David began studying Iyengar Yoga in 2003 at the YMCA with teachers Wendy Baranello, Richard Jonas, and Dmitri Shapira. Encouraged by them, he enrolled in the Teacher Education program in 2019 and, in September 2021, he received his Level 1 certification from the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS). David continues to study with Dmitri, his mentor, and with Bobby Clennell, and online with teachers from India. He took his first trip to Pune in June of 2024.
A devoted long-distance runner (including ten marathons), David was encouraged to try Iyengar yoga to combat the tightness in his limbs and his ongoing challenges with sciatica. Through the years, he feels yoga has given him so much more than just physical wellness; it has provided him with emotional and psychological benefits as well.
David volunteers at God’s Love We Deliver preparing meals for homebound people living with a variety of medical conditions. He is also active with his neighborhood political group in Inwood where he lives with his husband and their two cats. He teaches at the YMCA where he began his yoga journey. His students describe David as welcoming and sincere, and his directions clear, helpful and friendly.
David tells his students that there is no perfect body type for yoga: No matter your age, weight or flexibility, everyone can stand up, stretch their arms and legs, and lift their chest and their spirits.