As a yoga instructor, Colgate University sophomore Phoenix Verite is bringing a calming influence to the fitness community. Having practiced yoga since childhood alongside her mom, Verite’s connection to the practice runs deep. Starting in eighth grade, Verite began attending classes with her mom, and by high school, yoga became a regular part of her routine. She even worked to integrate it into the practices of her sports teams. Now, at Colgate, Verite has become an instructor and leads her own yoga classes, offering students a space to reconnect with their bodies.
“It brings me back to my body in a way that isn’t high-impact,” Verite shared. “It’s a way to connect with each muscle individually and better understand how different muscle groups function.”
For Verite, yoga is much more than a physical activity. Over the years, yoga has helped her navigate both mental and physical challenges when she faces moments of stress.
“When I get into a mental block, yoga helps me shift out of that space through movement,” Verite explained.
Verite’s teaching focuses on a vinyasa style of yoga, which highlights functional movements and strength-based practice. By utilizing different muscle groups, she believes in creating the most sustainable movement for each body, regardless of experience level.
“I always provide modifications for those who can’t do all the poses,” Verite said.
Because she’s been practicing for many years, Verite sometimes worries that her familiarity with the poses may make it hard to teach them in a relatable way. However, she overcomes this by encouraging students to communicate openly about their level of experience.
“If movements don’t feel good, I always ask students to let me know, and I’ll support them through each pose at their own pace,” Verite explained.
She aims to make her yoga class accessible to all. In addition to modifications on poses that can be difficult, she also makes it clear that participants can opt out of certain poses if they are too challenging. Or, attendants can opt to make movements more difficult if they have more experience.
“The class is base-level, and it can be as hard or as easy as you make it,” Verite said.
She adds that there’s no judgment if a student needs to opt out of certain poses.
“It’s about personal growth and improvement, and there’s no rush,” Verite stated.
For Verite, yoga is ultimately about offering participants a tool for grounding and self-connection. She believes that with time and patience, strength and ability will come naturally to everyone.
“I hope my class serves as a grounding tool for those who participate,” Verite said. “Yoga has so many benefits, and there’s no wrong place to begin. It’s more important to meet your body where it’s at in the moment and not push it beyond what feels comfortable.”
Verite teaches her yoga class in studio 301 in Huntington Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Verite’s class offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment to grow and strengthen your practice.
