We would also like to introduce the new office manager to Huntington Beach Hot Yoga, Allison Horack. Allison has spent the last two years working for Yoga Works and is now ready to take on more responsibility in her life. She is a RYT - 200 hour certified yoga instructor, although she will not be teaching yoga for us, instead she will concentrate 100% of her efforts on managing the studio. I am very excited to add her to the studio and feel very confident she will be positive addition. Please welcome her when you see her at the front desk.

• When did you start practicing hot yoga? 
  "Consistently, just over a year ago. I had taken up the offer for first timers over two years ago, waited over a year to give it another shot, soon afterward I became an "addict" for the discipline yoga creates in my life."   
• How often do you practice? 
  "It's more like how often do I want to practice? Everyday! I'm almost afraid to answer this one because as a person who is competitive with ones self, I often feel as if I should be further along in my practice. I do realize that patience is part of the practice though...Okay, 5-6 days a week...there I said it!"  
• Why do you practice? What are the primary benefits you experience? 
  "In a nutshell -great people, discipline, focus, endurance, feeling of accomplishment, peace of mind, emotional stability, detoxification, commitment toward a good, and need I say flexibility? ...Aside from meeting and practicing alongside good-natured people with the same goals as I, the benefits seem endless. Yoga has aided in healing past and recurring injuries, created a higher level of endurance through my running, cycling, and strength training, and helps create an emotional intelligence and stability that is less reactive to adversity."
• How has your hot yoga practice impacted or changed your life?
  "The impact and change that has occurred in my life is nearly indescribable. Feeling good mentally, emotionally, and physically should be viewed as interdependent of each other. Within the past year I have become a huge advocate of the practice and share my views and experiences with everyone I know, from family to friends. I've enjoyed witnessing the testimonials of the people who try it for the first time to those that have been practicing for years and fall in love with how it makes them feel and how it's changed their lives as well." 
• What's your favorite posture? 
   "When I'm sitting in my car driving home from yoga -aside from this one I can't say that I have a favorite, all are beneficial, all are my favorite. Lease favorite? All postures can be challenging for me, depending on how I feel. If I had to choose they would be 'standing head to knee' and 'triangle' -due to past injuries and tightness."

Next month is our 3^rd Hot Yoga Teacher Training. This year we have enhanced the philosophy section of the curriculum, which will be taught by Poep Sa Frank Jude Boccio, a certified Yoga instructor, author, and ordained Zen Buddhist teacher. His eclectic approach is influenced by his study of a variety of Yoga styles, as well as his many years of study with Thich Nhat Hanh, and his Dharma practice, which emphasizes mindfulness and compassionate action.  He has written for Yoga Journal, Tricycle, Shambhala Sun and other journals.  His book, Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body, and Mind, is the only full-length treatment applying the Buddha's Mindfulness Meditation teachings to yoga-asana practice.  He lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Monica, and their two cats, Sula and Gotami.  He travels throughout the world, teaching workshops and leading retreats.  For further information, he can be contacted through www.mindfulnessyoga.net. I am very excited and proud to have Frank join our staff for the teacher-training program, as he will add a wealth of information for all of us.  Teacher training is a life-changing experience and a great opportunity to learn more about yoga and yourself. Starting a career in something you are passionate about -what a great experience! If you have any questions or concerns please see the front desk.