About Daisha Nilsen
My interest in Yoga & Fitness
As someone who has always enjoyed participating in sports and activities, I have developed a deep love for health and wellness. My journey with yoga began in 2015, and after attending my first few yoga classes, I became captivated. I found solace in quieting my ever-racing mind and experiencing the physical transformations within my body. As I delved deeper into my practice, I also discovered a passion for backpacking. While traveling abroad, yoga became a source of confidence and a means to slow down and reconnect with my body.
This passion eventually led me to the birthplace of yoga, India. The prospect of training as a yoga instructor in GOA filled me with excitement; I knew it would be the adventure of a lifetime. I obtained my 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification in 2017, followed by becoming a certified personal trainer in 2019. In 2023, I returned to Rishikesh, India, to further my training, earning my 500-hour RYT certification.
My yoga studies in India
During my time at Himalaya Yoga Valley, I observed and studied the true nature of the practice beyond the physical, with the guidance of Lalit Kumar, who studied under Sri BKS Iyengar, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, and more. We would practice the full Primary Series twice daily, four hours in the sweltering Indian heat.
Exhausting, yes, but it was absolutely beautiful to be practicing with men and women from around the world. Our classes would always come after using the first hour of the day to focus on meditation and pranayama (breath work). I learned Patanjali's 8-limbs of yoga, the yamas and niyamas - a guide to living our most meaningful life with purpose and kindness. I still study the sutras, knowing I learn and feel something new every time.
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Returning to India was on my list for quite a few years before I was able to do so, it brought me back to why I came into this industry in the first place. I couldn't be more thankful for all the teachers and friends I have acquired along the way.
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My goal as a Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer, I use my knowledge of progression, strength training, and functional movement to support my clients. Leading them to a life free of injury and pain. This translates perfectly to yoga as one should not only strive to have a range of motion but muscle strength as well.
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I am certified through NASM and follow the principles of progressive overload so that we are able to train well and minimize injury. Our sessions begin with a thorough dynamic warm-up and priming exercises using bands, preparing you for the day's programmed exercises. We conclude with static stretching post-weight training.
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I program accordingly based on my client's goals, and physical fitness levels, I will address any existing injuries or dysfunction. I also offer accountability check-ins or the use of our time to work through any Physical Therapy exercises that clients have been prescribed by a doctor if that applies to the current situation.
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I found so much happiness in my career, doing what I love with those I enjoy spending time with. I will always be a yoga student, a student of my own body and of my client's needs. I am reaching toward achieving many goals in life and within myself. I hope to inspire those to create and achieve their goals while fostering a community of like-minded friends with whom they can be active with.
