on one instruction that is tailored to meet your needs then Day is the one for you and don’t be surprised if you gain some new friends, get inspired and actually enjoy your practice, the room Day has created is one of the most supportive and motivating rooms that I’ve ever experienced!
To meet someone who changes your life; that is a very rare event and actually I was one of those lucky guys to meet my wonderful brilliant teacher Day Christensen. I knew Day through her awesome videos on youtube and at that time, I was just starting my Ashtanga practice in 2013 in Dubai. I injured myself in early on in the beginning of my practice; since that time, I decided to find the best teacher who can guide me to safe and strong practice at the same time .
The first time I met Day in 2014 in Miami she knew well what my body and mind exactly needs; her eyes and mental observation are like an MRI to me.
Day guided me since that time to the right practice in a way to synchronize my breath with my movement which nobody guided me except her and my yoga therapy study.
Day taught me how to engage my blind muscles or weak spots in my body .
I’m proud that Day is my teacher and I’m still learning from her each time I visit Miami.
Day has been my teacher since 2014, despite that I live in Dubai, I make sure to visit her for one week a year to learn from her. Day is kind , brilliant , cute , strict and very professional teacher .
Day is one of the few teachers who knows well what she is doing
Rubik’s Cube. This is what I imagine when I think about Ashtanga Yoga. (Both happened to have 6 sides or series.) Many teachers can tell us how to solve them, like a paper manual for Rubik’s, and tell us to do same movements over and over mindlessly hoping something good happen. Meanwhile, not many teachers can tell us why. Day taught me not only how but also why I can/cannot do certain asanas. Because of this, her words resonate years after years. My daily practice has changed from mundane movements to full of opportunities to strengthen my body and soul. Every Surya Namaskar has changed from just a warmup to joy.
I have been blessed to practice with Day since 2011. I come back year to year because Day is knowledgeable, thoughtful in her approach, firm yet lighthearted, precise, articulate and an excellent teacher. She always inspires me and creates a space where I can deepen my practice.
As a yoga teacher myself, I appreciate her understanding of anatomy and body mechanics. Her approach to teaching synthesizes the ashtanga yoga method in a manner that is truly suited for the individual student.
Day offers students the opportunity to benefit from her years of committed study and consistent practice; you just have to show up and do the work.
I started my Ashtanga Yoga practice in late 2016. As a beginner, I had so many questions about this practice. One day, I found Day on the internet and I was amazed about her practice that I have seen on the pictures of her website. She looked so strong and passionate on these practice pictures. I couldn’t wait to sign up to one of her workshops in Chicago in Aug 2017. And after that, I went for a total of 3 times to Day’s workshops in the past 2 years. She’s one of the teachers that I would like to go back repeatedly.
During these workshops, each time, I was amazed by the way of her teaching style and by the clarity of her in depth knowledge of anatomy. And the ability of what she can do and to help the students to open their minds. She’s very patient when watching and listening to the students and she makes sure to help each student in her class. It is important to Day that each student understands everything that she explains.
She asks you to repeat in front of her a few times until you really get it.
In each of her “Back Bending” or “Arm Balance” and “Jump Through/Forward” class, Day starts talking about the anatomy first and then she explains to you why and which muscle you need to focus on to make a smooth transition.
It’s one of the main reasons why I was drawn to her in the first place.
The reason that I am so drawn to Day is not only that she has the skills and shows professionalism in her teaching style. She also has an extremely kind heart towards humans and animals. She may look very serious, but I’ve discovered that she is such a Sweet person with great smiles. 😊
Thank you Day! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. And I love to read her FB or Instagram stories too. All true stories, pure and genuine.
how to describe amazing…
Day’s Testimonial:
I’ve followed Day on Instagram for a long time and I’m always impressed by her amazing handstands and physical abilities. What Instagram didn’t tell me though, is how authentic she is as a person and how knowledgeable she is as a teacher. This I experienced when I first got to practice with her at one of her workshops. Day is hardworking and dedicated. Her level of experience translates into a simple and uncomplicated style of teaching, creating an open, balanced environment to learn. After that first workshop with her, I noticed changes in my approach to yoga, on and off the mat. Things I can easily do daily that help me work smarter and not necessarily harder. Day makes it ok to enquire and explore within your practice, she is there to support the process. She gives so much to her students that it would be impossible to spend time with her and not learn from her. Although I’ve only been practicing under Day’s guidance for a short time, I feel blessed that she is part of my yoga journey. I firmly believe that any investment in time with Day is ultimately an investment in yourself
She was the first Ashtanga instructor to ever “teach” the poses.
She guides you safely through the intricacies of each pose, allowing students to find the appropriate places for themselves.
If you are lucky enough to get an adjustment from her, well, lets just say you will never be the same. She holds you in a way that allows your body to relax and move in places you never could imagine.
Day is nurturing, warm and accepting, she makes you feel held and supported, while exploring deeper movements.
She is beyond talented and has found her greater calling in life.
We are all blessed to be able to be “held” in her presence.
Grateful to have found her,