We were lucky to catch up with Alex Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I didn’t discover my purpose in a single, defining moment—it evolved over time, especially as I faced my own challenges. When I first came to yoga, it was a personal refuge, something to help me process everything life was throwing at me. But as I began teaching, I started to realize that yoga was only part of the bigger picture.
The truth is, we can’t “yoga” our way out of systemic injustice. Yoga is an incredible tool—it helps keep us grounded, strong, and connected to ourselves—but it’s not a solution to the deeper societal issues that so many communities face. People need access to basic necessities like healthcare, housing, and economic security. Without those, yoga can feel like a Band-Aid on a much larger wound. That’s when I realized my purpose wasn’t just about teaching yoga poses or breathing exercises—it was about something much deeper.
One of my earliest teaching experiences was at the IEHP Community Resource Center in San Bernardino, CA, a low-income community with very few resources for wellness. The city itself even declared bankruptcy a few years back, so yoga studios and wellness spaces were practically nonexistent. For many, the meditation class I offered was the first time they’d ever been exposed to something like this. It was beautiful to witness the impact it had, especially on the people who showed up week after week. There was one man who told me it was the only space where he felt a sense of peace. It was moments like these that really solidified my purpose.
I remember a grandmother in her 70s who would come for Zumba and stay for meditation afterward. She’d sit still just breathing, and afterward, she’d tell me how much better she felt simply from allowing herself that pause. It was a reminder of how rare and important it is to offer space for stillness—especially in the Latino community, where rest and self-care are often undervalued. We’re hard-working people, often focused on survival and getting ahead, especially as immigrants. But that constant push can come at the cost of balance, something that’s so necessary for our well-being.
Through these experiences, I found my purpose in serving communities like this—holding space for healing, for rest, and for something they may have never been offered before. I know the challenges they face go far beyond what I can address in a single class. Some of the communities I’ve worked with deal with poverty, immigration struggles, high unemployment rates—real, systemic issues that deeply affect their lives. What I can offer is a space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their bodies, which is essential in a world that often asks too much of them.
So, yes, yoga can be a tool for personal wellness, but it’s also part of a bigger movement. Real change comes from addressing the systemic issues that hold people back—ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. My role is to bring yoga to those who’ve been left out of the wellness conversation, to use it as a tool for healing and resilience. But ultimately, it’s about supporting a broader push for equity and justice, because that’s where true wellness begins.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Born in LA and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, I first discovered yoga when I was 18 during a class at Cal State San Bernardino. I remember loving it right away—and of course, I got an A! But after that, yoga fell off my radar for a while. Back then, yoga studios weren’t easily accessible, and the internet wasn’t what it is today. It wasn’t until five or six years later, after moving to West Hollywood, that I really found my way back to the practice. I stumbled upon a local yoga class and from that moment on, I fell in love with yoga all over again.
Now, I’m coming up on eight years since I completed my teacher training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Wellness. That experience deepened my understanding of yoga as a holistic practice and ignited my passion for teaching. It’s been a rewarding journey of growth, both personally and professionally, and every year brings new lessons and connections.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my work today is teaching community-based yoga classes at the LA Care Community Resource Center in Panorama City. These classes have become a key part of my weekly routine, with my focus on creating a space where people can experience affordable and accessible yoga. What makes this space special to me is its connection to the local culture. There’s a photo mural of three women in vibrant traditional dress, and it serves as a reminder of the diverse communities we serve. It’s a beautiful reflection of the people who come to the center, and it helps create a welcoming environment. My goal is to build a supportive community where everyone feels empowered to show up just as they are.
In addition to working with adults, I’ve also started teaching yoga and breathwork to children, which has been incredibly rewarding. I recently taught a breathwork class for kids, and it was so engaging that by the end, they were laying down completely relaxed! Watching younger students connect with wellness practices has added a new dimension to my teaching, and it’s exciting to see how these tools can benefit them from such a young age.
