Oh, that sound you hear? It’s the delighted, collective celebration that superstar teacher Greta Ertl has returned from her prestigious stint in Southern California and is once again leading Six Degrees’ clients through yoga, barre, and, well, life. To soak up more of her energy, be sure to subscribe to her blog-–or just make sure to hit the studio Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:45 for an invigorating session at the barre.
What brought you to your practice and, from there, to Six Degrees? And where have you been these past months? We’ve missed you!
Growing up I was a swimmer, ran on the track team, and acted in school plays. I ran into some trouble as a teenager and was disqualified from school sports. After a life changing experience, I showed up for my first yoga class—the only one offered in my tiny hometown of 3,000 people. It consisted of about 10 women at least 30 years older than me, but one class was all it took to get me totally hooked.
Soon I noticed a huge transformation in my life. I noticed myself getting stronger and breathing deeper, and I started to feel gratitude for my life. It greatly improved my relationship with my parents. Because I was so changed by my practice, I knew I had to share the gift with others.
When I was 18 I started the Yoga Teacher Training program at Yoga Center of Minneapolis, where I met Sofia and learned about the studio. While working around the corner at Lucia’s, I eventually convinced Emily to let me teach hula hoop yoga. This led to barre teacher training, and soon I had several classes on the schedule and a gig doing the studio’s marketing and social media.
At the same time, I was going to college for business-to-business sales at St. Kate’s. I interviewed for the Frontline Program–3M’s sales internship program–and was one of 36 students selected to participate nationwide. They relocated me to Orange County, where I worked in marketing and sales in the automotive industry. When I had the opportunity to choose between a full-time job in California or Minnesota, I decided to come back to Minneapolis. My heart wasn’t ready to leave my friends and family—or Six Degrees!
How does your experience as a student help inform your experience as a teacher?
I try to always maintain a student mentality in every area of my life. I love being a student of movement, because I pick up on cues that resonate with me, taking me deeper into my mind-body connection. I think it’s very important for teachers to keep up with their personal practice so they can teach from experience and be mindful of what simply feels good (and what doesn’t).
When you’re not in the studio, what other shenanigans do you like to get up to?
My current passion project is my blog www.gretaertl.com. I publish articles about health, fitness, wellness, and Minneapolis. It’s been a really fun way to nurture my entrepreneurial spirit and love of writing. I also assist dance classes at the Minneapolis Performing Arts Center and enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Just this week, what’s your favorite song to get your blood pumping?
“Jungle,” by Mahaut Mondino. It’s SOOOO good!
What are three goals you have right now?
- Launch wellness workshops and healthy happy hours at Six Degrees.
- Create “Yoga in the Workplace” videos to help corporate cats keep healthy posture and energy throughout the workday.
- Finish my e-book with helpful tools for creating an abundant life.
Speaking of that abundant life, what are three little ways you try to incorporate a holistic idea of wellness into your daily life?
I meditate every morning for at least 5 minutes before I do anything else; I write about what I’m doing to stay healthy and happy (at gretaertl.com); and, at 3M, I use my 15-minute breaks to walk laps, giving me energy and enthusiasm to make it through the workday.