Down Dog Yoga
Yoga became a part of Derek’s life after a football teammate recommended a yoga class. At first he was reluctant to do so because of his preconceived thoughts about yoga. After further thought, and some convincing from his former teammate, he decided to give yoga a shot. And it has been a great experience. "The physical workout far exceeded my expectations, and as I grew in my practice I noticed I began to change how I thought and handled things off of the mat," Derek says. He began his yoga journey at Sid Yoga in Towson, Maryland, and is excited to be apart of the Down Dog Yoga community. Through his teaching Derek wants to give students the feeling that there are no limits to where they can go on the mat, in hopes that they walk in that same way in their everyday life. He is... Read the profile >>
A native of DC, Emma grew up taking summer ballet at the Washington School, attending the local University of MD, and moving into Dupont in her early 20’s. Most of her 20’s was spent working in a real estate office as a developers assistant, and cocktail waitressing at night. Emma’s “work hard, play hard” mantra kept her busy with a full social life, but also resulted in an unbalanced and unhealthy lifestyle. A friend suggested yoga, and at that moment, her love affair with the practice began. Choosing quickly to register for the Yogaworks 200-hr intensive. Next, she was introduced to Budokon, followed by Pilates and Barre. Most recently, Emma opened Epic Yoga in Dupont Circle. (epicyogadc.com). Life is about evolution and transition, and how we respond. To open this... Read the profile >>
Heather Calcote is a registered dietitian living and running around Washington, DC. She authors the blog Dietitian on the Run, keeping up with training runs, kitchen experiments, yoga feats and the latest in nutrition and health news with a side of philosophy. She also works for Wellness Corporate Solutions as a health coach and program manager. Heather is a BQ-marathoner, looking to cross the elusive Boston Marathon Finish line in 2014. If anything, she loves a challenge! Taking on a Do it now! attitude has brought her to the top of a Colorado 14-er, across the finish line of all types of races and into some of life’s unexpected adventures (e.g. moving across the country twice in two years). She’s passionate about helping people realize their potential, stepping out of their... Read the profile >>
LAAVA [?läv?] (noun) A passionate person dedicated to their sport, their wellness & their love for others. Melani Hom is founder and head coach of LAAVA Performance, Washington DC’s multi-sport training company dedicated to educate and empower athletes to explore and promote the crossroads between smart training and leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Melani’s competitive drive to train hard and her enthusiasm to help others succeed in their sport was first defined during her collegiate years as Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Team Captain for NCAA Division I Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. These passions continued after moving to the east coast as she discovered her LAAV for multi-sport events & yoga. Her yoga practice has given her the... Read the profile >>
In the spring of 2008, tanO took his very first yoga class on the same day that he was hired at lululemon athletica. He eventually took classes at a variety of studios, including Down Dog Yoga, but as his practice grew steadily over time, he developed a strong connection to the physical practice and an interest in the principles of yoga. With a solid background in various sports and general fitness, overall, tanO developed a strength training regimen that centered on using his own body weight and natural resistance. He began to incorporate yoga into his weekly routine of running, biking and strength training and immediately began to see a transformation take place. Not only was he becoming stronger physically, but also mentally and even spiritually. tanO completed several... Read the profile >>
