I’m Vanessa, owner of yoga4HIM, LLC and a lifelong yoga student. I fell in love with the practice of yoga 20+ years ago with a simple Power Yoga DVD. After I had a good foundation of the traditional poses, my time on the mat became less about focusing on the “struggles” in the poses and more about focusing on my communication with God. I was now benefiting physically, emotionally, and spiritually each time I stepped onto my mat. I practiced off and on for about eight years before a friend introduced me to this crazy idea of hot yoga. While scared to death to try a 90-minute yoga class in a 100-degree studio, I quickly realized that a heated studio environment is where the magic happens. I enjoyed sharing my love with other yoga students and with an actual live yoga teacher, as opposed to a DVD instructor. However, after visiting several yoga studios in a couple of states, I had a lot of uncomfortable moments during the classes…the chanting, different breathing techniques, and unusual “music” from Tibetan singing bowls. These uncomfortable moments began to distract me from my prayer time, and I left the studio scene and returned to my own private home practice. My prayer time on the mat was back, but I was still missing something. I missed the health benefits of the heat, and I missed the interaction with others. I was (and still am) passionate about sharing my view of yoga with anyone that would listen and that would be willing to try it. I wanted everyone to know that you can practice yoga without succumbing to eastern religions that’s attached to the practice. I wanted others to know that yoga can be a great opportunity for that “me time” that we all need…for time specifically set aside for prayer, which we can all use more of. I am beyond humbled that God has opened doors for me to share my passion with others. To God be the Glory, I have earned my ACE Group Fitness Certification, an ACE Mind/Body Specialty Certification, and my 200-hour yoga certification. He has granted me the honor of sharing yoga with some of my church family, with my NOW Boot Camp and Wetumpka Curves families, and with new friends in our river region that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. It is my sincerest desire to share my love of yoga with you. With any of my classes, you will immediately feel the physical benefits of the poses. And as we move from pose to pose, let’s turn our thoughts inward and UPWARD, giving God the praise and glory for our health, for His provisions, for the wonderful people He has put into our lives. We will praise Him in times of feast, and we will praise Him in times of famine. I pray that He brings you into my life soon and that I’ll get to share some “mat time” with you!