When did you start practicing yoga?  
I started practicing yoga in 2002, and it was love at first child's pose. I completed 200 hour teacher training in February 2003 and have been teaching ever since.

What has yoga brought to your life?
I found yoga after struggling from a back injury and subsequent surgery. I initially practiced purely for the physical healing and strengthening benefits to my body. I soon learned that much of my physical problems were a direct result of stress.  It is the "yoke" of the mind, body and spirit that I crave on a daily basis.  My practice brings authenticity and grounding off my mat.

Why did you become a yoga instructor?
I learned that 80% of Americans complain of back pain and wanted to learn everything I could about the anatomy not only to help myself but teach others how to recover from back pain. I also love the diversity in a yoga room - men & women of all ages coming from different places, religions and backgrounds connecting in breath and spirit. My students are so gracious and motivate me to continue to study and bring inspiration to each class.

What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life? 
People will see me in the grocery store and duck as if I'm their priest and they haven't been to confession! They say, "Oh I've been so busy and need to go to yoga - I'm so stiff and stressed out."  For me, yoga is not a fad diet or quick fix, it's a lifestyle bringing mindfulness to our thought life, how we react, how we internalize, how we eat, living truer to one's self and communing with God. Getting on your mat takes discipline. I read once, "Each day that I get on my mat, I open to the vastness of yoga rather than narrow myself to a goal for that particular day. i feel wonder as I realize that every pose is infinite and that ultimate mastery is not possible. I feel wonder that time, dedication, and curiosity are what brings me progress, not the intensity of my will..."

What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga? 
You must begin...

What is special about the style of yoga you teach? 
I teach power yoga to music. While I appreciate all disciplines of yoga, I do love a physically challenging practice as you'll see in my YDL recordings.  

What is your favorite yoga posture to practice/teach, and why?
My favorite posture to practice is Handstand.  I love when I catch the balance and feel like I'm floating effortlessly.  It teaches me the balance between forcing or efforting too much and easing into full acceptance of what is. I love TEACHING savasana and watching people relax and seeing their transformation firsthand. I feel blessed to get to be a part of their day.

Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
I'm a mom of three girls and can be strapped for time like many people. If I can't get to a class at the studio, I make sure to at least do Sun Salutations and flow with consciousness of breath for 15 minutes a day. YDL has so many options for everyone!  If you buy the membership, you can customize your yoga practice to your needs each day. Maybe a short meditation practice or a 30 minute Mojo Flow is all you can fit in, but I guarantee it will make all the difference in your day!

Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share? “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

What do you like to do "off the mat"?
I like watching my kids play outside and enjoying the freedom of being kids.  I like the rare unstructured days where everyone is home and we can fully enjoy each other's company.  I love being home with my family, belly laughs, reading, practicing and teaching yoga at Mexican resorts, women's retreats, golfing with my husband, walking my dog, and quiet mornings with a cup of coffee in my hand.

Kristin started practicing yoga after a doctor told her she should expect a second back surgery on her lumbar spine. An outdoor enthusiast and a young mom, she refused to accept the diagnosis. She stepped into CorePower Yoga and committed to practicing to see if she’d see any improvements in her condition. With a consistent practice, yoga healed her by strengthening her core physically, giving her body awareness, and reducing stress in her mind and body. Kristin started teaching yoga in 2003 and knowing that 80% of Americans suffer from back problems, felt moved to learn everything she could about the anatomy, breathing techniques to reduce stress and how to transform other’s lives through teaching yoga. “Power yoga brings this exhilarating, cardiovascular yoga practice to “everyday Joes” like me. My goal as a teacher is to share my passion and improve the quality of people’s lives. In each class I hope to help liberate my students both mentally and physically, and leave them in a better place.”

Click here for a complete listing of Kristin's YogaDownload classes!