How long have you been practicing at Yoga Tribe and how often do you practice?

I have been practicing 26/2 (formerly known as Bikram to me) for over 20 years starting in Tribeca and Soho. I started practicing at Yoga Tribe around 12 years ago. I first started at the YT Fifth Avenue location and then Flatbush location.

What originally brought you to yoga? What keeps you practicing now?

I originally started doing 26/2 Series so I could loosen up for running. I methodically practiced for 1x a week as part of my running training. While I still run, I do yoga now because I absolutely love it! It’s fun and challenging.

I also love the Yoga Tribe community and space.

What is your favorite class to take at YT & why?

So many great teachers and classes at YT, it’s hard to choose! My favorite class is Alex Cuervo’s Advanced Class on Mondays. Before 2019, I had no idea that the 26/2 Series has an advanced series which consists of 84 postures. On Mondays, we do a modified 84.

Alex is another reason I love the Monday Advanced class. First, she is an incredible athlete whose determination and dedication shows in her practice. Second, she is a great teacher who knows how to instruct and teach the steps needed to progress. Third, she’s fun and plays hip music.

I also love the collective energy in that class! A group working at maximum effort.

Posture you can’t live without? Why?

I can’t live without full wheel because it opens up my heart center. It’s a feeling of happiness and sometimes immense relief.

To start, I warm up with 7 wall walks. Then, push up into wheel on the floor or drop back. Last Thanksgiving, I learned how to do drop backs. I aim to keep evolving the flexibility in my upper spine.

We hear you just participated in your first yoga competition! Congrats! What made you decide to push yourself to this next level?

Yes, I competed in my first Yoga USA Competition! I am proud of my effort and journey. My on-stage presence needs some work! I was very nervous but plan to try again next year. I know what I need to do to better mentally prepare based on learnings from this year.

There were three main catalysts that pushed me to compete.

1) I am at my best when I have goals to work towards and new things to learn.

2) I was (and am) inspired by Alex Cuervo (teacher and USA Yoga Winner!)

3) I’m having a bit of a Mid-life Crisis.

I’m not the only one! Many articles report about extreme exercise being the new mid-life crisis. It’s definitely healthier to have a 6-pack than a sports car!

Tell us a little bit more about yourself! What can we find you doing outside the yoga room?

Outside the yoga room, I’m a mom (to a teen boy and Cocker Spaniel) and wife. I had a career in advertising mostly on Madison Avenue at Y&R and Saatchi & Saatchi. More recently, I have focused on launching a food app called Tasteland which can be downloaded through the App Store or by visiting our landing page. It’s a socially-powered food hub for foodies to share, discover and access all their food content in one place with friends.

One of my other favorite pastimes is researching places to go and traveling. Of course, I do yoga wherever I travel. Two of my favorite places to travel to and practice yoga are: Nicaragua next to the beach and Bikram Yoga London.

What do you want to eat or drink after you’ve been in that hot room for 90 minutes?!

Right after class, I always want to gulp down water with Superieur electrolytes — fresh watermelon flavor. A few hours afterwards, I crave healthy food — mainly protein and greens. My go-tos are fresh kale salads with grilled salmon or spinach salads with a fried egg.

Thanks Kerstin!