About Jacob
In 2014, Jacob was introduced to the yoga practice while at Rutgers University playing NCAA Division 1 Lacrosse. After college, Jacob maintained his yoga practice and explored many different teachers like Patrick Beach and various styles. He completed his first teacher training in 2016 in Delray Beach, FL with Kelly Brookbank. In 2021, he completed his second 300hr teacher training with Dylan Werner, Mercy Ananda and Shiva Das in Germany. Since 2021, Jacob has been sharing unique insights and techniques to grow in all facets of the yoga practice.
MIA Yoga
Myofascial Integrated Alignment is a holistic yoga practice that focuses on restoring healthy natural alignment. Balance, strength, and flexibility are intertwined through creative, challenging, and unique sequences to balance the Myofascial Meridians.
The Myofascial Meridians are continuous lines of tension through the body. They connect muscle and fascia in a series along boney attachments. Our body is a tensegrity system. Imbalance in one area may lead to postural compensation in a seemingly unrelated area. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every part of the body. The incorporation of fascial properties throughout the practice along with knowledge of the Myofascial Meridians allow for a truly meaningful physical, spiritual and emotional yoga practice.
Ultimately, everything is connected and it is imperative to view the body as a singular unit. When we approach the practice from this perspective, every movement is more impactful. As teachers, we invite students to look for sensations without trying to achieve a particular shape. This practice allows students of all levels the opportunity for continued exploration. Poses and functional movements are incorporated thoughtfully as tools to create tension or compression through the desired myofascial meridian while simultaneously utilizing the properties of fascia.
Jacob has been practicing and teaching MIA yoga since 2021 after graduation from the One Movement Yoga advanced 300hr teacher training in Germany with world-renowned Teachers Dylan Werner, Mercy Ananda and Shiva Das.
MIS Yoga
MIS yoga or Myofascial Integrated Stretching is similar to MIA yoga but with more emphasis on increasing range of motion over time, without the strength component of the MIA practice.
Fascial properties such as Elasticity, Viscoelasticity, plasticity, Transmission of Force and Remolding play an integral role in both our MIA and MIS practices. Our Elasticity and Viscoelasticity movements are essential for creating Fascial Glide. This allows for less restriction and increased range of motion when moving into plasticity.
Stretching Duration is generally 30 seconds per stretch, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds per stretch. Scientific studies show that 2 minutes total per muscle group, 5-6 days per week is the optimal duration and frequency to increase range of motion. Increased time under tension may produce negligible results with a greater potential for injury.
It is imperative that we listen to the body and prioritize safety. Scientific studies also show that we get 100% of the benefit from 80% of our range of motion. Stretching is challenging, but it shouldn’t be painful. It’s important that we remain calm and mindful during our stretching practices to allow the nervous system the opportunity to relax.
Meditation and Pranayama
Along with a strong physical practice, Jacob focuses his energy towards meditation and pranayama. His teacher Dylan Werner wrote the book “The Illuminated Breath.” Through the teaching of this book and years of practice Jacob can guide students through different breathing techniques and practices to work towards a specific goal.
There are many meditation techniques and finding the practice that suits the student best can be a arduous journey. Jacob seeks to understand the needs. difficulties and barriers inhibiting each student from working towards their meditation goals. Jacob has experience leading both groups and individuals in guided meditation practice of many kinds.
