admiration of all you all!

Claudia Micco

I was born in NJ- grew up too fast, did too much too soon.....I found my way out at 18 years old thanks to a lucky introduction to fitness and a little ad in the back of Shape Magazine. I have been teaching mind/body fitness since 1985. I originally studied with Gloria Keeling at the Strong, Stretched & Centered Mind/Body Institute on Maui. We studied Yoga, Tai Chi, Bioenergetics, Visualization, Alexander Technique, Gelstalt Dance and Traditional Fitness. It was a very life changing and radical program. It was way before anyone talked about mind/body and I was considered to be a bit of a freak for my teaching methods back then. I worked hard to fit into the SF Bay Area instructor cliques in the 80's and had many great mentors. I always taught movement more methodically and slower than other teachers, and even though I was good at traditional teaching, I was not satisfied trashing peoples bodies. My one instructor friend used to call me "Qualude Aerobics"....and relaxation and visualization at the end my classes were either loved or hated back then...no in-between. I decided to focus on Spa and Wellness Centers. I traveled often to teach at The Oaks at Ojai California. I worked and lived at Rancho LaPuerta Spa in 1992 working with the great Cathie Murakami and Phyllis Pilgrim among other amazing people. Eventually I found my way back to Maui to be the program director at the SS&C institute in 1994 (at the time an ACE Accredited training program). I also became a licensed Hypnotherapist and competed in female bodybuilding. After 6 years of that, I traveled to Germany and taught Mind/Body Fitness at conventions throughout Europe for two years living with the great Carl Powell. Of course, Maui was calling me back to her, so I traveled back to Maui in 2002 and became the program director for The Ritz Carlton Spa in Kapalua. I began studying Hawaiian Healing and Massage Therapy with the Kupuna (elders) to expand my practice. I began providing content for Beth Shaw's YogaFit teacher training levels 2 and 3, and have been the Hawaii based trainer for YogaFit 200 Hour teacher training program since then. I currently teach and train exclusive clients at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, and provide Lomi Lomi massage therapy in a spa setting. I am constantly learning and growing, I most recently have attended the first level Franklin Method training. I can't wait for the next one. I am always looking for creative ways to help myself and others realize their own great potential. I love living and working in a place like Maui where we meet the most amazing visitors from all over the world and enjoy the most beautiful local culture. Mahalo Nui Loa!