Testimonials

Some kind words of support from fellow True For You Yoga practitioners <3

"I met Elias Summer 2015 at my August 3 Week Immersion Training in Maryland. Elias has changed my life as a teacher. I had formerly taught for almost 10 years as a Vinyasa teacher: I had felt like I could put together a sequence, teach an effective class and offer my skill set while teaching at that point. After Evolation and after working with Elias for 3 weeks, I felt like I tapped into a new part of my heart as a teacher. He was very intentional about getting me to teach from my heart, to use my body in my teaching (meaning to move around the room, to talk with my hands, to feel like I could freely express myself as a teacher), and to practice and teach my heart out. What resonates with me daily are these two things that I have taken from Elias: "teach every class as if you are teaching to your beloved" and "teach your heart out"

At the end of my training on graduation day he told me "don't be tentative, you have this beautiful power that resides in you. Don't dim your light, let that light SHINE." I think of these words every day. I am a full time manager now at a yoga studio in Blacksburg, Va. Elias serves as a yoga teacher trainer by encouraging trainees to be unafraid, confident, to lead, to inspire and to let their light shine. He serves trainees by challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone. I remember many of the trainees in my group (hi to those who are reading!) felt challenged by him. He was able to push us but do so in a loving way from a place of loving kindness and compassion. I look up to Elias as a leader. His teaching is effective. He has imprinted on my heart and my teaching is changed because of him."
Keala Mason - USA
Summer 2015

"A yoga teacher to me is inspiring, knowledgeable, compassionate and spiritual. As an extended student in Evolations yoga teacher training I have spent quite a bit of time with Elias and know him to be a teacher with all of these attributes. Teacher training not only pushed me towards these ideals, but helped me to grow and be challenged in ways that I couldn't have foreseen. In the end I felt like I had gone through the fire and emerged with clarity and confidence. Creating confident teachers requires a skilled teacher, such as Elias who nurtures as well as pushes at exactly the right moments. I have learned so much from Elias just by observing how he interacts with the world. He serves his students with his big caring heart with which he interacts mindfully and skillfully to his surroundings. He also serves his students by having the right combination of holding a safe and nurturing space for change to occur within while also asking his students to be bigger and brighter. Elias reminds me of Hanuman; his big generous heart with which he is of service and radiates a gentle consciousness effecting all those who are around him positively."
Dollianne Lipman - USA
2015/2016

"I met Elias as a yoga teacher trainer, yoga teacher, and Yogi during my teacher training and have continued to embody many of his teachings to this day. He serves his students and peers on many dynamic levels, by first being open. His sharing of his personal stories have aided to give validity and meaning to multiple topics, and his warm smile and demeanor can be embraced by many. Secondly, and of equal value, is his thorough knowledge of yoga practice, in many facets. It does not take long to know he is passionate about our practice. Elias is capable to speak on several levels of depth concerning intricacies of yoga. Thirdly, and perhaps being yielded a result of his fore mentioned attributes of service, is his undeniable zest, enthusiasm, and energy he brings with him. Even a silent meditation may be brought to a higher level with the focus and attention he facilitates. There is a presence demanded by Elias that serves on a higher level for practitioners with varying backgrounds and personal goals."
Nikki Roost - USA
Spring/Summer 2016

"Elias serves as a yoga teacher trainer by living 100% in and on the yoga path and showing me how wonderful this path is.
Elias inspired me to become a strong yoga teacher, to make a difference, and to light and empower peoples' lives."
Ursina Badilatti. - Switzerland
Spring/Summer/Fall 2016

"Elias Gaitan!
A mentor and hopefully a friend, a teacher of teachers and signpost in life for beginners!
Elias was put in my path through the evolation teacher training program. I first came to know him as I was accruing additional certification, then as colleague when that same training came to my studio. In both scenario his attention to detail and his deep honesty based in love has made lasting impressions in my yoga path that I have been able to bring to my own students.
Using conscious alignment, a mindful approach of acceptance and action, Elias’ teaching liberates a personal hatha practice for all. In a goal driven world of fad and dogma, practicing in the light of a teacher like this will certainly keep people on “the” yoga path, all eight limbs!
The wonderful thing about today’s yoga community is the fact that if you are reading this, your path has already been crossed. Now what?"
David Drost - USA 2016
proprietor evolation yoga buffalo

"Elias is a good friend of mine. A good friend is someone who celebrates your triumphs, and points where can you become a better person and improve. I met him as a teacher, and now we are friend because I trust him. He is a teacher you can trust, because he will encourage you to achieve your best potential, celebrate you on your accomplishments, and correct with no hesitation the things you can improve or do better." Evelyn Alfago - Hot Yoga Teacher Trainer/Teacher - Santa Barbara USA 2015

"I have known Elias for about two years. This is when he joined the evolation teacher training team. He has been an incredible asset to our organization since.

