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Yin yoga is a quiet practice in which students hold postures for longer periods of time to stress the joints gently and conduct energy flow in the body. It is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy that the connective tissue in the body serves as a passageway for the flow of vital, life-giving energy that nourishes the organs. When this energy stagnates or becomes blocked, the body becomes vulnerable to illness and injury.
Yin yoga is also a nourishing practice. It has similar effects as acupuncture on the body and mind. The practice is, in fact, a form of acupressure. It wonderfully complements active practices like power yoga, running, weight training, and aerobics. By including both the active and passive forms of exercise in your normal routine (by merging the yin and the yang energies in your body) your body may be relieved of stagnation and feel healthier.
During the yin practice, students will learn how to relax the physical body in order to stay in a pose passively for a period of time. Students will also learn how to tune into the breath, the sensations in the body, and how to let go of thoughts in the mind. This type of practice is a form of meditation and mindfulness that anyone can use to help overcome obstacles and challenges in life. Yin Yoga can be an effective way to heal injuries, increase joint mobility, and relieve stress related illnesses.
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The Yin Yoga Center has been a dream of mine for several years. With much gratitude, I thank Susie McMahon of Parker Pilates and Wellness Center for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream. I am so grateful to be at this point in my life where it is possible to share the gift of yoga with others in a beautiful space.
We are proud to call ourselves a “green” studio. We make every effort to offer products and make business decisions that are “earth friendly.” We also use Shaklee organic cleaning products at the center to minimize exposure to toxins in the air.
The center offers bamboo flooring, soft earth tones, a fountain, birthday party room/student lounge, and boutique. It was developed by the hard work and dedication of family and friends. Together, we put in hours of labor and planning to offer the community a beautiful place to come to for peace, balance, and inspiration.
Community service and environmental awareness have always been a personal commitment. As a new business owner, I feel privileged to have a place to host community awareness events and raise funds for organizations I support. That is why the schedule will include community awareness events and fundraisers for Breast Cancer Research, the Douglas County Domestic Violence Shelter, Children of Fallen Soldiers, and the Parker Food Bank. We will also dedicate our time to promoting environmental awareness in our community through recycling and education programs.
Roberta Hughes, RYT is the founder, owner, and lead instructor of The Yin Yoga Center. She has been a yoga practitioner since 1993 and a yoga teacher since 1998. She has completed more than 200 hours of yoga training, the majority of which took place at Santa Barbara Yoga Center in Santa Barbara, CA. Her path as an instructor began when, as an Air Force wife, she saw that she could fill a need for on-base activities by beginning a weekly yoga class at the fitness center. Within five years, she had taught a variety of classes, from Pilates to prenatal yoga on two air force bases in two states. Before moving to Colorado in 2005, Roberta founded a Children’s Yoga and Peace Education Program in Santa Maria, CA. She brought this program with her and has led Children’s Yoga and Peace Education at several Montessori schools in the Parker area.
Roberta’s yoga style is a blend of yin yoga, hatha yoga, and mindfulness meditation used to exercise and nourish the body. She is inspired by the healing, gentle nature of yin yoga and hopes to share this practice in a way that will empower people to achieve life-long health and fitness goals. Her gentle style and intuitive nature help students cultivate awareness about themselves, bring balance into their lives, and enjoy the benefits of mindful living.
Deanna Hirsch is a certified yoga instructor and certified personal trainer. She first began practicing yoga in 1994. After working as a director of a women's clinic and as a stay-at-home Mom, Deanna was called to deepen her practice and become a teacher. She completed her 200+ hour training at the Samadhi Center for Yoga in Denver, focusing on partner, restorative, and tantric yoga, as well as prenatal and postpartum yoga. Her current teachers include Chris Muchow, Rebecah Ziegler, and Laura Jaster. Deanna's yoga style is a blend of Samadhi Vinyasa Flow and Anusara Inspired. She is deeply passionate about prenatal and postpartum yoga and women's health. Deanna uses personal experience, humor and compassion to help prenatal and postpartum students embrace the joys and challenges of motherhood. She also uses partner work to build confidence and foster a stronger sense of community. Through theme, asana practice and guided meditation, Deanna strives to empower all students to be their highest selves, both on and off the mat.
