Dayna Gelinas, ERYT, combines her 22 years of teaching and fitness experience in her creative and Christian approach to yoga. An Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, she currently teaches classes at various locations in the Atlanta Metro area. Featured in Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Marietta Daily Journal, and on WSB TV, Dayna has inspired interest as she seeks to educate Christians about the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. Click here for comments from some of our students.

Hi, I'm Dayna, and I want to share with you my experiences that led me to begin New Day Yoga. As a Christian who taught high school English, I kept two constants in my life, Jesus and physical fitness. My highly-demanding career required that I keep balanced emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically, and although attending church kept me grounded spiritually, going to a gym was no longer supplying the whole-person fitness that I was seeking. I tried kick-boxing and dance until the calming, spiritual element of yoga caught my attention.  At my first yoga class I found the rest and quiet for my mind, as well as the stretching and strengthening for my body, that I desired. I immediately left the competitive, performance-based styles of exercise for the more accepting one of yoga.  To me, yoga echoed the truth of the words in Isaiah 30:15, "In quietness and trust is your strength."

1. Yoga is a discipline to fortify both physical and spiritual health.
2. By practicing yoga postures, overall health of the body, mind, and nervous system improve.
3. By adding Biblical scripture and prayer to a yoga practice, the faith of the one who practices grows.

My experience at New Day Yoga Teacher Training was awesome.  I had practiced yoga for many years and had even done some teaching before this course.  We learned how to be professional teachers in the actual teaching of the asanas, structure of a class and ethics.  Ethics were learned from both the traditional approach of yoga as well as the Christ-centered approach.  Dayna is very organized and professional as well as warm hearted and fun.  I highly recommend this training to any Christian and would be happy to talk with anyone interested in taking this course.  Pat Tomczyk, Blairsville, GA, 706-781-6580.  tomczyk@windstream.net Graduate of New Day Yoga Teacher Training 2007

I am so thankful for your CD!  Your choice of verses is superb.  Each time I play the CD I hear something new and affirming in the verses.  That's the beauty of the biblical literature.  And your voice speaks with such peace and such faith. So enjoy your blessings and know that you do good work with grace, humility, and beauty. 
Dede Yow

I wouldn't have wanted to train for my 200 level certificate with any other teacher or through any other program.  New Day Yoga was the perfect place for me.  If you're a Christian and you love yoga this is the place for you! 
Kandy Duke / Graduate of New Day Yoga Teacher Training 2007

Just a note to say what a beautiful time it was to be with you and others at the Holy Spirit Monastery this weekend. "How lovely are the feet of those who bring good news". I woke up this morning with a grateful heart and some new ways to approach my yoga practice and to integrate my faith. I just returned from my class and it was wonderful. Thank you! Know that I will be praying for God's favor for you and for others to be enriched and stretched in their faith and yoga practice for having been with you.
Barbara D. Carlin MA, LAPC

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your teaching and the opportunity to learn more about yoga through New Day Yoga Teacher Training. I have been teaching this year and also taking classes at studios. It has made me realize just how blessed I am to have been exposed to your approach. It truly laid a great foundation in order to pursue teaching as well as exploring yoga personally. Just wanted to let you know how grateful I am.
Lindsey Johnson, RYT Feel Good Yoga


The experience of New Day Yoga Teacher Training has been one of the most satisfying of my life.
 
I met Dayna Gelinas at my home church, Good Shepherd Presbyterian, in Lilburn, Georgia, in October of 2005.  I had just turned 40 and was looking for a challenging new direction in my spiritual life.  Dayna was teaching a “Yoga from a Christian Perspective and Centering Prayer” workshop.  I was immediately struck by her commitment to the teaching of yoga and her love for the Lord.  Since I was relatively new to yoga at the time, she made me feel safe while I attempted postures that were new to me.  I was impressed with her organization as well.  She outlined her approach to yoga verbally as well as with handouts.  She made sure we each received information about future workshops and classes with her.  Dayna was just glowing with her love for the Lord throughout the workshop.  When she mentioned a Yoga Teacher Training class with her, I made sure I picked up a flyer.

