Ryan Leier is a dynamic, inspirational yoga teacher who brings his energy, humour and philosophy to every class he teaches. Ryan has realized his vision of yoga through the foundation of his yoga studio, One Yoga, as well as the creation of Vinyasa Yoga for Youth, a progressive, innovative non-profit program designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children in the public school system.
Ryan began his yoga practice with sitting, meditation, eastern philosophy and religious studies in high school and university. He then used his practice as a means of dealing with injuries and enhancing performance during his professional basketball career. He left behind his basketball career and university study to devote himself full-time to yoga. What began as a physical practice for strength and flexibility quickly became a lifestyle. Ryan teaches his students to take their yoga off the mat and apply the principles learned in class to their lives outside of the studio. He not only teaches this philosophy, he lives it. His yoga practice involves raising his 6 year old daughter Kiyah, who periodically visits the studio to join the classes and help with endearing gentle assists. Ryan practices and teaches according to Sri BKS Iyengar’s words: “The body is the temple, the postures are the prayers.”
Ryan is primarily a student of Krishamacharya’s yoga, as are all of his teachers. In addition to teacher trainings in the Vinyasa and Iyengar traditions, Ryan continues to study with his main teacher Father Joe Pereira by whom he’s been authorized to teach. Ryan also studies with Baron Baptiste, Dharma Mittra, Eddie Modestini and Nicky Doane, he has also received instruction from Ashtanga Guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Not only does Ryan seek to expand his studies internationally but he also remains rooted in the value of what those around him have to offer and receives teachings from the Elders in his home province of Saskatchewan, which comes from the Cree word kisiskaciwani-spiv meaning ”swift flowing river.”
When asked what yoga is, this is what Ryan has to say: “Through yoga, the impossible becomes possible. We spend so much time separating ourselves form one another. As we ascend the spine and descend the brain we become whole, integrated or One. Experiencing Oneness (yoga) is possible for all people regardless of their age, gender, skin colour and even their health. Steady practice is the key to success in yoga.”