Carrie Hughes is the Director of Operations for The Yin Yoga Center and our “green” expert.” She is a Shaklee, organic cleaning product, representative and was recently featured in Health and Wellness Magazine and on Channel 2 discussing the importance of non-toxic cleaning products. Carrie spent nine years working in an alternative healthcare setting and has a solid understanding of what it means to live a healthy life. Her ambition is to study at the Nutrition Therapy Institute of Colorado to gain a better understanding of holistic nutrition so that she may teach people how to eat for health and well-being.
Denise Cook, E-RYT,Certified Baptiste Power, BS Biology/Chemistry, is the owner and lead instructor of Ya Ya Yoga. Denise teaches with compassion, focus and often a little bit of humor. Her love of yoga and all that it embodies are evident the moment you take your first breath in the studio. The energy of her enthusiasm and dynamic flow that she teaches in her classes are also embodied in the way that she lives her life. Using her blend of Baptiste Power Vinyasa, Anusara, Iyengar and Ashtanga trainings as well as her knowledgeable medical background and continued Escoteric Spiritual studies, she is able to tap into an intuitive energy in a class to make it the ultimate yoga experience.
Always being grateful for the sun to rise every morning, and keeping a humble quality to her own yoga practice, she is inspired by the masters of yoga including BKS Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, as well as the Western pioneers she studies with on a continual basis: Baron Baptiste, John Friend, Beryl Bender Birch, and her daily teachers who have aided her on her continual path of growth: Mario Veo, Fran Gallaher, Craig Kurtz (www.iyengaryogacenter.com), Emma Brown and Lisa Beckwith-Wolf. You can now download classes from Denise to take with you on the road or continue your practice at home. Visit www.aliveyoga.com.
Tana Pittman “Practice and all is coming” – Patahbi Jois. “Keep up and you will be kept up”– Yogi Bhajan. These two statements are what yoga means to me and how it has transformed my life. Yoga started out very simply for me - I just wanted to be flexible. Now, after 13 years, it has permeated all areas of my life and has created a balance which is really the true meaning of yoga. Through practice and keeping up I have acquired three Yoga Certifications, Bikram Style, Anusara Style and Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. It is a great mix of Hatha Yoga that allows my teaching to be informative, therapeutic and spiritual. I have taught yoga for ten years and have taken students to retreats in Costa Rica and Buena Vista, Colorado. I have had the great pleasure and honor to study with many wonderful nationally recognized teachers: John Friend, Gurmuhk Kaur Khalsa, Tim Miller, Beryl Bender Birch, Anna Forrest, Patricia Walden, and Gary Kraftsow, also the best Colorado teachers, Bhakti, Jeanine Armstrong, Nancy Nielson and Madhuri. I continue to attend classes and trainings, read, practice and most of all integrate yoga into daily life.
Susan Wittenberg began taking yoga classes in 1998 and has been inspired to explore the benefits of practicing yoga further to bring a sense of inner
connection and holistic health to her life. She is currently studying Therapeutic & Restorative Yoga and holds a certificate in YogaKids instruction. With this fundamental and exciting base of education she is thrilled
to join us in teaching Kids Yoga classes. "I believe teaching yoga to
children will change the world!”
Scott Rothleitner aka Yoga Scott opened his first yoga studio, Yoga Ventures, in Parker February of 2001. Scott is certified in the tradition of Bikram yoga through Gentle Strength and studied under Nancy Neilson and Jeanine Armstrong's instruction. Scott also studied Power Yoga, practicing with Tana Pittman.
