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About Yoga

Thirteen years ago I undertook a spiritual and physical detox with the goal of developing a healthier, more powerful relationship with my body. I worked with an incredible Fitness Coach who immediately inspired and motivated me with her daily mantra: “Movement is Life”.

As I explored various kinds of movement in hopes of finding the one I ultimately could not wait to do, I gradually began to re-establish a healthier integration of mind, spirit and body. Upon discovering yoga, I reconnected with myself in a deeper, more meaningful way, developing a resonant sense of gratitude for my breath as well as the body I now love to live in.

 

Thus, my abiding love affair with yoga - which I affectionately refer to as my “Ride or Die” love - began. Yoga remains a powerful vehicle I am clear the Universe has gifted to me for my own spiritual evolution, as it continually moves me completely out of my comfort zone to take risks I would never before have taken, and push myself in ways I never would otherwise.

 

Wanting to share my transformation and passion for yoga as a yoga teacher was a natural progression from there. Always a student and ever the happy sponge, I continue to soak up all things yoga wherever I can, regularly immersing myself with amazing and inspiring teachers to continue developing and deepening my own practice and skills. 

 

In turn, I love to inspire my students to discover for themselves the gifts of freedom, empowerment and deeper connection yoga offers, in a challenging yet playful, energizing and creative way.

 

I specialize in core-based Power Yoga (heat optional), Soul Sweat Asana, and Ignite 75. I offer creative, vigorous and challenging Power Yoga that inspires and encourages students to fully express themselves, safely accessing and exploring their edge through plenty of inversions and arm balances, playing with fearlessness - both on and off the mat. In my Soul Sweat Asana classes we release and rejoice, we dig deep and expand, we laugh, we sing and we dance! Ignite 75 blends targeted, high energy sculpting with invigorating power vinyasa. We build strength, flexibility and sweat while flowing to high-octane beats that drive the rhythm of each move we make from head to toe - and every part in between! I strive to design classes that uplift and stir the soul while creating plenty of heat in the body. The eclectic music, powerful flow, soulful vibe - not to mention plenty of sweaty drops - all converge to create what I hope is a unique and unforgettable yoga experience. My goal is always to infuse mind, body and spirit with just the right amount of energizing bliss to leave and keep my students on a natural high for days!

I am an E-RYT 500, a First Degree Reiki certified practitioner, and I offer private as well as group instruction in-studio and livestream.

 The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal.

 

The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates.

 

To make peace with who you are. The goal is to love, well…You.

 

Come to your yoga mat to feel; not to accomplish. Shift your focus. Your heart will thank you.

 

            ~ Rachel Brathen

See Me In Action!

Teaching Schedule

Yoga Odyssey 
Hot Core Power Vinyasa

 Monday | 6:00pm
Saturday | 10:00am 

8 West Main St. Somerville, NJ 

 Wednesday | 12:00pm
Thursday | 6:30pm

Sunday | 10:30am

Hot Yoga Revolution 
Hot Power Vinyasa

19 Pearl St. Metuchen NJ 

Zura Yoga 
Hot Power Vinyasa
Hot Happy Hour Flow

 Wednesday | 6:00pm 
Friday | 6:30pm

71 Washington St. Bloomfield, NJ 

Soulful Empowerment through Movement and Sound

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