When Sahel Anvarinejad was battling cancer (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) in 2012, her son, Tabay Atkins, watched as she bravely fought cancer and saw how her yoga practice helped her during recovery.
Fast forward to 2017, and Sahel has become a cancer-free yoga teacher and a studio owner. Her now 11-year-old son Tabay, who completed his 200-hour yoga instructor certification when he turned ten years old, is the youngest yoga instructor certified in the US.
Yoga in a Family
Sahel continued to practice yoga and train even when she lost her hair due to chemo in 2012 and had difficulty walking. Tabay was inspired to teach yoga after seeing how yoga helped his mom heal, not only physically but mentally as well.
According to a Fred Swegles article in The Orange County Register, Tabay was six years old when he went with his mother to her teacher training. He quickly picked up the flow.
Larry Atkins, his father, a former NFL linebacker who has started to practice yoga, is also a convert after seeing the positive effects of Tabay’s practice, as well as his own.
Sahel opened her yoga studio in San Clemente in 2013 after she was certified. Tabay often helped out in the classes.
The Youngest Yoga Teacher Certified
Sahel gave Tabay two choices when he finished the fifth grade: a summer holiday in Europe or a 200-hour yoga instructor certification in LA. Tabay chose to do yoga.
Tabay’s mom was training and teaching at the yoga studio where he works, so he tagged along to her classes and gained valuable insight. Getting the 200-hour certification appeared to be the only thing he needed to teach his classes.
Tabay currently teaches donation classes at care4yoga three times a week. All proceeds are donated to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and other charities chosen by the Atkins Family, as well as to families that they know who need support in their fight against cancer.
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