Candace Gibson is a passionate advocate for health and wellness at Carlsbad Village Yoga, where she emphasizes the importance of staying active as we age. Under her guidance, the studio cultivates a peaceful and fun atmosphere that values community and connection, welcoming everyone regardless of their experience level. Recognizing that yoga can sometimes feel intimidating, Candace fosters an open and friendly environment, encouraging clients to embrace the practice without fear. With a focus on both challenging power flows and restorative classes, she aims to make yoga accessible and enjoyable for all. MysticMag finds out more.
Candy, how did your personal journey with yoga begin, and what inspired you to become an instructor?
I’ve always struggled with poor posture and tend to slouch. Back in high school, I bought a book and secretly practiced yoga in my bedroom. While it didn’t fix my posture, it did help me stay flexible. When I became pregnant, I started taking some prenatal yoga classes. It felt empowering to move and have ownership of my own body during that time. Attending those classes was a way for me to care for myself, providing peaceful and low-stress hours where I could escape from my two-year-old and focus on my well-being.
What do you believe sets Carlsbad Village Yoga apart from other studios in the area?
At Carlsbad Village Yoga, we pride ourselves on being approachable and down-to-earth. We’re just everyday people who aren’t concerned with impressing anyone with our practice or our outfits. Our community members come here for their health and to connect with one another. Nobody cares about the brand of yoga pants you wear or how deep your chair pose is. We also host a variety of community events because we believe that in-person connections are incredibly meaningful.
How do you create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere for students, especially those new to yoga?
We smile! We laugh a lot. Mostly a warm hello.
Yoga is often described as a practice that goes beyond physical movement. How do you incorporate elements of mindfulness, breathwork, or meditation into your classes to foster deeper connections for your students?
That’s an interesting question! When you mention a deeper connection to oneself, I think it really highlights the role of breath in yoga practice. I encourage our teachers to embrace their own unique styles, so we don’t have a set flow or rigid expectations for cues or music. Self-expression is highly valued here.
People naturally resonate with certain teachers and choose their classes accordingly, which helps foster a sense of self-trust. You begin to intuitively know which teacher you need at any given moment, and what they offer draws you in. While this might not be the exact answer you were looking for, I believe that having a variety of options allows individuals to connect with what they truly need on the mat. This connection ultimately creates space for personal growth, whether that means becoming closer to yourself or strengthening your body. It’s all about giving people what they need.
In your experience, what are some of the most common misconceptions people have about yoga, and how do you guide students in overcoming those barriers to fully embrace the practice?
I used to feel embarrassed about doing yoga when I was younger. It had this “hippy dippy” vibe that I didn’t want to associate with. Then, as I got older, it seemed like the yoga scene was dominated by thin, snobby ladies dressed in $300 pants, which didn’t help the perception. But ultimately, I’ve realized that yoga is what you make of it. It’s a practice that encourages you to become more aware of yourself, your body, and your thoughts—much like life itself.
If you would like to find out more about Candace Gibson and Carlsbad Village Yoga, please visit https://carlsbadvillageyoga.com/
