Trainer Profile – Baptiste Institute

Bill Abel

Tier 1: Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Leader

Greenville , SC, United States

Trainer Bio

Bill Abel – Power Vinyasa, Power Sculpt and Yin Yoga Instructor Dancing Mind Yoga Trainings Completed

● Spring 2016- Yoga Teacher Training 200HR ● Fall 2016- Art of the Assist Yoga Program
● Fall 2016- Teacher Mentorship Program
● Winter 2017- Power Sculpt Teacher Training ● Spring 2017- Yin Yoga Teacher Training

Baptiste Institute Programs Completed

● Level One: Journey into Power-February 2017
● Art of the Assist-July 2017
● Level Two: The Sannyasin’s Journey-October 2017
● Level Three: Beyond Borders-December 2018
● Baptiste Fit to Lead Program (partially completed) February 2019

Accomplishments 2016-2020

  • ●  consistently teaching vinyasa power yoga, yin yoga, and power sculpt yoga for over 4 years (classes of 60, 75, and 90 minute durations)
  • ●  over 1500 hours of teaching vinyasa power yoga.
  • ●  developed and taught a kids yoga program for a year called “Mighty Kids”
  • ●  registered with Yoga Alliance: E-RYT 200
  • ●  Tier 1: 300hr Baptiste Certified
  • ●  CPR/AED Trained
  • ●  assisted in 3 cycles of Yoga Teacher Training 200HR
  • ●  served as Lead Yoga Teacher at Dancing Mind Yoga and Karma Yoga
  • ●  Karma Yoga received the award for Best New Business in Falls Church City 2019

    TO ME YOGA IS…

    NEW BEGINNINGS…

    After divorce brought an end to a marriage and a family home-life that I had worked to build for 20+ years, I spent several years in survival mode. Finding yoga in the Fall of 2015 was a new beginning.

    LIFE-CHANGING…

    The yoga class was the safe place I needed—a space where I could work on things physically and mentally.
    I established a dedicated practice and over time I became stronger as I reconnected with what mattered most to me. I learned to trust my heart again.

    BELONGING…

    The yoga community became my community and led to many new friends and relations. This yoga community supported me in my journey. Now I get to give back as I teach yoga. One of my favorite quotes from Fred Rogers (AKA Mr. Rogers) is: “The connections we make in the course of a life—maybe that’s what heaven is.”

    A LIFETIME PRACTICE…

    I’ve often said to my students, “to truly connect—let others see the beginner in you.” I think approaching anything new with a beginners mind means being open to growth and

new possibility. Whether I am teaching or taking yoga there is always something to be discovered, and there is no substitute for experience.
Although my trainings are primarily Baptiste, I am open to practicing, training and learning from all types of yoga. My next goal is to complete a 300-hour yoga program of my choice to become registered E-RYT-500 with the Yoga Alliance.

Student and Teacher Testimonials

I have taken many vinyasa yoga classes with Bill Abel over the past two years at two different yoga studios. Bill is adept at cueing and describing the biomechanics of the physical body in poses. His classes have a smooth flow from beginning to end that is anchored by his incorporation of breathe work. Bill has an upbeat and encouraging tone and a wonderful sense of humor. It is this sense of humor that allows the students to drop the struggle and enjoy the practice of yoga! Bill will be a great asset to any yoga studio. —Nancy Wilson, 1/12/2020

Bill is an exceptional Yoga instructor. He creates a community atmosphere and meets the students where they are in their practice. Bill motivates and guides with a great sense of tone and rhythm. This includes having an amazing talent for curating music and creating a choreographed “Yoga with Tunes” experience. I love his classes and can’t speak highly enough about his ability as a teacher and strength of his character in our community.

—Nathan Phillips, 1/17/20

Bill is a gem of a yoga instructor and just a wonderful, caring person. I have had the pleasure of practicing yoga with Bill and taking his classes for about 4 years. Bill brings a unique energy to his classes and creates an incredibly welcoming, non-judgmental environment for students at any level. His outgoing, inquisitive and supportive nature set the tone for students to feel at ease and to feel comfortable to practice to their particular ability on any given day. Bill has a breadth of knowledge and teaches everything from yin yoga and vinyasa to power sculpt. He is able to read the energy in a room and adjust his classes to make each class meaningful and unique. Bill is insightful, thoughtful and reflective. It is a joy to be in Bill’s yoga classes and just to be around Bill. He is a gift to our Karma yoga community and to the City of Falls Church as a whole.

