Four years ago as I was exploring class offerings at the gym, I wandered into my first yoga class on a Monday night; a group class taught by Kristen, with men and women of all ages and sizes. I had never done yoga, and didn’t know what to expect. Kristen led us through a routine for the hour, quietly directing which body part to move in which direction as she moved through the poses on a stage in front of us. The lights were dimmed and spiritual Tibetan music played in the background. I listened and maneuvered my body as Kristen directed, trying to flow from one pose to the next, watching her earnestly to confirm that my body had ended up in a pose approximating hers. She met my glances with a nod and a smile, encouraging me to keep trying, even though I knew I didn’t look anything like she did. But at the end of the hour, I knew something had happened because I felt calm, relaxed, and happy.
I went back to class the next Monday night, and the following Monday, too, and added her early Wednesday morning class to my schedule. I looked forward to Kristen’s group yoga classes and was excited about how good my body and mind felt at the end of each hour and noted my progress in hitting more of the poses and holding them longer. Kristen listens and tailors our classes to our individual goals and needs: yoga to prevent and remediate running injuries; yoga to de-stress from the drama life tosses out; yoga to accomplish a beautiful pose from a magazine. And of course, yoga for the joy of doing yoga. Kristen’s classes have been a fun way to strengthen, lengthen, and tighten muscles. And always leave me with a feeling of calmness and control as I head to my job and other responsibilities.
Kathy L.
I remember showing up for my first yoga class at Workout Plus with Kristen in February 2015. I never tried yoga before and was curious and nervous. My first question to Kristen was “am I going to be able to do this?” She chuckled and smiled and said “you can absolutely do this.” I felt peaceful immediately after my first class and continued to come back and practice this beautiful art. I felt my strength increase, my focus become sharper and more at peace. I work in a prison and my mother died unexpectedly in 2016 followed by Workout Plus closing and no more yoga with Kristen. I was devastated and worried about my sanity. Kristen found a way to keep us going with a small group practice at her beautiful and and calming studio. She not only is educated in the movements but she offers explanations on what areas of the body it’s working or helping and educates us in the Buddhist practice, providing a little psychology and therapy when we’re struggling. It’s amazing how the right people present themselves to you when you least expect it and need it most. She truly is an amazing person, teacher and friend. Two years later, as I’m doing handstands, head stands and twisting into a pretzel, Kristen still chuckles and smiles and says “you can absolutely do this.” Namaste.
Christine G.
I took classes with and apprenticed under Kristen for five years, and therein had some of the most transformative instruction I’ve ever gotten. Her ability to synthesize knowledge and praxis into a comprehensive whole is unparalleled, and her broad background of disciplines makes her an indispensable asset for anyone seeking the spark of transmutation in their own lives. You’ll work hard, but it all pays off tenfold!
Justin W.
I have been a yoga student of Kristen for several years. She is the best yoga instructor I have ever practiced with. She engages her students at the level at which they each can enjoy their practice and also gradually take on new challenges. There is no pressure to be different than who you are. Yoga calms the mind, soothes the spirit, and awakens the body. It is not just a form of exercise but a complete way to care for your body, mind, and soul.
Court T.