The next step in the process was meeting with Dayna in her home to discuss the training and see if the program was right for me and for her.  I was so impressed with the beauty of the New Day Studio.  It was clean and fresh with lots of light.  As I talked with Dayna, I knew that I wanted to study with her. When the training began, we all got to know her husband, Gary, who is a delightful, supportive person.  He graciously welcomed us students and made us all comfortable during the 10 weekend sessions.

The selection of text books for the class was very impressive and comprehensive, and I found them to be a vital resource throughout the training.  The syllabus for the class was clear and comprehensive, and outside preparation was clearly outlined and explained during the introductory meeting.

The time commitment was daunting.  It definitely took a commitment on the part of my husband and children.  My experience during the Teacher Training showed me how valuable every minute is toward my personal growth as a yoga teacher and a Christian.
 
During the training, I found an extension to my family.  I learned so much from the other students.  I learned to be kind to myself (Ahimsa) and how that practice of kindness will enrich the lives of my future students.  During each weekend session, I felt the genuine presence of the Holy Spirit.  As I grew in knowledge of Yoga principles and postures, I grew in knowledge of the Lord and deepened my relationship with Him.

Now that I am teaching Yoga, I KNOW that New Day Yoga Teacher Training has prepared me for the experience.  I have myriad resources from the class, including textbooks, notes and resource lists.  I also have a built-in support system.  I know that I can call upon Dayna, Nancy, Barb, Lindsey or Lori for advice and encouragement.

I would encourage anyone interested in teaching yoga from a Christian perspective to prayerfully consider New Day Yoga Teacher Training as the platform for beginning his or her career.
Donna Broom-RYT 200 | Graduate of New Day Yoga Teacher Training 2006

I have to tell you how much taking your spiritual, relaxation yoga classes for the last 4 yrs. have helped me through my back surgery. I had two cervical herniated discs removed (C5-6 & C6-7), and I now have a 3’ vertical cut in the front of my neck with no neck brace. While waiting in recovery for two extra hours, I used the deep breathing method to relax and increased my oxygen leave back up to 98%. Bob said my color looked better than any one in our family after major surgery! [Thanks to yoga and the Lord], my only restrictions after the surgery are no heavy housework or riding in a car for one month. Your Yoga classes have taught me how to breathe & relax through pain & are now helping me to relax at home & listen to my body & figure out how to sleep comfortably.
Joy Lambie

Suddenly scriptures I've heard before, just spoken into the air, are now connecting with me, with my body, with my movements, with my breath and my efforts.
Emily Carpenter, Northgate Church of Atlanta

You have a very important mission of combining spirituality with healthy living and exercise. Father Thomas Francis, Monastery of the Holy Spirit

I really like the feeling I get from doing yoga, a combination of looseness and strength, plus peace from additional time invested in growing my relationship with God.
C. Ruckdeschel, Marietta First United Methodist Church

It's wonderful to merge our relationship with the Lord with the benefits of yoga.
Judy Merrow, Christ the King Church

Christian yoga has helped me to appreciate the body, the breath, and the form that the body represents as the temple of God. My outlook has changed; I'm more accepting and appreciative of the body God gave me.
Tammy Cochran, Marietta First United Methodist Church

Thank you for the wonderful classes I've attended with you. You are a fantastic teacher and I can really feel the difference when I've worked with you. May you continue to bless many lives with your energy, grace and talent. 
Mary DeLuca,  Northbrook United Methodist Church

I had to let you know how very much I enjoyed the Centering Prayer workshop on Saturday. Not only was the actual prayer time special, but all the information you shared with the overheads and the handouts was so worthwhile. And needless to say, our Lord knew I needed to be there that day for the peace and stillness necessary for my soul.
Beth Bullock

My expectations were always exceeded during the training experience at New Day Yoga. Dayna is first and foremost committed to being led by the Holy Spirit to teach yoga from a Christian perspective. Her love and zeal for the Lord drive her energy to share the gift of receiving the spiritual, mental and physical benefits of yoga. Strengthening this energy is Dayna’s knowledge of yoga, her gift for teaching, and her ability to present curriculum preparing the trainee in a thorough fashion. Training classes were always held professionally and effectively, making excellent use of the training schedule. I feel blessed to have been in the first graduation class from New Day Yoga Teacher Training School and am well prepared to begin teaching my own classes of yoga from a Christian perspective.
Lori Smith, RYT | Transformation Yoga

Dayna's YTT has been the most significant educational experience I've had in my life so far. What I learned goes far beyond how to teach yoga poses or how to say "Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana."  The most important thing I gleaned from this teacher training is that the Holy Spirit has greater plans for me than I can imagine and to “be still and know that He is God.”  

