Meet the Teacher Jenny T

Jenny T’s classes get you into a space where all that matters is you, your breath, & your mat. Join her in Wheaton (she subs a ton in Glen Ellyn too) for one of her beautifly sequenced classes that will have you floating out of the door. Jenny gives you space to challenge yourself; whether that is a difficult to master balancing pose or the ever difficult to master: space of peace & calm in your mind. Find yourself in her class & she will help you find yourself!

1. When & how did you come to yoga yourself?

I attended Arizona State University with the intention of teaching Dance and health in Physical Education. For my student teaching experience, they paired me with a mentor who created and implemented yoga curriculum to the Gilbert school district, Teresa Lake. I had never practiced before, and as a dancer, I didn’t really like it! But I had to begin teaching her classes! It didn’t take long before I fell in love with the practice and have been teaching and taking classes ever since. Eventually, I travelled to the Big Island of Hawaii to grow my practice and officially earned my 200 training certification.

2. Favorite yoga pose:

There are too many to count! I love starting my practice in a huge open supported fish, I love the continuous challenge of Ardhachandrasana (standing half moon), and most days I feel like I NEED a pigeon pose 🙂 

3. Who inspires your teaching?

The students! Gosh, our community is amazing. I love seeing students smiling on their mats and almost immediately seeing their stress melt away as they get centered on their mats. It makes me want to continually become a better instructor. 

4. Tips for beginners (or advanced yogis maybe):

Be gentle with yourself! One of the most beautiful things about the practice of yoga is there’s no pressure. No expectations. Show up on your mat and do what feels good no matter what that looks like on any given day. Be patient with the practice as not many leave on day one (or even day 200 for that matter) feeling like they know what they’re doing!

5. Favorite quote:

Ooh I have so many! One that I keep coming back to lately is from Etty Hittlesum, “Sometimes, the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take in between two breaths.”

6. Instagram name:  Jennylynneyogi  **Jenny loves outdoor yoga, give her a follow & follow along on her adventures!

7. Regular teaching schedule: Day/Time/Format/Location

Thursdays in Wheaton

YBD 2 95 @4:30

YBD 2 95 @ 6:00

Restorative @ 8:15

 

8. When I am  not doing yoga I like to;

Be doing anything outdoors! Walk, run, bike, even yoga outside! The sun makes my heart happy. 

Wellness Wednesday: Humbling Observation

Happy Wellness Wednesday, friends!

When we fully immerse ourselves into our surroundings we are better able to formulate our thoughts and feelings into words. We may attain a sense of wholesome pleasure from simply observing what is around us, exposing us to new depths of clarity and ebullience.

When we intentionally devote ourselves entirely, we begin to notice the exquisiteness in subtle, simple, detail as if time became timeless. The sensory stimulus we may otherwise have ignored now deeply saturate our senses to create wholesome memories we may hold close to us.

Our curious nature will always inspire us to question life. So while our thoughts may become diffused and spacey, we cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of deep appreciation that helps us to understand how our time as a physical being can contribute to the growth of our mind body when we are fully immersed in the moment. When we come to this realization, we experience the reality that has always been available to us as we liberate ourselves from restrictions in this timeless state.

Namaste!

Angie

Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule

*Important Note-ALL Virtual Classes are listed under our Elmhurst location*

Meet the Teacher Serafina B

If you want to get up & going on the weekend I suggest starting your Saturday with a Serafina class. She has solid consistent energy, super welcoming personality & a background that makes class challenging & SO. MUCH. FUN!

1. When & how did you come to yoga yourself? 

-When I was playing basketball In college, I would come home for breaks and wanted to do something to stay in shape other than my basketball trainer. YBD had just opened in Western Springs and my mom became obsessed with Yoga Sculpt. I didn’t think I would like it, I wasn’t too into Yoga. But the minute I felt the heat of the room and the love from the YBD community, I was hooked.

 

2. What made you decide to start teaching (or take TT)? 

-I had just graduated from college and was craving something to take the place of basketball. Carol asked me about Yoga Sculpt training and I jumped at the opportunity. 

 

3. Favorite yoga pose: 

-Crow- it takes balance, concentration, and patience. Hardest yoga pose? Shavasana- it is very hard for me to be still, turn my mind off, and breathe. 

 

4. Who inspires your teaching?

-My students. YBD has an amazing community of students who are unjudgemental, supportive, and full of love.

 

5. Tips for beginners (or advanced yogis maybe): 

-Learn to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable, it is challenging but it will take you to amazing places. 

 

6. Favorite quote:

-“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life.And that is why I succeed.” 

 

7. Instagram name: serafina_barnes

 

8. Interesting fact about you: 

-I have played competitive basketball in Italy and Greece.

 

9. Regular teaching schedule: Day/Time/Format/Location: 

Saturday, 7:30, Western Springs

 

10. When I am  not doing yoga I like to: 

-Take any and all group fitness classes, chase around my toddler, and stare at my 5 month old till he gives me those amazing giggles. 

