ERIN KICHLINE

Where are you from and what do you do?

I was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, PA. I moved to Lawrenceville 3 years ago and have lived there since. I am currently a 7th grade English teacher for Trenton Public Schools and I am getting my masters in Special Education at TCNJ. 

When did you start practicing yoga? 

I started practicing yoga about 8 years ago but it was always just a class every couple of weeks. I didn't start practicing consistently until I found emPOWER. 

What was it about yoga that first interested you? 

I originally started yoga because I was getting frequent back pain from running and my chiropractor recommended yoga to help strengthen my core without doing high impact sports. I was also extremely stressed at my job and thought the meditation might help.  

How did you discover Empower Yoga?

I discovered EmPOWER a few months after they had opened. I noticed it when I was driving to class. I was relieved because I had tried several other studios in the area and was about to give up and practice solely at home. 

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

The studio helps empower me every single day. I am able to handle my stress better and feel much healthier. I think this helps me be a better teacher and person. The breathing and mediation strategies I've learned have also helped my students. I look forward to coming to class and challenging myself everyday. This is the first time I haven't given up on exercising after a couple weeks of going to the gym. 

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?

I love every class! Each instructor brings their own different spin to power yoga and I feel like I have never taken the same class/flow more than once. I think that is what keeps me coming to class so frequently, I never know what to expect! I love when instructors teach new poses and allow us to flow on our own. At first, I was nervous when an instructor would encourage us to "just flow" and now I look forward to it. My mindset has changed a lot in the last year. The instructors also push you to do your best in every class. My favorite memory I have is the first day I was able to get a handstand. The class and instructor cheered because they knew I had been working on it for awhile. I love that the instructors care and I feel like I can ask them questions. Also, the cool eucalyptus towels are the best. 

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

Outside of yoga I love to snowboard and surprisingly yoga has helped a lot with this. Usually in the beginning of the season I am very sore and this year I felt no leg pain and have much longer stamina on the mountain. I also enjoy running, reading, eating, and going to concerts in the summer. I love all Philadelphia sports teams and enjoy going to games throughout the year. 

KATE KURYLO

Where are you from and what do you do?

I am originally from a small town in central NJ, commonly described as "The middle of Nowhere" or "near Six Flags Great Adventure". I currently live just outside of NE Philadelphia. I have an interesting career in Environmental Consulting, where I conduct investigative and remedial efforts on contaminated properties for a variety of clients in the tri-state area, which explains my T-Shirt tan.     

When did you start practicing yoga? What was it about yoga that first interested you?

I have been practicing yoga for about a year and a half now and I cannot imagine doing anything else. I absolutely fell in love with heated Vinyasa flow, which was recommended by a friend as a fun activity to do together. I was an athlete, so I was looking for something low impact and fun to keep into fitness. I came for the workout, but I stayed for so much more!  

How did you discover Empower Yoga?  

I was fortunate to get hired with a new company in Mercer County, however it was just too much of a distance to continue to practice in South Jersey. I had searched the Mercer County area and I soon became overwhelmingly sad because nothing heated with flow was available near work. Then, MindBody came to the rescue!

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

When I practice I feel strong. The combination of calming the mind while igniting the body is such a strong combination. It is addicting for sure.  

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?

I love all the classes here. The ability to be taught by different amazing teachers allows variety in styles, and I love the diversity! I have learned that I have become a more postitive person because of this practice. I carry alot of the principles we learn in class to my everyday life and it has improved my outlook and my happiness. I surprised myself on how much I sweat! I played sports my entire life, and I have never sweat like I do in class. I'm usually drenched immediately, and way more than everyone else, and I have no idea why. It feels amazing. My favorite memory has to be the other yogis. I have made some really awesome friends and have been inspired in so many ways by the other students and the teachers. 

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

I love to cook, and I'm a proud cat mom. I love the beach, there is something so calming about the ocean. I enjoy the outdoors and I love to fish. 

Tony Mack

Where are you from and what do you do?

I live in Ewing with my wife, Kim and three sons, Jay, Ryan and Ethan, along with our two dogs, Murray and Sandy. I am a Professional Development Trainer and Leadership Coach and I just recently started a consulting practice. Presently, I am working with the Rutgers University School of Social Work- Institute for Families, where I develop and facilitate leadership training workshops for the NJ Department of Children and Families and NJ Department of Human Services. I am also a national consultant with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute, conducting training and coaching support for child welfare professionals. Additionally, I am an adjunct instructor at the Rutgers School of Communications.

When did you start practicing yoga? What was it about yoga that first interested you?

I began practicing yoga a year ago and have been hooked ever since. I was initially interested in practicing yoga as a way to having an activity that my wife and I could do together. Also, I was spending more time trying to make sure that my kids were being active, that I wasn’t focusing on myself.  I wanted to try something and not just join a gym. I was definitely looking for something that involved being part of a community. 

How did you discover Empower Yoga?

I discovered Empower through a flyer that was posted at the school where my wife teaches. Keri was offering a Teacher Summer Membership special and my wife came to the studio to get more information, and I was just tagging along. We both decided to join and my first class was on Father's Day 2017 with Keri. Keri's high energy, welcoming spirit, and thoughtful teaching style sparked my interest to return and I have been coming back ever since.

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

Empower has helped me not question and doubt myself, two traits that struggle with continuously. The instructor’s and classes have taught me the value of relishing the moment and appreciating what my body and mind can do. Empower has also helped me not to be so tough on myself. I recognize that every day is different and just to enjoy the moment. I can also say that since starting my practice and being a part of the Empower community, I value trying and attempting new things. Whether it is a pose, new career path or meeting new people, Empower has helped me embrace discovery and looking forward to the journey.

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?

I was definitely intimidated and scared during my first classes. However, the instructors really take their time to TEACH and explain the poses. The patience of the instructors, allows me to be patient with myself. I am learning that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about just trying. Yoga has taught me to breathe and appreciate myself. I never thought that I would enjoy my practice as much as do.

I can honestly say, that I really don’t have a favorite class. I enjoy the uniqueness and variation of every session. Each class that I have attended always seem to give me something that I required that day. For example, if I need to slow down and just focus, I can take a class with Samantha S. or Samantha B. If I need that extra push and release of energy, I can guarantee that a class with Andrea or Keri will give me that super charge and get me pumped up. Lastly, if I need that "emotional yoga hug", I make sure that I go to Irene. Every instructor is awesome and they have a great way of connecting and identifying what each student needs.

My favorite Empower memory has to be the year anniversary workshop with Andrea, Bob and Irene. First off, they complimented each other nicely and embodied the essence of Empower, don’t take yourself too seriously, try your best and have fun. You could feel the energy and excitement from every student and everyone supported each other. 

I am so grateful to be a part of this community and continuing my practice at Empower. If you would have told me a year ago that I would be doing a flying crow or headstand, I would have called you nuts. I love exploring what my body and mind can do and also seeing others trying new things. 

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

When I am not on my mat, you can find me watching my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending time with my wife and kids or and enjoying my latest guilty pleasures, “Extraordinary Hotels” and “Ugly Delicious” on Netflix. I am an also avid Anthony Bourdain fan. However, when I have to escape I love to cook and try recipes that I find on Pinterest.