Becca:
I was first drawn to the Mind/Body practices of Yoga and Pilates 10 years ago when the birth of my first child changed my body and the way I needed to exercise. I became instantly “hooked” on the calming effects these practices had on my mind and spirit, while still giving me dynamic changes in my physical body as well. My passion for both Yoga and Pilates really intensified through my second and third pregnancies and continued to serve me well as a needed sanctuary during those early child rearing years.

As my children grew, so did my curiosity for all things Yoga and I embarked on a residential training in Austin, TX in the summer of 2005. Since that time, I have been teaching Yoga and Pilates on a full-time basis and loving every minute of it! I enjoy teaching a vast variety of styles from Yin Yoga to Vigorous Flow Yoga to Pilates/Yoga Fusions.

I truly believe that Yoga and Pilates are for every “body,” and that everybody can benefit from these timeless traditions. As my family and I settle into our first season here in Spokane after moving from Missoula, MT this summer, I have been honored to be a part of the start of The Renewal Room and look forward to many years of teaching and serving the community through Yoga and Pilates.

Paula:
Mind/Body Fitness came into my life 10 years ago after sustaining injuries in a car accident. One of my health practitioners suggested taking a yoga or Pilates class in order to increase the strength and flexibility in my body, as we worked toward the healing and rehabilitation of my injuries. Taking that first yoga class changed my life – I saw the difference in my body almost overnight. Shortly after that I added Pilates matwork, and I have been hooked ever since. An added bonus: I lost weight! I became an instructor of both disciplines because I wanted to share the gift of yoga and Pilates with others – you can get stronger and more balanced, you can increase your range of motion and flexibility, and you can move into a place of health and wellness by practicing these exercises. As we like to say in mind/body fitness, it’s all about the journey. I have taught in studios, gyms, and health clubs all over Spokane. I am honored to now be a part of the vision of The Renewal Room Studio. Teaching yoga and Pilates has been and continues to be a wonderful journey for me – a journey I hope you will want to explore as well.

Kelly:
I took my first Yoga class over 8 years ago during pregnancy and instantly fell in love with its peaceful centering benefits. In this past year I decided to take my passion for Yoga to a new level. In October 2008, I completed my 200 hour certification from At One Yoga in Scottsdale , Arizona . It was during this time that I truly connected with my inspirational path of purpose and felt the calling to teach. Upon completion of the program, I immediately launched into my Yoga career at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa where I began sharing Vinyasa with hotel guests from all over the world.

As a native of the Northwest, I am thrilled that our family has relocated back to the area and I look forward to becoming an active member of the expanding Spokane Yoga community. I truly feel privileged to be a part of the Renewal Room and its fantastic team of instructors. I look forward to sharing my Vinyasa/Flow practice which focuses on integrating body movement with breath to create a mind body connection that will renew the body, refresh the mind and rejuvenate the spirit.

Chris:
I have been practicing yoga for about 10 years now. I got involved initially, like so many others, when my life and circumstances shouted out for a change. I needed to make and take some time for myself. I needed more balance and wholeness in my busy and demanding schedule. I found myself giving endlessly to others and neglecting to nourish me. Yoga brought stress relief, new and energizing breathing techniques, and stretching and toning of my muscles and ligaments. What a wonderful choice! I'm excited to be teaching now. It has been a natural and lovely extension of my practice of yoga. I will be offering a Gentle Yoga class, centered around control and graceful flow, as we tackle the wonderful stretching poses that yoga offers. So make time for yourself and bring the balance and peace of yoga into your life. Look forward to seeing you at The Renewal Room.

Christina:
I embarked on the pathway of Pilates when I encountered a turning point in my health. I had developed severe tendonitis from repetitive work at my job. I had to drastically change what I did for work. I started my training through Balanced Body University in January 2008 and continue in the process of completing all apparatus modules. As I have continued on my journey, I noticed that within a few months, my condition started to improve. This is my first year as an instructor and feel that I have grown so much from when I started last year. I am stronger and my condition is barely noticable. I have enjoyed teaching mat and reformer classes and look forward to expanding in other areas of specialty.

I love helping people and I empathize with the stress and havoc our bodies take with our busy lifestyles. I hope to provide an outlet and better outlook for a new day. I am confident that Pilates can improve the way you feel, physically and mentally.

Zeny:
I have been a yoga practitioner since 2000. I have had the enormous privilege of studying with well-known and some lesser-known teachers from the Ukraine and India. My teaching style integrates principles learned both from Universal Yoga and Tantra Yoga. I recently completed two months of advanced studies in Traditional Yoga in India with Bhagavan Shanmuka Anantha Natha (Bhagavan is a title similar to a High Lama) a Tantric Yoga Guru from Tamil Nadu, from whom I received Diksha [Divine Initiation] into Tantra Yoga. Traveling to India was a lifetime achievement for me. As I not only went to study yoga, but also to visit my Indian grassroots (Zeny is of Indian-Sikh descent) and experience the culture out of which Yoga was born. I believe in integration of Yoga into everyday life, "What you learn on the mat, must be practiced off the mat." 200 and 500 hour Yoga Alliance Schools.