Beyond my in-person classes, I’ve expanded into creating resources that students can access at home. I’ve been recording bilingual meditations on Insight Timer, available in both English and Spanish. I’ve found that there are fewer wellness resources available for Spanish-speaking communities, so creating these meditations has been a way to bridge that gap. For anyone looking for a bit of calm or reflection in their day, I invite you to explore these meditations on Insight Timer—it’s been such a fulfilling way to stay connected to my students, no matter where they are.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on maintaining balance—taking care of my own well-being while continuing to serve my students in meaningful ways. Whether I’m teaching in a community center, working with kids online, or offering meditative practices through digital platforms, my mission remains the same: to help people build strength, reconnect with themselves, and support each other in their wellness journeys.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, one of the most impactful qualities I’ve developed is compassion. Living in Los Angeles, where the unhoused population is part of our everyday reality, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges people face. Through volunteer work and interacting with people experiencing homelessness, I’ve adopted a trauma-informed mindset that I carry into my yoga classes. Every person who steps into the room brings their own unique story and struggles. As a teacher, it’s essential to create a space where students feel safe and supported. Compassion allows me to hold that space for healing and connection. If you can show up with empathy and an awareness of the burdens people carry, you’re able to create a truly welcoming environment where transformation can happen.
Another skill that has been invaluable is my background in graphic design. Before I fully transitioned to yoga, I worked in design, and those skills have allowed me to brand myself and create marketing materials that reflect who I am as a teacher. Having the ability to design my own website, social media content, and promotional materials has given me a lot of creative control over my business. For anyone starting out, I’d suggest looking at the skills you already have outside of yoga. Whether it’s design, marketing, or social media, those abilities can help you build a brand and a platform that resonates with your audience.
The third area of knowledge that has been most impactful is understanding that teaching yoga goes far beyond the physical practice. Yoga is not just about leading people through poses; it’s about connecting with them emotionally, mentally, and energetically. Whether students come to class for physical movement, stress relief, or deeper emotional healing, your ability to create a safe space for them to explore that is key. Developing a trauma-informed approach and continuing to learn about anatomy and body mechanics has allowed me to better serve my students on multiple levels, offering more than just physical alignment but also support for their overall well-being.
For those just starting their journey as yoga teachers, my advice is to give yourself permission to grow slowly. It’s okay to make mistakes and not have everything figured out right away. Be patient with yourself, because your teaching style will evolve over time as you gain more experience. Start by teaching wherever you can to build confidence, but make sure you’re also staying within your capacity. The goal is not about packing classes full of people; it’s about cultivating an intentional, mindful community.
In this profession, most yoga teachers are independent contractors, which means we don’t have the usual safety nets like paid vacation or health insurance. My advice is to always have a Plan B or other sources of income that provide you with some security. You need to think about what works best for your personal situation, whether it’s balancing multiple income streams or creating backup plans in case things change.
It’s also important to take your time learning about anatomy and how the body moves. Every student’s body is different, and understanding how to guide them in a way that reduces harm is key to being an effective teacher. Instructing with your voice is another critical skill—being able to give clear verbal cues without needing to demo every pose allows you to walk around the room and assist students. It takes time to get comfortable with this, but learning to teach with your voice as your primary tool is essential for becoming a more confident, adaptable teacher.
Ultimately, yoga teaching is about creating balance and connection, both for yourself and for your students. If you’re starting out, embrace the process, take the time to build your knowledge and skills, and most importantly, focus on building a community where everyone feels seen and supported.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who genuinely cares about their wellness—or at least values the idea of investing in it. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been practicing for years, the most important thing is that you show up with the intention to grow and improve. I truly appreciate the effort my students make to show up each week, regardless of where they are on their path. The act of simply being present and making that commitment to yourself speaks volumes.
In my classes, I focus on creating a space that’s welcoming, supportive, and fun. We take our wellness seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Laughter and connection are just as important as the poses. If you’re someone who values community and likes to enjoy the process while being part of a group, you’ll feel right at home. I teach in both English and Spanish, and I always make sure the class pace is accessible for everyone, so no one feels left behind. Inclusivity and connection are at the core of what I do.
I also love working with clients who are compassionate and supportive, not just toward me as a teacher, but toward their fellow students. My classes are about more than just moving through a series of poses—we’re creating a community where everyone feels empowered to participate, no matter their experience or ability. Whether it’s adjusting the flow to accommodate different needs or simply taking a moment to pause and breathe deeply, we practice together with a spirit of care and inclusiveness. If you’re someone who values mindfulness, community, and shared growth, I’d love to have you in my class.
At the end of the day, yoga is about creating balance in both body and mind, but it’s also about building a supportive environment where we all thrive. If that resonates with you, I encourage you to visit my website to check out my teaching schedule and see where you can join us in class. Whether online or in person, I’d love to welcome you into this community and support your wellness journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexrodriguezyoga.com
- Instagram: @alignedwithalex
- Facebook: @alexrodriguezyoga
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirealexrodriguez/
- Youtube: @alexrodriguezyoga
- Other: Tiktok @alignedwithalex
Image Credits
Jennifer Stafford
Lori Jane Juan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
