YAS Fitness Centers » Kimberly’s Blog

Beat Back Pain in 8 Minutes!

Kimberly — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:24:30 +0000

When the muscles in your back become weak, that’s normally when your back goes out. The vertebrae in your back are held in place by a lot of small muscles and ligaments, which need to be exercised to keep them in shape. There is a saying “Your are as young as your spine.” If you want to stay young, you need to keep your back strong and flexible. Lower back issues are one of the most common complaints I hear from new students. Usually after they start doing yoga their lower back pain goes away. The following issue of More features a short yoga workout of mine entitled “Beat Back Pain in 8 Minutes” (excerpted from The No OM Zone by Danielle Kosecki and featuring photos from the book). Check it out!

There are many reasons for lower back pain. Sometimes it’s caused by stress or sitting too long at your desk or in your car. For women, lower back pain can be caused by wearing high heels. For new Moms, picking up babies they carry on their hips–primarily on one side–throws their backs out. Unfortunately, I see this a lot. In sports the lower back is affected by pounding the pavements while running. When golfing the stress of the troche in the golf swing or walking the course carrying your bag can do it. Not all of us have the luxury of a caddie. There are other sports-related injuries to the lower back from being hit, usually in contact sports like football, or from quick stop and starts in tennis or basketball. If you know your lower back pain is coming from stress, you might want to read Chapter One of The No Om Zone, Yoga for your Head. If you know your lower back is bothering you because your Core/Abs are weak, check out Chapter Seven. Of course, if you have severe back pain, make sure to check with your doctor before you try yoga or any other exercise.

Some back issues can come from what are known as “biomechanical imbalances” in your spine. Doing yoga will be great for your back in this case, because it works on not only flexibility and strength but also balancing out the imbalances in your muscles. Now, most of us have areas of our bodies that are tighter on one side than the other. This is usually our “dominate side,” the side you use the most. If you are right handed it’s your right side, I’m a lefty, so my left side is always a little tighter. Most of us have had lower back issues at some point in our lives. Sometimes lower back issues can be a direct result from tightness in other areas of your body like the hips or shoulders. If your lower back is chronically hurting, meaning it hurts all the time, see a doctor. Some doctors, like Chiropractors, specialize in the back. Others, like Acupuncturists, deal with pain. Massage is also good for lower back pain. Like massage, yoga also releases tension from your muscles. One of my students, an actor named Chris Wiehl, came to my studio because of severe lower back issues. Nothing he tried worked and he was reluctant to try yoga, since he is a “guy’s guy.” But he took the plunge and now he’s pain free. A regular yoga practice, meaning practicing more than once a year, will help relieve the stress and tension that causes back pain. Studies have shown that yoga is the most effective exercise for relieving back pain!

Roger Hampton – Meningitis Recovery with YAS Indoor Cycling

Guest Blogger — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:57:15 +0000

My name is Roger Hampton and this is my story of Meningitis and why I feel YAS is so important in my life.

In May of 2007 I was living in Laguna Beach and working in Irvine. One day I thought I was coming down with the flu and I had a headache and a stiff neck that wouldn’t go away. I pushed along as we all do but finally decided to stay in bed and fight it off. I got progressively worse and by the time I realized I was in trouble I collapsed. I was discovered 36 hours later by friends. I was in a fetal position with blood coming out of my ears, nose and mouth and I was bleeding out. The paramedics thought for sure I wouldn’t make it. Luckily there was a special diseases doctor at the ER who saw the lesions on my body and diagnosed Meningococcal Meningitis. Very deadly and contagious. I was quarantined and everyone I had been in contact with over the last 48 hours had to be contacted to take a 500mg cipro as a precaution.

They induced me into a coma for 6 days while they pumped me full of antibiotics. I had a 104 temperature for the next 2 weeks. Doctors said I would never walk, see or hear from the brain damage this should have caused. They talked about amputating my feet and hands around the 3rd week of my stay.

When I realized where I was and could understand what was happening I refused to have my hands and feet cut off and knew I had work to do to get back on my feet. The next two months were brutal. Learning how to walk was challenging to say the least. But to learn how to run was crazy. My knees were bigger than my thighs and from the knee down to my feet was bone with no visible muscle. I had lost 50 pounds in 6 weeks. I’m 6’0 tall and normally weigh 175. I weighed 125 pounds! Not good.

I quit all medications as soon as I got home and started my own nutritional recovery. Drinking chocolate Ensure was my saving grace as well as an anti oxidant called OPC-3 which is a raspberry based product. I also pumped myself with B complex to repair the nerve damage. Quitting all medications at once is not recommended btw. I shook and sweat in my bed for 7 days. Not fun.