—Monica Stassen, 1/12/2020

Thank you for being an amazing yoga instructor. I appreciate the way you blend your extensive knowledge of yoga and practice with your down to earth style and humor. You always make everyone feel welcome by getting to know our names and information about our lives. You are authentic in your own journey which makes us all feel like we belong–no matter what skill level we are.
—Allison Kelly, 1/10/2020

In my 22 years of yoga learning and practice, Bill Abel is one of the best teachers I’ve had. Bill combines clear instruction with gentle encouragement, careful attention to differing needs of students (effective adjustments!), very good pacing, and an engaging tone. He keeps me alert but not annoyed, calming my monkey mind and really helping me to focus. Any student of Bill’s is lucky to have him.

—John P. Heins, 1/10/2020

Bill’s classes are truly special. He connects with his students and makes an effort to get to know them, both what they’re seeking out of yoga practice and getting to know them personally. Bill’s encouraged me every step of the way when I struggled with poses such as crow and tripod headstand, and thanks to his guidance now my crow flies higher than ever! His style of teaching is unique but universal in the way it can click with everyone; he uplifts his students by sprinkling his wisdom and enlightenment throughout the class. Bill’s my all time favorite yoga teacher; no other teacher has mastered the art of helping his students find their focus like him.

—Melissa Abbate, Jan 7, 2020

I first met Bill a student in his yoga class. After my very first class, he asked me about my goals, my background in yoga, the challenges I faced in my practice. By the second class, I felt seen and taken care of, like he was calling poses and giving cues with my particular needs and interests in mind. It still impresses me how much time he takes to to get to know his students. Bill is totally without bravado or pretense. He takes a childlike joy in his practice and in sharing it with others. When I let him know I had some interest in teaching myself, he was immediately supportive and helpful. He has been my mentor and champion in the first months of my yoga teaching career, consistently showing up to my classes, giving me feedback, and even sharing his own struggles and challenges. He has made me feel like a colleague and an equal despite my inexperience. Bill is a treasure and an asset to any yoga community. —Louise Liebeskind, Jan 8, 2020

Bill is the kind of yoga teacher you look for on the schedule because you enjoy his class so much. His kind presence, insightful words, and powerful flow make for a full mind-body experience that lingers once you leave. He teaches and leads because he loves it and brings unwavering commitment and energy to his studio.
—Christy Gilmore, Jan 9, 2020

Bill Abel is my friend, my fellow Baptiste Yogi and my yoga teacher mentor. I value the pure kindness, fun and light and encouragement he brought to each role. I especially treasure the times that we spent together on and off our yoga mats and we were a memorable part of each other’s lives/yoga journey. As a teacher, Bill is one of the best. He is welcoming to all, makes everyone feel comfortable, and still delivers a class that can help people create the change they want to see in their hearts, minds and bodies. Any studios should feel lucky to have Bill as one of their teachers.

—Alexandra Beal, January 16, 2020

I always enjoyed your classes but more importantly my daughter loved your yoga/art classes when Dancing Mind still offered kids yoga. I loved taking her to class and sharing that time of wellness with her. —Kathryn Pierce, 1/10/2020

I am sad to hear that you’re leaving especially as I just celebrated my one year yoga-versery where I had my first yoga classes with you. It’s been a wonderful year and I’m committed to continuing. I think I asked you where you have been all my life after the first class I took from you ha ha! Best of luck to you in your move; I hope you find fulfillment and being closer to family is definitely a bonus. I hope you continue to spread your yoga wisdom out there and develop a strong community and even find Baptiste community — best of luck to you and thanks for all of your positivity and great classes over the last year.

—Patricia Rader, 1/14/2020

Dearest Bill, I attest to your wonderful transformation and I truly admire you for that, you have been an inspiration for my own transformation ……I wish you the BEST in your future endeavors…..ALWAYS!!!!! Namaste
—Rosi Bohabot, 1/12/2020

Thank you Bill! I don’t know if words can really express… your energy and your classes have been a constant source of joy and support at the studio. A real yoga teacher not just in class but in life. I can only hope to keep some of the Bill Abel vibe alive as we continue to grow, and hope that you visit often!! Greenville and your family are lucky to have you, and we will miss you here!
—Olivia Jeffers, Owner, www.Karma.yoga, 1/15/2020

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