Wellness Wednesday: Evolving Beyond Repetition

Perhaps we each have come to a silent realization of a situation that occurs consistently in our life that we cannot help but feel pessimistic about. We may fall into the idea that become the innocent victim of a pure, ill-fated expedition because we find ourselves looking upon our life outcomes through inaccurate lenses fogged by our attachments to specific desires. We develop a thought process that may only serve to increase our feelings of being powerless when we experience such repetition. However, what these feelings and thoughts lack to do is change our circumstances and make us feel whole.

It is vital we can access a space where we have the ability to process the sensations that suddenly abrupt. We may fall into the self deception that things are fine when in reality we avoid to admit that we truly are not okay. It is important we become receptive to this thought process. While we may resort to think the repetitive cycle has no escape, we can begin to acknowledge there is much more we are capable of managing in the different aspects of our lives. Whether we decide to acknowledge them or not, our behaviors and choices are ultimately ours to hold.

Our past and present no longer have to prescribe our future when we choose to be aware. We become liberated to move into a space beyond our previous restrictions where we then have the ability to make new choices and act upon them accordingly as we access a new depth of detachment. With awareness, our paths prepare us forward in our lives as we continue to pave the way for new sense of thought and being. It is through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve.

Namaste!

Angie

Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule

Important Note-ALL Virtual Classes are listed under our Elmhurst location*

Pose of the Month May: Dandayamana Janushirasana | Standing Head to Knee Pose

Standing Head-to-Knee engages all of your body’s major muscle groups as well as stretches and improves the flexibility of your hamstrings.

As you add this pose to your practice more often, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your concentration, and a better mind body connection.

A generous bend at the waist helps the functions of your digestive tract. Additionally, it’s a solid exercise for improving endurance and strengthening your abdominal muscles.

Before you begin, realize that most people will require months of regular training before they can reach the level of flexibility and mental focus required to perform this pose as perfectly as you see in the picture. But know that the benefits are not concerned with an instagram worthy picture & your body & mind will love it every step along the way.

1. Begin by shifting the weight of your body onto your left leg and interlock all your fingers.
2. Bend forward at the waist and lift your right knee towards your chest, until you can place your right foot onto the “basket” created by your fingers. Fingers should hug the ball mount of your foot & your hips remain in one line (don’t let the flying leg’s hip to pop up). This is step 1 and a perfect place to start introducing the pose to your body. Linger here.
3. When you are ready to move further; with your fingers still below your right foot and your torso bent forward, straighten your right leg until it becomes parallel to the floor.  Do not try to force your leg into parallel position; simply extend your leg to your edge, and hold that position focusing on gaining strength and space. Bring your awareness to the inseam of your standing leg for balance and continue to keep hips parallel the earth.  A microbend in the standing leg is suggested for a Vinyasa practice, a locked knee for Traditional Hot.
4. If your leg is parallel to the floor & you would like to move further slowly start lowering your elbows and the entire upper body towards the earth. The goal is to get your trunk & forehead as close to the lifted leg as possible.  Breathe into your lower back to find space.
5. Hold for a few breaths, then slowly move your torso away from the leg, go back to first position, as if you were pressing rewind, slowly lower your lifted leg, pause, and repeat the pose for the other side.

Meet the Teacher Jenny B (Jagatjeet Kaur)

Many of you know Jenny B (Jagatjeet Kaur) from her monthly sound healings. But finding out how she got there is a story all on it’s own. Read more to find out how your favorite sound healer became the amazing teacher she is today!

1. When & how did you come to yoga yourself?

I started practicing yoga 21 years ago after my doctor prescribed it to relieve my anxiety and panic disorder. I didn’t know what to think at first. I actually wanted to walk out of my first class. But then we chanted, and I was hooked.

2. What made you decide to start teaching (or take TT)?

I went back to practicing after the birth of my son, and the teacher asked if I ever wanted to become a yoga teacher. I answered yes. She said that training started on Monday. That Monday was my birthday. I took it as a sign. The rest is history.

3. Favorite yoga pose: Savasana

4. Who inspires your teaching? My son, Michael. He is my greatest teacher.

5. Tips for beginners (or advanced yogis maybe): Just show up and keep up.

6. Favorite quote: Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

7. Instagram name: jennyjagatjeet <—Jenny loves to post pictures of hearts she sees all around her, give her a follow & I bet love will start to follow you too! 

8. Interesting fact about you: I produced television for 15 years before teaching yoga and won two Emmys. <—I have worked with her for 6 years & never knew this!!

9. Regular teaching schedule: Tuesdays 1:30p Restorative Wheaton and the Monthly Sound Healings

10. When I am not doing yoga I like to; Isn’t everything we do yoga?

Wellness Wednesday: Here and Now

Happy Wellness Wednesday, friends!