I was introduced to spin class as an alternate cardio solution with low impact since my joints were still tender. YAS is the only spin class that kept me going. It’s a safe routine you can mentally get into which is what 90% of moving like that is all about. My legs look pretty darn good and I champion my classes with gratitude and appreciation to all the instructors and especially to Kimberly Fowler for making YAS available. Thank you YAS team! You are appreciated more than you will ever know!

This is a bacteria based disease. The good news is that they can kill it with antibiotics. The bad news is that it can kill you in 24 hours. I survived it and I have the antibodies so there isn’t a whole lot of chance I will ever get it again.

Here is a site for more information: http://www.webmd.com/brain/meningococcal-meningitis-symptoms-causes-treatments-and-vaccines

Can Yoga Heal a Broken Heart?

Kimberly Fowler — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:05:03 +0000

When you think of your chest, what do you think, what visions come to mind? If you are a guy you probably think of your “Pecs” or the Petorialis Majors. If you’re a woman then a whole other thing comes to mind. Well the great thing about yoga, whether you are a male or a female, is that you will have a good looking chest from doing yoga! That alone should make you want to give it a try.

The chest area of our bodies is also where your heart is both physically and emotionally. I start all my yoga classes with the question “Does anyone have any injuries?” This is an important question so I can give students modifications, for existing injures. When I asked this question in one of my classes, a beautiful woman, who is a very famous actress, said “My heart is broken.” The whole class in unison said “awww”. I have to admit it threw me off for a second, for someone to be that open and vulnerable in front of a large group of people. I hope she wasn’t acting? I did learn something from the reaction of the class. And that’s that everyone felt for her. Most of the women in the class instinctively put their hands over their hearts when she said it. The guys on the other hand, their faces lit up thinking “Wow she’s single!?” I suggested that she focus on her Camel pose.

Excerpt from Kimberly’s book The No OM Zone. (Rodale 2010) http://go2yas.com/products/books-dvds

Off the Couch and Onto the Mat: What to Expect from Your First Yoga Class

Kimberly Fowler — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:30:18 +0000

Inspired to try your first yoga class but have no idea what to expect? Get tips on how to approach your first class in this excerpt from Kimberly Fowler’s yoga for beginners book The No OM Zone: A No-Chanting, No-Granola, No-Sanskrit Practical Guide to Yoga. Find out what to wear, when to arrive, basic poses you should know and more.

Yoga clothes

I constantly get e-mails from people asking me, “Kimberly, what do I wear to a yoga class?” Practically speaking, it will depend on what type of class you are going to. If you are going to a power yoga class or a Bikram (hot) yoga class, you are going to sweat, so you would want to wear clothes that wick away sweat (similar to what you would wear to go running).

Baggy T-shirts are fine for guys, but women should wear a tight-fitting top so that when you are in an inversion (like Shoulder Stand), your top doesn’t come down over your head. I often see women trying to pull their tops up in Shoulder Stand because they don’t want their stomachs showing — this can be dangerous.

Wear quick-dry capri or full-length fitted pants; this will help your instructor check your alignment.

Yoga gear

If you are new to yoga and haven’t bought a mat yet, call ahead and ask if the yoga studio or gym has mats for you to borrow or rent for the day. I suggest buying your own mat after you have tried a few yoga classes. Yoga mats come in all kinds of colors and materials, from natural rubber to synthetic, as well as different levels of thickness. Use a sponge to wash your mat with soap and water, and let it air-dry.

Most studios provide basic props, such as blocks, which are used to help with alignment, and straps, which can help if you are new to yoga. You also want to bring some water and a towel.

Yoga etiquette

Get there early: Arrive at least 10 minutes before your first yoga class to get a spot where you feel most comfortable. If you are going to a class that is popular (because of the teacher or the time of day), try to get there 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time. I have students who come to my weekend class a half-hour early to get their spot; they bring the newspaper and read it before class starts.

After you arrive: Take off your shoes and socks before you walk into the room; sometimes studios have cubbies for your shoes, right inside the yoga room. If you are not sure, ask the front desk or just watch what everyone else is doing. I suggest finding a place in the back by the door — you will be able to see and follow the people in front of you. Whether you borrow a mat from the studio or bring your own, make sure you unroll it facing the instructor. I had a student once who came in, placed her mat next to mine, and faced the other students in the class. If you notice that everyone is facing you, you might want to turn around!

Communicate: Before class starts, introduce yourself to the instructor. Tell the instructor whether you have any injury, especially a recent one, so he or she can give you modifications.

Breathe: It’s common for new students to hold their breath during yoga poses they find challenging. Breathing deeply can help you relax. In the beginning, don’t worry about matching the instructor’s breathing instructions exactly; just don’t hold your breath.

