Christy DeBurton, RYT, is known for her gentle yet encouraging teaching style that includes both the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice. She encourages her yoga students to take what they learn on the mat and apply it in their daily lives: such practices as mindfulness, loving-kindness, self-acceptance, non-reactivity and living in the present moment. Christy's commitment to helping people heal, both on a physical and emotional level, is evident in her teachings. Her yoga classes are known for their creative sequences, clear instruction and hands-on adjustments.

Christy's personal journey has included a career in the automotive industry, where she came to realize that her highest potential was not being achieved. Taking a leap of faith, she quit her job and spent a season working and studying at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in New York. Upon her return to Michigan, Christy began teaching yoga and t'ai chi classes in her hometown of Howell, where she was largely responsible for popularizing those disciplines. She then moved to Ann Arbor and was the first teacher to introduce Vinyasa yoga to the community. She established her own in-home yoga studio, The Yoga Room, where she holds group yoga classes, private yoga sessions and special yoga workshops. Christy also holds yoga retreats in Michigan and in more exotic locales.

Christy's teachings come from intensive studies with renowned yoga teachers throughout the country. A few of her favorites include Jonny Kest, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Seane Corn and Shiva Rea. Christy is a graduate of Alma College in Michigan, a member of the Yoga Alliance, and a founding member of Yoga Serves, a volunteer group within the Ann Arbor yoga community. She was featured in a story about yoga potlucks in Yoga Journal's December 2008 issue. A certified Interdisciplinary yoga teacher, Christy has completed yoga teacher trainings at both the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in New York and the Center for Yoga in Michigan. She has been teaching since 1998. Watch an interview/photo montage of Christy here.

Student Testimonials...

"Your yoga classes have turned my life around. After the first few weeks of classes with you, I began noticing that my posture was improving, that I had more energy, and my back and joints felt good for the first time in years. I am developing physical strength that I never had before, and have a much more positive outlook on life. People tell me I look ten years younger than I am, and though I interact closely at work with large numbers of people, I have not developed an illness since starting yoga with you. Equally important, I feel centered, balanced, and at peace for the first time in many years. Thank you for being there for me." -Paul, Ann Arbor



"I have practiced at several studios, and by far yours is the best. I love the workout. I love the mindfulness. I love the solace. As you may recall, your studio was recommended to me by a respiratory therapist. I'm so grateful I heeded her advice. I have noticed significant health improvements. I went for a check up last week with my allergist and my asthma is in check like no other point in my life. I'm even decreasing my medicine--something I've not been able to do in 20 years. I really attribute a lot of the improvement to my yoga practice. I can't even begin to thank you enough." -Dana, Ann Arbor



"Christy, you are a remarkable yoga teacher. You are skillful in guiding me into challenging postures, and helping me find that “place between effort and ease.” Of all the yoga teachers I’ve had, I’ve found your approach to be the most supportive and have recommended you to several friends, who now happily take your classes as well." -Stephen, Ann Arbor

 

"Our classes were such an important part of my life in Ann Arbor. I feel so lucky to have found you. You teach in such a natural and peaceful way. Your energy is soothing and pure. It was a real pleasure to have gotten to know you as a teacher and as a friend. Yoga has changed my life this past year, and you are part of it. Thank you very very much for the sessions. I'll miss them and you!" -Andrea, Ann Arbor/Brazil

 

"Just wanted to send out a quick thank you for a phenomenal class last weekend. I can honestly say that I have done yoga with 4 different teachers in my lifetime, and you were definitely my favorite. I have never felt actually at ease during breathing exercises, they usually make me feel very impatient and uncomfortable, but for whatever reason, I felt great with you!" -Melissa, Ann Arbor



"Thank you, Christy. It's been a great two years, and I really like your teaching style. I'd taken some classes before but never was as drawn to yoga as when you did your class for the Meetup walking group. I was hooked! I recently beat my teenage son in an arm wrestling match, which both of us attributed to yoga. I hope to continue for many more years." -Bill, Ann Arbor



"I just wanted to say Thank You. Your yoga class has meant so much to me. When I think about how different my life is now than a year ago, I know much is due to the attitude and openness that your class has inspired." -Julie, Howell



"I have finally completed my dissertation. Your classes helped me through the process, and I have included you in my acknowledgements. Thank you for introducing me to the power and joy of yoga." -Jinny, Ann Arbor


 

"Listening and reflecting on the things you say during yoga has become an especially important aspect of yoga for me. Even when my body feels tired, wanting to hear and meditate on new thoughts and perspectives urges me forward. I really cannot stress enough how meaningful you have made yoga for me and I appreciate you taking the time to reinforce the connection between body and mind. Thank you, Christy!!" -Ellen, Ann Arbor



Other teachers at The Yoga Room...

Christina Witter

Christina has completed Level 1 & 2 Teacher Trainings, Prenatal Yoga, and Kids Yoga trainings through Yogafit. She has been teaching since 2006.