Yoga is a holistic experience for many — mind, body, spirit — but did one element or another first draw you to the practice? That is, were you seeking to settle your mind? Have greater physical flexibility? Explore your true, spiritual nature?

I was battling severe gastrointestinal issues, and my doctor recommended trying yoga

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

body for sure

How long have you been practicing yoga?

7 years

How frequently do you practice yoga?

a few times a week

How long did you practice yoga before you started teaching it?

3 years

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

Vinyasa

When you were starting your yoga journey, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

the most difficult part was learning all of the poses on a vocal cue, the easiest was getting into the stretch

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

less body pain & greater lung capacity

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

I’d like to go on walks

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

I run marathons and lift weights — I also enjoy cycling

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just assume a pose and stretch? If so, which pose(s) and where?

yes! I am always going into a wheel pose, wide legged forward fold, staff pose, crow pose for fun — truly anywhere

If I gave you an expenses-paid yoga retreat, where would you go?

Bali!

—interview © Marshal Zeringue