In December 2003, Scott sold Yoga Ventures, now (Inner Connections Yoga) and began deepening his yoga knowledge through the discovery of Anusara Yoga. In 2004, Scott enrolled in an extensive 40-hour Anusara course as the pupil of Madhuri Martin and also attended the John Friend intensive workshop in May 2004. In 2005 he completed an additional 40 hours with Madhuri Martin in yoga therapy and immersion course work. In 2007 Scott completed a 500 hour certification and was instrumental in designing the teacher training program at 3 Om Yoga. Scott has since left 3 Om Yoga and is hopeful to build a following here at “The Yin Yoga Center”.
Scott has studied under yoga greats such as T.V.K Desikachara, Rodney Yee, and Deepak Chopra. He is greatly influenced by other great teachers such as Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Dharma Mitra, Richard Freeman, Mukunda (Tom Stiles), Anna Forest, Sue Beck, and many more.
Scott's teaching style brings passion, enthusiasm and excitement to each class. He offers a simple-to-understand technicality, helping students go well beyond where they'd thought they could go, safely and with passion. It is because of his strong passion and enthusiasm that Scott has been featured on 9 news 4 times in 2007 and is putting the final touches on his Yoga Video filmed in Santa Fe New Mexico with Director George Burdeau, a 2 time Peabody award winner. Stay tuned for its release!!
Gary Schroeder, MA, RRT-NPS, RYT, has been practicing yoga for ten years and teaching yoga for the past four years.He is currently advancing his training as a student in the American Viniyoga Institute, studying Viniyoga with Gary Kraftsow.
Tracey Grimm - I have chosen wellness as a professional path because I believe physical, emotional and mental well-being is the foundation for a long, happy, successful and healthy life. Wellness has been my passion and I have intensely pursued it in my personal life: I am a fitness enthusiast, devoted yogi and committed to clean nutrition. This pursuit has led me to help others discover this path and benefit from what I have learned. My services include wellness coaching and personal training. Although many clients choose to participate in both coaching and training, these services are also available separately.
Courtney Buck, BS, DPT, has been practicing yoga since 1991. She has experienced a great many yoga styles, from Astanga to Iyengar to Kundalini, and is currently furthering her training with Gary Kraftsow of the American Viniyoga Institute. Her interest in yoga and the magnificence of the human body is what prompted her to pursue a career in physical therapy. She feels fortunate to be able to share what she has learned along the way with her students.
Jenn Kirkpatrick, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Ancient Proverb. Jenn's yoga journey began in 2002 as a search for a peaceful mind and body. This journey continues to progress in a lifestyle of health and wellness. Jenn is a certified Vinyasa instructor with a background of practice in other disciplines such as heated Power Yoga and Bikram. A marathon runner and physical fitness enthusiast, Jenn's classes are athletic in nature and focus on the power of the mind and breath as aids in accomplishing feats on or off of the mat. Jenn is also a former athletic coach and is in the process of formulating workshops that highlight the physical and mental benefits of yoga for runners and endurance athletes.
Carolyn Versteeg
Susan-Lucerne Lawton
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If it is your first time coming to class, please arrive 15 minutes early to register and get acquainted with the studio.
If you happen to arrive late for a class, please wait in the boutique until opening meditation has ended. You will know that opening meditation is over when you see students in yoga poses rather than a seated meditation posture.
Please do not wear shoes on the bamboo flooring. You may remove your shoes in the boutique and take them to the student lounge where you can store them and your belongings in a cubby.
If you must leave class early, please do so as quietly as possible and before we come into our final resting posture (savasana).
The studio is a peaceful sanctuary. If you arrive early, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the silence. If you wish to visit with friends, you may do so quietly in the student lounge or boutique areas.
If you are waiting for your class to begin and another class is still in session, you may wait in the boutique. Please respect the silence of the class that is ending.
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You may experience restless energy during your first yin class. This energy comes from the body and mind and arises because you are not used to this type of practice. The restless energy will decrease each time you practice.
Your body temperature is likely to decrease during the yin practice. Yin yoga slows the heart rate and cools the circulatory system. It is a good idea to bring clothing along to layer, even if it is a hot day outside.
