Get to know
Valerie Giles

Shangrila: What is your favourite thing in the whole world?
Valerie: It's tough to choose just one! I love the sound of a baby, child or adult giggle. I love to dance and laugh. I do thrive, and enjoy spending time, in nature.

S: Why did you start doing yoga?
V: I had been teaching many forms of fitness and I was very "broken" from competing in the World Triathlon circuit. The broken part was literal: there were a lot of bicycle crashes involving some broken bones and torn tendons. I came to yoga as a restorative practice not even realizing the level of fitness and strength that can be attained from the yoga asana. Eventually I understood that the physical aspect is just the start of the journey...

S: What made you decide to become a yoga instructor?
V: I had been teaching some form of fitness or personal training for about 15 years and once I developed a strong yoga practice I wanted to share the benefits of yoga with others. I realized how comprehensive yoga was as a discipline--it's truly a practice that effects mind, body and soul.

S: What keeps you from doing more yoga?
V: Not much keeps me from doing yoga. It has become such a big part of my daily life that when I don't do a practice I don't feel as well.

Vitals

Credentials: E-RYT 500, E-RYT 200,​ YACEP Educator
Years of experience: 15
Yoga Styles: Anusara, Vinyasa