A few adjectives for New Day YTT include: Holy Spirit-guided, warm, fun, enlightening, refreshing, healing, nurturing, and empowering.

Dayna teaches from B.K.S. Iyengar's standards using props and alignment as the focus.  You will feel confident in your ability to safely lead students from one asana to the next without injury.  She encourages each student to find his/her own voice, to write a life mission statement, and to be confident about your unique expression of yoga. 

You will receive a well-rounded education that respectfully highlights the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga to find the Most High God's intention for body-mind-spirit, rather than man's religious/ritualistic/humanistic striving to perfect the self.   You will see God has a plan for yoga, and that other religions do not own all the mystical experiences on the earth.   Yoga is meant for you and Jesus, Jesus and you.  
April Avery, YTT Graduate 2008

My experience at New Day Yoga Teacher Training was amazing! I began the program
just wanting to learn more about the Christian Perspective in practicing yoga. I traveled
to Kennesaw,Ga, each month for 10 months from Pennsylvania. That sounds extreme,doesn't it?

Well, I emerged from this training with extreme results! Through Dayna's compassionate, caring, and professional training I am now a Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher. My mission statement for my life is to inspire, guide, and encourage others to know Christ well. If we take a step toward what God has been dreaming for us to do, He will do mighty and great things; that is a promise. I recommend this training highly and would be happy to talk to anyone interested in taking this course.
Donna Cross, YTT Graduate 2008
717-805-2009 - deharpo@comcast.net

New Day Yoga, for me, was a HUGE blessing.  It was everything I had hoped it would be and more.  I learned about yoga, yoga philosophy, and all aspects associated with the physical aspect, too.  However, on a much deeper level, I learned about the Lord and about how we can take the practice of yoga & help others grow in their walk with Him through the physical practice, meditation, & centering prayer of yoga.

The Lord’s presence was definitely felt throughout the training.  As we, a small, intimate group would gather each weekend, there was a refreshing to be had from Him.  The atmosphere & the people God chose to be there at that particular time was no accident.  It all combined to make it a perfect YTT.  There was a time of learning from each other, from Dayna, and most important, from Him.

Dayna Gelinas is a wonderful person, with a heart for teaching.  She loves the Lord & it is apparent through all that she does, but mostly to us, as students, it was apparent in how she took a seemingly “non-Christian” item such as yoga & interwove it with Scripture. 

The curriculum is VERY thorough & I feel well prepared to take the next step as a teacher.  Dayna’s effectiveness as a teacher is apparent in this aspect as well.  Though there was a lot of material to get through, she was very organized & we got through it all and learned so, so much.  Due to the comprehensive nature of the material that we studied, it was very obvious that there was a high standard to hold ourselves to as teachers.  However, Dayna never made us feel as if that standard was out of reach.  Instead, she helped us feel as if we already possessed that ability as teachers, that it just needed to be fine-tuned.

Overall, I would say that I have learned more than I thought possible in 10 months.  I never thought I would feel as equipped as I do.  I am ready to be a yoga teacher that helps others heal in their body, and points them to the One who can heal their souls.  YTT 2008 was an experience I will never forget.  I made friends for life, I met amazing women with hearts that yearn for more of God and who want to show others how they can know Him, too.  The most important thing I walk away from in this training is a stronger, more secure relationship with my Savior. 

The following verses sum up quite well how I feel about YTT 2008:

Philippians 1: 3-6 (The Message)
 3-6 Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.   
Jamie Wise, YTT Graduate 2008