MARTA KOZLOWSKA

Where are you from and what do you do?

Hamilton; Attorney

When did you start practicing yoga?

What was it about yoga that first interested you? My yoga experienced began in Spring 2017 with a beginner series at Empower. I got hooked and the rest is history.

How did you discover Empower Yoga?

Keri and I are part of a running group, albeit, she's a lot faster :) I heard that she was opening a studio and decided to give Yoga a try.

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

I came to Empower with a bad hamstring injury. Runner's greatest fear is an injury which stops us from running. Initially Yoga practice became my outlet for physical activity in lieu of running but it didn't stop there. Through Yoga practice I learned to listen to my body, to be still, to breath through discomfort, to find progress in failure.

Tell us about your favorite classes- What you’ve learned about yourself? How have you surprised yourself? What has been your favorite memory? Anything else you’d like to share about your practice?

My go to classes at Empower are Adam's 6:30 a.m. Morning Flow classes.  I discovered I really like being upside down :)

Outside of yoga what are some of your other hobbies/interests?

I'm back to running again but these days I find Yoga practice (physical, mental, and spiritual) to be more rewarding than running.

JOHANNA POEDUBICKY

Where are you from and what do you do?

I grew up in a small, rural town called New Egypt in New Jersey.  However, I attended TCNJ and am now living with my boyfriend, Ben, in an apartment in Ewing. I have been working as a technician in the emergency department at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for about two years now and I am starting as an RN in September (which I am super excited for.)

When did you start practicing yoga? What was it about yoga that first interested you? How did you discover Empower Yoga?

This past January, my best friend started going to classes and after a few weeks of her practicing, convinced me to attend a class.  I was really nervous to go and hesitated at first because I did not want other people to judge me for not being able to do certain poses.  However, I really, really enjoyed it.  I found that it was a very open and welcoming place that did not judge people if they couldn’t do poses, or got tired, or got really sweaty.  And this atmosphere was much different than that of a gym—at least for me.  So I kept going back.

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

After going to multiple classes, I have learned lots about self-love and self-care.  I remember when I began attending class, I did not really understand what “being present” meant.  I found that my mind would race during the beginning of class and especially during Shavasana.  So for me not only did I physically have to learn how to do each pose and flow but I also had to learn how to mentally focus and “shut off” my brain.  And that took me a long time to do and sometimes I still have to re-focus and be in the moment.  But going to class not only is a great workout, but also helps me de-stress and relax.

Tell us about your favorite classes- What you’ve learned about yourself? How have you surprised yourself? What has been your favorite memory? Anything else you’d like to share about your practice?

One of Andrea’s classes sticks out in my mind that I really enjoyed.  During this time, I had multiple things going on between graduating, moving back in with my parents, and trying to study for my NCLEX.  Her class was all about gratitude and love and it really helped my though a very stressful time.  In her class she said, “Forgiveness and gratitude keep love and happiness alive,” and it really stuck with me.  Of course I enjoy every class but this one stands out in my mind.  

Outside of yoga what are some of your other hobbies/interests?

I really enjoy going to the beach and try to go as often as I can.  I have been to many beaches along the east coast but there is one in Sea Girt, NJ that is my favorite.  When it is raining, I also enjoy antiquing.  I actually collect flow blue; it is a type of china that was popular in the 1800s.  I have a pretty decent collection and use it as my tableware.