At this time it is easy to fall into the mindset, “I will be happy when …”, “I will be relieved when…”, “I will be content when…” but life, in all of its various layers, is happening right now. One moment to the next is simply a miracle within itself and it is something to be held before it becomes lost to the flow of time. Without acknowledgement, we may miss out on the simple joys in which inspire us to feel whole.

Our tendency to dwell on the the lost of the present moment is a loss within itself. Our attachment to underlying anxiety, memories and goals may actually distract us from experiencing the pure simplicity life has to offer. The narrow realm of vision we create within the walls of our mind may limit the amount of life we wish to live. Our lives become so full that we pass by the minute details that make up the moments of bliss that we recall when referring back to the past.

To live a truly balanced life is to simultaneously embody the past, present, and future self. It is when the little joys presented in front of us are overshadowed by the joys of the past and future that we are able to reestablish our connection to the present moment. The more we immerself ourself in this timeless state, the more we expose ourself in a space in which we have the opportunity to adore the entity of life itself.

Namaste!

Angie

Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule

2.*Important Note-ALL Virtual Classes are listed under our Elmhurst location*

Meet the Teacher Andrea R!

Never heard of her? Formally known as Andrea B! 👰 (Congratulations to Andrea & Brad on your recent wedding!)

1) How did you find yoga?

I, like so many people started with a “free week” in Wheaton about 7 years ago. At the time I was focusing all my fitness energy on lifting and running. I took a couple of regular yoga classes, and then i tried sculpt with Fiona; and I was absolutely hooked! It’s taken time for me to be able to settle my mind and be able to practice vinyasa and even restorative, but sculpt was a love for the beginning!

2) When did you decide to to take Teacher Training?

I decided I wanted to start teaching because of Fiona. I was almost exclusively taking her classes, the workout was fun and effective and her energy just contagious. I wanted to make people feel how she made me feel when class was over.

3) What is your favorite yoga pose?

My favorite yoga pose is half moon. It was such a challenge for me to get over my ego and use props. That was the pose that it just clicked. Using props does not mean your yoga practice is less than the person next to you. I had a teacher put a block under my hand in half moon and my alignment completely changed. The block improved my pose, it wasn’t a crutch, it was a tool.

4) Who inspires you?

A lot of my fitness inspiration comes from my mom. She’s been in a wheelchair since she was 14, yet nothing holds her back. She is at the gym 5+ days a week always getting it done. Anyone working hard, working out of their comfort zone to change their life and their body inspires me. So many of my students inspire me as well, watching someone take their first class and then stick with it for months and seeing how their energy and lives have changed; the transformation is beyond inspiring.

5) Try new classes! Try ALL the classes! I had no intention when I first started at ybd of taking restorative or regularly practicing yoga. But i am so so glad I forced myself to do it. There is something to be learned and gained from every single format. Try new teachers too, we have such an amazing community and everyone has something different to offer.

6) Favorite quote:

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Shakespeare

7) How do we find you on social media?

Rocque_faith_fitness

8) I’m married, to a man that’s never done yoga haha

9) Monday 9:00 DG sculpt

    Tuesday 6am fusion DG

                   930 sculpt Elmhurst

   Wednesday 8 sculpt WS

                       930 fusion WS

                       430 sculpt GE

                       615pm sculpt Wheaton

 Thursday 6am fusion WS

                  930am sculpt WS

                  430 Hiit Pilates GE

                  715 Hiit Pilates Wheaton

Friday 9am dg sculpt

           12pm Hiit Pilates WS

Saturday 9am Sculpt Wheaton

10) When I’m not doing yoga I like to spend time with my HUSBAND, family and friends. We like to go out to eat, we play a lot of games, and we watch way too much Netflix! I’m a summer person so when it’s cold, you’ll find me hiding inside, but come summer you can’t keep me in! 

Wellness Wednesday: Igniting Past Passions

During our extra leisure time we may find ourselves unearthing our past passions that have reminded us how wholesome it feels to immerself ourselves in activity that requires us to be fully present.

We may have become so accustomed to our daily routine that we may have forgetten about what we truly love, causing us to self-sabotage. While our joys may not have been firmly rooted in front of us, this does not mean they no longer exist. Neglection of current obligations does not need to occur and neither does the neglection of commitments of what you love. When we initiate the energy to prioritize our interests, we cannot help but feel fed by the flames that origniated the sudden shift of enthusiasm. We can allow our enthusiasm to act as a catalyst for growth, embarking on towards a new adventure just outside of our realm of vision.

When we allow ourself to open up to new experiences or activities,, we ignite our innermost desires to explore the space we may intentionally or unintentionally created to grow. Our ability to become honest and vulnerable about our passions better connect us to the universe that suits us best. Seeking to participate in what brings us joy gives us the opportunity to infuse our life with fresh, innate alignment.

Namaste!

Angie

Click HERE from your computer or open your YBD or Mindbody App for our Virtual Class Schedule

2.*Important Note-ALL Virtual Classes are listed under our Elmhurst location*