You will move a lot of energy through your body. As a result, you may feel a rush of emotion or energy during the practice. I encourage all students to be with each experience as it comes.
Remember to drink a lot of water following yin yoga to flush and move toxins from the body. Feel free to contact us if any concerns arise following your practice.
Mat Policy: We have a limited number of mats for students to rent on a first-come first-serve basis. Our mat rental fee is $2 per mat per class. We encourage students to purchase a yoga mat of their own for continued use. We offer Natural Fitness yoga mats in our boutique. These mats are made of 100% natural rubber instead of PVC material that is used in most yoga mats. To purchase a yoga mat, please come in to make your selection.
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Testimonial – A Christian’s Perspective
"I was referred to Roberta for managing the stress and anxiety I was dealing with during fertility treatments. I was skeptical that it would help me since I had tried numerous techniques to manage stress over the years with minimal success. As a Christian, I was concerned about the spiritual aspects of yoga, and I had found yoga DVDs to be boring at best.
I was surprised that I really enjoyed my first session with Roberta. I began to look forward to our sessions, and I found it easier to relax with each session. After a few weeks I noticed that the techniques she taught me were beginning to carry over into my daily life. Before yoga with Roberta I thought I had to worry about things—turn them over in my mind trying to find the answer. Now that I am more easily able to quiet the anxious thoughts in my mind, I can concentrate on God and am better able to hear from Him, not only during yoga itself, but also during my private prayer times at home.
Roberta has always been respectful and mindful of my spiritual beliefs, which has increased my enjoyment of and ability to relax during the sessions. She has a calm, soothing voice and seems to know the right things to say at the right time during each session. I’m thankful that I decided to follow through with the referral and hope to continue taking classes with Roberta for a long time."
- Name withheld for privacy
"Yin Yoga changed my life. I used to have aches and pains in my feet, knees, hips and lower back. I was getting regular massage and had even received 16 weeks of physical therapy. My mind was cluttered with loads of injustices, to do’s, should of’s, need to, what did they think, I did that wrong, and the biggest one of all - I’m not good enough. By “chance” I found Roberta and her Yin Yoga classes. The first day I went I was hooked. I’m not one for filling up my time off with scheduled things to do. Usually, if I sign up for a class, after a couple of weeks I get frustrated with the commitment and cease to go. I signed up for 12 weeks of Roberta’s wellness program and missed one class because I was sick. My aches and pains are gone and I am a much calmer, nicer and fun person to be around. I love myself now, truly, and accept who I am.
During the Yin Yoga classes, when you are holding a pose, Roberta’s soothing voice guides you through meditations. These meditations have given me my power back. I can negotiate difficult things and people, and I find when my practice wanes, my tolerance levels do as well. Once when I was at a party I was speaking to someone I didn’t know about Yin Yoga. I said it is better than any therapy you could ever get, she didn’t like that much because she was a therapist!"
- Marta Lane
"Roberta has a special talent that not only helps you build strength in your body but peace in your mind."
- Maureen Williams
"I have taken Roberta’s cleanse and her whole living classes and have been extremely pleased with the changes I have experienced on an emotional, mental and physical level. among other things, I have had more mental clarity and focus; a clearer complexion; and fewer headaches as a result of the cleanse. The whole living classes have brought me back to center and helped immensely in keeping me focused on my goals in all areas of my life. I recommend these two programs to everyone who wishes to lead a more focused, healthy and centered life. Roberta is an amazing teacher who truly cares about the client and the clients goals!"
- Diane Thomas
"Several years ago I participated in Roberta Hughes' week long cleanse program. Before beginning the program I worried that the seven days would be pure misery. As it turned out, Roberta was so supportive and the program so well developed, each day of the cleanse went by with relative ease. In fact, some of the dietary changes I made during that week have now become a part of my everyday food choices. I whole heartedly recommend this program to anyone who would like to feel better and reset their eating habits, while enjoying the complete support and light heartedness that Roberta offers."
- Susan Lucerne-Lawton
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