Teacher Spotlight:
Vito Politano
After completing physical therapy for a neck strain, the physical therapist recommended yoga or Pilates to continue supporting my healing. After researching and visiting some yoga studios, I took a beginners class at Baptiste in Cambridge. I felt like a foreigner navigating a new climate, language and culture. I was overwhelmed, but something felt right about it...and it turned out to be the first steps in a long journey of developing a sense of ease in myself.
What was your first yoga experience?
What made you become a yoga teacher?
An opportunity to teach came up when a good friend and yoga teacher strongly encouraged me to take over her classes. Initially, I declined as I was overwhelmed by a debilitating fear of public speaking, shame and sense of unworthiness. However, a desire to share the benefits of practice that I had experienced myself led me to do it.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your classes?
Currently, the opportunity to help people develop functional strength, stability and flexibility, and get out of pain are my core inspirations. I aim to help people become more self-aware and connected to themselves and others. Ultimately, supporting them to develop more compassion, lovingkindness and joy.
What is your favorite pose and why?
I have more than one favorite asana. I love Ardha Chandrasana for the opportunity it provides to develop strength, stability and opening. Two other favorites include Shalabasana for the postural and back body strengthening it allows; and Goddess pose for its graceful grounding.
I love food and travel. Having grown up with parents from southern Italy, food is an important point of connection for me with family and friends. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to travel more by leading retreats abroad and connecting with new cultures. In fall 2018 I led a retreat to Crete with an amazing group of yogis and am very excited to be offering another retreat to Machu Picchu, Peru in May.
What is something you enjoy doing outside of yoga?
Practice with Vito
Vinyasa Mondays at 8:15 am and 9:30 am.
Read Vito's full bio here.