Tyler Sekunda

Where are you from and what do you do?

I'm from Hamilton, NJ and right now I'm in my senior year at TCNJ studying English Secondary Education. I'm not ready to leave yet though, so I'll be staying an extra year to get a Master's in English.

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

I started practicing about four months ago in June and I was immediately hooked. I originally thought of yoga as more of a meditative and relaxing practice, and while it can be those things, my first class was one of the most challenging hours of my life. After that first class I knew I had found what I needed.

How did you discover Empower Yoga?

My friend on campus first told me about some yoga classes she had attended at Empower, but it wasn't until a year later that I decided I should give it a try.

How has the studio helped to EMPOWER you?

The studio has helped me in so many ways its hard to count them. I've gotten physically stronger, but I've gotten so much stronger mentally as well. My practice has inspired me to eat better food and take better care of myself. My confidence has also risen exponentially; not only in what I can do on my mat, but in how I live my everyday life. I look forward to class every day that I can.

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?

It's hard to pick a favorite class. I tend to find exactly what I need in each class that I take.

I have still yet to have every instructor but I can write about a few of my favorites. Irene was the first yoga instructor I learned with at Empower or anywhere so I think her class became sort of my template. I love Irene's classes because they are exactly what I need after a long day; a way to push myself even further but in a comforting way. When I first took Andrea's class though, I was shocked to find less comfort and more intensity. I love starting my weekends with Andrea's class because it reminds me to not get complacent on days off and to keep giving 100%. Andrea's classes have really where I've learned a lot about myself and how hard and far I'm willing to push myself. 

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

Outside of yoga you can find me hanging with friends, playing tennis or basketball, or just on a walk around campus listening to Stevie Wonder.