About |

Margy Smariga, MA, E-RYT 500, CYT, is an experienced yoga teacher and yoga therapist trained in the Viniyoga tradition. Her specialty is adapting the practices of yoga to the unique conditions, needs, and interests of each student. Margy is honored to share her love of yoga with others and to help individuals of all ages and abilities discover the many benefits yoga offers.

Margy’s Yoga Journey

Margy came to yoga in 1999 to find relief from back pain. She quickly discovered the profound effects of yoga on multiple levels. Not only did a regular yoga practice help her back, it also improved her sleep, her mood, and her overall sense of well-being. Wanting to deepen her practice and her understanding of yoga, she completed Bagheera Yoga/Pruyoga’s 200-hour teacher training in Washington, DC. She realized she was drawn to share her love of yoga with others and began teaching group classes in 2005. Eager to continue her yoga studies, she began looking for advanced training emphasizing a therapeutic approach to yoga.

Margy began studying with internationally known yoga therapist Gary Kraftsow and the faculty of the American Viniyoga Institute (AVI) in 2007. She commuted to California for four years to complete AVI’s 500-hour advanced teacher training and AVI’s yoga therapist training (one of the first yoga therapy programs in the country to be accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists). Since 2013, Margy has served on the faculty of AVI’s 500-hour teacher training program (Foundations for Teaching and Yoga Therapy), and in 2016 she joined the faculty of AVI’s Viniyoga Therapist Training.

In addition, Margy completed Peggy Cappy’s Yoga for the Rest of Us Teacher Training and Silver Age Yoga’s Basic Certification Course, both of which emphasize adapting yoga to serve the needs of seniors; Yoga of Awareness for Cancer Professional Training at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, NC; and Leslie Kaminoff’s online Yoga Anatomy course. Margy is registered with Yoga Alliance and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

In a previous life, Margy spent 30 years as a writer and an editor, and her strong communication skills have informed her work as a yoga teacher.

Testimonials

“I just had to tell you again how much my life has changed since I started yoga with you almost three years ago. Do you remember my first several classes? I couldn’t get down on the floor and sat in a chair for most of the class. And now you know how well I’m doing and how much stronger and more flexible I am and how easy “down dogs” are for me! And here’s another example: last week, with all that snow, I went tubing with my grandchildren. You know how old I am (76 in two weeks), and I had no trouble climbing back up the hill! Thank you Margy, for everything!” Love, Laurel (Student in Yoga for Seniors Class)

“Thanks so much for the tender, loving care you share with all of us in class. You continue to make such a positive difference in my life as you share the tools I need to grow and stay healthy.”—Student in Yoga for Cancer Class

“Margy is a wonderful instructor, and FMH is very fortunate to have someone like her. I have never had any teacher who is as diligent about instruction for people who have musculoskeletal issues. She is a gem!”—Student in Yoga for Seniors Class

“I have a history of osteoarthritis and major low back pain, including a compression fracture of my L-5 vertebra. I had been seeing a pain management specialist to receive epidural injections, which I needed two or three times every six months. My rheumatologist recommended that I take Margy’s yoga classes, which she teaches at his medical practice. It has been eight months since I have needed an epidural injection, and I credit Margy’s classes with my progress.”—Rose A., Derwood, MD

“My mother-in-law thinks the world of you, and you have made such a difference in her standing and mobility. Thank you!”—Relative of yoga therapy client

“I enjoyed meeting you and missed the opportunity to tell you how wonderful the yoga class was Sunday morning. Your voice is so clear, melodious, and your directions have perfect cadence. It’s no wonder you are a popular teacher!”—Yoga teacher

“Love it! Best class I’ve ever taken. Margy is a fabulous instructor who helps each of us succeed despite our physical (dis)abilities.”—Yoga Student

Contact Us

Frederick Therapeutic Yoga

Phone: 240-490-5364

Email: margysmariga@gmail.com