YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Erin Sanders

HOMEtown:
Los Angeles, CA

Favorite yoga pose & why:

Downward Facing Dog / Adho Mukha Svanasana. From a physical standpoint, it does just about everything I'd want from a yoga pose: It opens my chest and shoulders, works my arms, back and shoulders, releases my lower back, lengthens my spine, stretches my hamstrings... the list just goes on and on. But, looking at Downdog from another direction, it's just such a fundamental part of my personal yoga practice. When I enter this pose, I just feel like, "This is me. This is time for me. This is self-care and self-love."

Most challenging yoga pose for you & why:

Handstand / Adho Mukha Vrksasana! This comes down to my fear of falling on my face. Going upside-down is scary! The momentum of kicking up in the middle of the room totally scares me, in a way that's probably irrational. I'm skipping over the whole momentum-thing and working on pressing up to handstand instead.

Hobbies or other things you like to do:

I'm an actress, and have been working professionally as one since I was 9 years old! Acting and yoga are two of the most defining aspects of my life. They really work to balance each other out. The process of getting work as an actor is really stressful. And when you have work, finding time to care for yourself can be challenging. Yoga is my refuge during all of that.

Why are you a part of the GTM team?

When I attended my first Vino To Vinyasa event, I just loved the atmosphere — being surrounded by cool art and cool music, amazing people, and a really thoughtful yoga practice among community. I had to get to know the GTM team better. I joined Grip The Mat because I want to help inspire more community and more people doing yoga! Whether you come for the asana, or the wine, or the art — just come. There will be something for you.