What stands out about Elias is his great understanding of the practice of yoga. He knows the postures inside and out, and can explain them in detail to new students and more experienced practioners alike. He combines this with his passion for the other limbs of yoga, including mediation and philosophy.

When teaching, Elias shows knowledge and patience with the students and is able to address difficult subjects in a practical and easy to understand manner. Elias has a very strong personal practice and taps into years of experience in different yoga traditions. His specialty is breathing lead movement.

Evolation yoga has trained hundreds of teacher trainees and we work with many teachers at our different studio locations, as well as other partner studios in various states and countries. Elias always stands out to us as someone who listens, assess, takes initiative and offers insight and help when needed. Our trainees leave his sessions empowered and with a completely different perspective of the practice they already know and love.

Probably most importantly, Elias is just a very warm and fun person. Our students love his uplifting energy and compassion! We are grateful to his contribution to our organization."

Zefea Samson - Co-founder/Owner Evolation Yoga - International 2017

" As a student of movement practices for decades, I have found Elias' personal style of clear direction enhanced with gentle wisdom teaching and the honoring of personal rhythms a combination that enhances and sustains my practice. Since studying with Elias, I have found my body and my spirit flowering. Elias is a true yogi!"
Susanna P., Ph.D., clinical psychologist - USA 2011

"Thank you for always being that constant reminder that engagement and relaxation always out weighs depth and struggle. I am so thankful I have this practice and mentors like you".
Sarah P. - Message/Body worker - USA 2012

"Elias has taught me so much, but most importantly that our bodies are intelligent, and pain and fatigue is your body warning you to back off. If only my childhood coaches had shared this philosophy then I wouldn’t have had stress fractures in my spine by the time I was thirteen and disk degeneration before I hit twenty. I love that he begins each class with a message that sets the tone and keeps us engaged and mindful. He acknowledges that all bodies are different, and have their own set of challenges. His energy is always positive and uplifting, and I always leave class feeling AMAZING!"
Tehani L. -USA 2013

"Elias is a fantastic yoga teacher with a unique style - compassion combined with rigor, gentleness with intensity. As a hot yoga addict myself, i love how he has creatively combined aspects of Bikram, vinyasa, and Forrest yoga into his Radiant Fusion style. A great change of pace from the usual routine, and one that leaves me feeling more balanced in my workout."
Ben P - USA 2012

"After practicing for 7 years and completing a yoga teacher training, I often struggle to find teachers who give equal attention to strength building, alignment, breath work, and mindfulness. I feel very lucky to practice with Elias, who manages to encourage both ambition and moderation in his classes, and shares his boundless knowledge freely with students who are injured, inexperienced, or just seeking to deepen their understanding of yoga."
Caitlin - USA 2011

"Elias is the BEST!!! His focus on connecting breath to movement has helped me not only pace myself in the classes, but also to feel strong and alive all throughout the 90 minutes (and after). Elias is hands down, the best teacher I have ever had (and I have had many mentors/coaches in my life). He is teaching me to let go of the need to "effort", "muscle", and "push" which I developed through many years of competitive sports. Elias has helped me to relax, get out of my head, and to be okay with wherever my body is at any given day. I am experiencing so many mental and spiritual benefits from practicing this way in addition to the amazing physical workouts. He makes every student feel valued. His energy is centered, calming, and spiritual. His instruction is simple and clear. I always look forward to his classes and to learning new things. Elias is a true gem and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to study under such a knowledgeable teacher and wonderful person!"
Donna L. - USA 2013

Elias serves as a Yoga Teacher Trainer, Yoga Teacher and Yogi by embodying the heart of yoga itself. His approach is always compassionate and sincere. He listens and understands the individual needs of each student he touches. It's never about him but the messages he shares. This goes beyond the physical practice of the yoga postures themselves. He clearly invites his students to be aware of themselves as a divine essence beyond their bodies and how important that perception is to the overall true practice of yoga. Anyone who has the opportunity to have Elias as a part of their yoga journey will quickly realize how much of a blessing his knowledge and demeanor truly are.

During my own teacher training, Elias always found the good in what each student was doing. He was easily able to find the right words to encourage us to go beyond our mind chatter and fear to accomplish much more than what we thought possible of ourselves. With his keen sense of people and emotions, he was always able to keep our group focused, on track and moving forward. Not only did I learn how to teach yoga, I also learned a lot about myself. No words can express my gratitude for my training experience with Elias.

