"Through effort, the body is strengthened. Through relaxation,
the body is revitalized." --Swami Kripalu

Ahimsa (ah-him-sah) is a Sanskrit word meaning compassion or kindness. It is the first "yama" or social ethic in the Ashtanga's Eight Limbs of Yoga. Kripalu, like Ashtanga, is a Hatha style of Yoga. Hatha meaning asana or posture. Kripalu is a Yoga of movement.

"People come to yoga for different reasons. Most are looking for a way to improve their health. Other are interested in effective tools to manage stress. Still others seek personal and spiritual growth. Kripalu Yoga offers all these things. Its a practice that revitalizes the body, calms the mind, and deepens self-awareness."

-- Richard Faulds (Kripalu Yoga, A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat)

My name is Beverly Y. Jund. I am a registered and certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, member of KYTA and DYTA. I enjoy Kripalu Yoga because anyone can do it. Kripalu is known as the "compassionate yoga" because it begins with the heart. An athletic body, mystic mind, or a monk's life is not required. It is not a religion. In fact, people of all faiths can enjoy Kripalu Yoga's benefits of health, wellness and integration of mind, body, and spirit.

With all of that said, Kripalu Yoga is still challenging work. The difference is, YOU choose the physical intensity that is right for you. Body awareness and honoring your limitations are key. Staying "present" in your practice (focusing on what you are doing -- not allowing the mind to aimlessly wander) allows your body to trust your mind, so they work together. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras you will find the Sanskrit phrase: "stirim sukam asanam" translating to English as "the posture is a balance between challenge and ease". at ahimsa yoga studios, your postures are not about suffering.

As a Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer, Pilates & Spinning Instructor, my background is quite diversified. At the heart of all of my classes and personal instruction is "ahimsa". Acknowledging & accepting personal limitations then practicing compassion & kindness to those areas, allows the limitations to slowly fade - whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. I created a "Zen Spin^TM" class because of this. I noticed there was a tendency in my students to try to cause themselves pain in order to "feel better". I had a different answer. Zen Spin^TM is a fusion of Spinning & Kripalu Yoga. I feel, they are a perfect complement to each other and curious participants have now become regulars -- enjoying this unusual fusion of Spinning and Yoga in one class setting - staying present and focused with the mind, body, and breath -- can bring the challenge & work up a sweat without the suffering.