Roots Presents Instructors in the Spotlight

This is the first in a series of interviews with our Roots instructors. Varied backgrounds and experiences is what make our studio special. This week’s spotlight is on Andrea Cucchiara, our early morning instructor. Cucchiara’s classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45 AM. Early risers will enjoy her enthusiasm and calming demeanor.

Cucchiara’s yoga journey began when she relocated to California in 2007.

“My roommate was a yoga student and I started going to class with her as a way to meet people and to become part of the community,” she said.

An athlete nearly her entire life, Cucchiara was a gymnast, a springboard diver, rock climber, hiker, and runner.

“I hadn’t discovered anything that felt like me until I found yoga. I became hooked within a few short weeks,” she said.

Cucchiara found yoga to be grounding, granting her more patience and understanding. She soon found that a consistent yoga practice made her feel open both physically and mentally, even helping her confidence.

“There are so many things that I love about yoga. I love the community of people it brings together and that it’s a safe, non-judgmental and caring space where I feel a sense of peace. Yoga poses have taught me how to find my edge and have allowed me to find strength in my practice on the days I feel weak,” she said.

Cucchiara suggests a beginner class or workshop to help new folks with the fundamental poses of yoga.

“Yoga is not competitive or about being flexible or strong or thin. No matter what
your ability, there is a class and an instructor that fits your level and style.
If you don’t enjoy the first class, try another class or instructor,” she said.

Some folks feel impatient with the process of learning yoga. When asked if she had any advice for those who claim they want to give up their practice because they don’t feel they’re “getting” it fast enough, Cucchiara replied, “Yoga is a personal mind/body evolution, and sometimes this evolution is slow. If you keep an open mind and allow yourself the freedom to experience your own growth, you’ll find lasting respect and love for your yoga practice, as well as a newfound compassion for yourself. If you vow to take away at least one new cue at every class, your practice will flourish.”

With a lot on her plate, yoga has helped Cucchiara in her personal life. A full time
employee who often travels, she is in the midst of preparing for her upcoming June wedding.

“I’ve transferred learnings from yoga to my personal life. I’m more patient at work and at home with my fiancée. I’ve found strength in times of family emergencies, and I’ve been able to better understand when to let relax and take vacations,” she said.

Perhaps Cucciahara’s best takeaway from yoga has been learning to stay in the present moment.

“I’m not always looking for the next great thing, because I’ve realized that the
next great thing is being happy in the moment. When you are able to be content
in the present moment, then you can begin to find peace,” she said.

Cucciahara’s favorite pose is the half moon (arda chandrasana). 

“Half moon is often categorized as a balancing pose, but it’s more than that. When I practice half moon, I feel strong, free like a bird, and concentrated. It’s a pose that strengthens your legs (from your quadriceps all the way to the tiniest muscles in your foot) and helps open your hips and heart, lengthening your spine. It also helps with concentration, balance, and your breath practice  pranayama). I practice different variations of the half moon pose, making it a versatile pose for any level.

How to do a half moon: Stand on one leg with your toes facing forward. Place your hand of the standing leg about one foot in front of your standing leg towards your baby toe. Lift your back leg up, flex your foot and open your hip so that your entire side body and chest are open. Your top arm can come to your hip or you can extend it towards the ceiling. A variation would be to grab your top ankle and open up for a bow pose. You could also lift your bottom hand off the ground for a more balanced pose. Switching the positions of your hands will give you a revolved half moon.

Until next week, Namaste.

~ Ginger