Pete Palma - Summer NYC/SB USA 2016

"Elias is someone who speaks from a place of love, and he is one of the warmest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. His calm presence is contagious. Weather he is teaching a yoga class to students or serving as a teacher trainer to trainees, he is patient, and cares so much for every single person. Elias genuinely wants each experience he is involved with to be full, and powerful. With his humble knowledge of yoga philosophy and great ability to help others heal their bodies, he truly is one of a kind. I am so honored to have had the time I did with such a bright ray of light."
Sophie Turcotte - Canada/USA
Spring/Summer 2016

I had the honor of receiving a significant portion of my 250 hour Evolation Hot Yoga training from Elias Gaitan. It was clear from the moment he began his work with us, that we were in the hands of a master. Our first introduction to Elias was a guided morning meditation. When I walked in, it was immediately clear that the room where lessons and classes were normally held, had been transformed into a sacred space. Elias was sitting quietly at the front of the room, and we all, with very little verbal instruction, found ourselves doing the same. Though I had, at that point, very limited experience with traditional meditation, the meditation journey that Elias took us on that morning that was transformative, significant and moving. He also set us up with a clear road map for finding that experience again ourselves. Even with such a strong opening, the rest of the Elias’ training did not disappoint.
A true teacher is also always learning and listening and Elias is an excellent listener. If an answer was given during a training that was, on the surface, incorrect, Elias would think about the perspective of the answering student, consider why the student may have answered the question that way and find the kernel of comprehension within the “incorrect” answer. In this way, true intellectual dialogue was facilitated and deeper, fuller learning encouraged.
For instance, in Tuladandasana, balancing stick, the dialogue calls for “chest down.” While practicing teaching this pose, I instructed “chest up.” Rather than simply correcting me, Elias took this as an opportunity to discuss the dual nature of the posture and how, while the chest is coming forward and down, it is also crucial in this posture for the chest to remain “lifted” in relation to the rest of the spine. These kinds of discussions were a significant portion of our posture mechanics training, and while shedding light on the postures themselves, they also made it clear how very knowledgeable Elias is about the postures, anatomy and broader concepts of yoga. I have, since my training, been able to come to Elias with very specific questions about postures and/or the wording of instructions and he always has a clear, succinct answer that synthesizes my understanding, that I am then able to take away and use in my teaching. In this was, his good teaching is passed on.
As teacher trainer, Elias runs a tight ship and is efficient with time. However, this strict discipline is balanced with great sensitivity and flexibility. He is able to read the mood of a day and people, and rather than stubbornly sticking to a strict plan that might not be right for a particular day, he, like a surfer, is able to ride the waves of emotion, fatigue, inspiration, and energy that naturally course through a group of trainees. He was able to harness the restless energy of certain days to play “teacher training games” that were remarkably effective for remembering elements of certain postures, in addition to letting off physical steam. He was able to channel the quieter, fatigued energy of other days into parsing the subtleties of language and learning about broader aspects of yoga. His mastery of this yogic trifecta of discipline, sensitivity and flexibility made him an extremely effective teacher for our group
The latin root of education, educare, means “to draw out.” Elias’ natural kindness and patience created a safe environment in which to “draw out” new teachers from a group of trainees. Because we felt safe, bigger, braver questions were asked, and students were willing to take risks. With genuine care for his students, Elias cultivated a nurturing environment within which we grew strong enough to meet the inevitable challenges of our rigorous training. Elias was always respectful and seemed to always see the best in us. It made me, as a student, want to rise up to meet these high expectations for myself as a teacher.
In all of these ways, Elias is a gifted teacher. Not only does he have vast experience with many aspects and kinds of yoga, in addition to a wealth of spiritual knowledge, but he has the gift of being able to share them in a way that perpetuates the knowledge and the essential truths of the yoga,. He embodies the truths, lives them and shows new teachers how to do the same. In this way Elias is an example of the adage; “True education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
Alyson Metcalfe - Santa Barbara USA
2015-2016

Elias serves as a yoga teacher trainer, yoga teacher, and Yogi in these ways: he informs students the nature of class is intense, thus he invites students to an opening and closing meditation to calm students. Elias serves by unifying students (whether beginner or advanced) by demonstrating postures throughout class to ensure a pain free range of motion and form versus depth, and by providing cues i.e. gentle claps to guide students in and out of postures. He uses arm movements and voice inflections students can easily comprehend and follow along with throughout class. Elias serves by emphasizing rest and work are equally important, and that it's vital to take at least two breaths between postures. His calming voice and guidance to breathe enables students to listen to their bodies and practice in a safe yet intense environment.
Jonathan Mah - santa barbara USA
summer 2016