It sounds cliche to say something changed one's life, but that is exactly what Ananda Yoga has done for me. I attend classes at least 3-4 times per week. Not only am I gaining strength, I am learning to focus on breathing; taking care of & listening to my body; and just taking some time out of the craziness of life to just be present. Justine, Kim, Cara, Leah, Christine... All of the instructors are wonderful and personable. I highly recommend coming in to try a class.
Justine Budhram, owner and director of Ananda Yoga, was first introduced to basic yoga postures and sun salutations in 2002 as part of an acting movement class that she attended in college. After starting the semester barely able to reach past her knees in a forward bend and ending the semester able to reach her toes, she realized that yoga should definitely be a part of her life. As she continued her yoga journey, she realized that the benefits she was receiving from her practice went much deeper than physical flexibility and strength; she began to find a level of gratitude, self-acceptance and calmness of spirit that she had never experienced before. She decided she wanted to share her joy and love of yoga and completed her 200-hour certification at Core Power Yoga in Minneapolis, MN. Justine completed an additional teacher training at Bhava Yoga Center in May of 2009. She continues to practice and explore on her own and is delighted to share her discoveries with her students.
Justine is also a certified Movement and Mobility Specialist through Mobilitywod.com. Through this certification she has delved deeper into musculoskeletal anatomy and movement biomechanics, and she also learned many techniques to restore joint function and soft tissue mobility. This training informs her yoga classes, and makes them unique in their language, content, and practical applicability to daily life.
Justine's classes have a fun, playful and exploratory atmosphere, no matter if she is teaching a vigorous vinyasa flow or a slower paced beginner class. Justine strongly believes in the power of breath to guide movement and release the mind, and her classes have a strong focus on flowing and moving with the rhythm of each inhale and exhale. Her hands-on assists help students find proper alignment and their deepest release in each posture.