Practice your basic poses at home: Students at my studios always practice at home. I have a lot of type A personalities, and they want to really “nail the pose.” If you practice some of the basic poses at home, such as Downward-Facing Dog, Upward-Facing Dog, Warrior 1 and Warrior 2, which are part of any beginner yoga class, you will feel more comfortable when you do come to class.

Don’t leave in the middle of Corpse pose: Most yoga classes end with Corpse pose, also called Savasana (pronounced sha-vass-ahnah). With this pose, you lie flat on your back, close your eyes and relax. You never want to walk out of a class when they are in Corpse pose. If you have to leave, do it before.

Namaste: Don’t be scared off when your instructor bows her head as if in prayer, clasps her hands together in front of her heart and says, “Namaste” (pronounced nah-mas-tay). You’ll notice the class says it back as well. This Sanskrit word means “I honor you” and is normally said at the end of class.

Diane “V” Capaldi – The Power of Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis

Guest Blogger — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:13:15 +0000

I have Multiple Sclerosis and in 2001 it became debilitating. My body no longer could withstand repetitive motion of any kind; my nerve fibers would spasm making simple tasks impossible. The doctors gave me little hope that I would ever be able to live a productive life. At the young age of 38, I became legally disabled.

At this time, I had severe balance issues, limited use of my hands and was unable to lift my arms above my waist, but was drawn to yoga. I persevered and after 6 months my body began to change. My hands were able to perform simple tasks and balance was becoming less of an issue. The more yoga I did, the better I became.

In the present day, my disease is invisible to all who meet me. I am a YAS devotee and a certified YAS Yoga and Spin instructor. Yoga for Athletes helped me turn the corner completely with regards to my health. I have almost perfect balance and have full range of motion of my arms. YFA is a key element to my well-being and an essential part of my healthcare. The sequencing of YFA is designed to allow my hips and shoulders to open and to strengthen my core, both essential elements for me to be able to walk a straight line and maintain use of my limbs. Without yoga in my life my MS filled body loses all that yoga has given back to me. Yoga will always be one of the most important elements of my healthcare. The belief that movement is medicine lives at the core of my being.

I am proud to be the co-owner of Kinesis: A Center for Integrated Living on the Westside of Los Angeles (www.kinesisliving.com) which offers physical therapy, psychotherapy, Pilates, personal training, TRX, FUNctional FITness, acupuncture, nutrition and therapeutic bodywork. My business partner and myself met at YAS and proudly remain long-standing YAS devotee!

Yoga for Drivers

Kimberly — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:57:52 +0000

I live in Los Angeles, so I drive a lot. Or, more precisely, I sit a lot—in traffic! As a fitness expert and Angelino, then, I know a thing or two about what to do if you’re always in your car: Yoga. Yoga is all about a flexible spine, driving is not.Sitting for long periods is a major source of lower back pain. The small muscles in your back that hold your vertebrae in place need exercise to stay in shape. When they’re weak, your back is more likely to go “out.” Studies show that practicing yoga regularly is the most effective exercise for relieving back pain. Try the following poses from my no-nonsense guide to yoga, The No OM Zone (Rodale, 2010), to gently stretch and strengthen your back and relieve stiffness before or after driving (or any time your lower back feels tight). Work on a yoga mat, rug or other padded surface. If a pose feels too difficult or intense, make sure to back off.

Easy Spinal Twist Pose

Lie on your back on the floor and bring both knees to your chest.
Hold your right knee there and straighten your left leg on the floor.
Bring your bent right knee across your body (to the left side), keeping your shoulder blades on the floor.
Look back over your right shoulder. Hold for 45 seconds or so, then bring both knees to your chest and switch sides.

Knees-to-Chest Pose

Lie on your back, bend your right knee, place your hands below the knee and draw your thigh towards your chest, leaving your left leg extended on the floor (If you can’t keep it straight, bend the knee and put your foot flat on the floor).
Exhale and bring your forehead to your right knee (or towards it without straining). Inhale.
Exhale and return to your original position.
Repeat on the other side.

Dead Bug Pose

Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest.
Reach up and grab the outsides of your feet. (If you can’t reach your feet, grab the back of your thighs).
Gently bring your knees to the outsides of your chest and towards the floor, keeping your entire back on the floor.
Hold for 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Locust Pose

Lie face down and bring your arms alongside your body.
Lift your head, upper body, arms and legs up and off the floor, keeping energy in your arms and legs.
Look forward and hold for 45 seconds.
Release to the floor, turning your head to one side.
Repeat 3 times.
If Locust is too intense or difficult, try lifting your head and chest off the floor while leaving your legs down, and vice versa.

Child Pose

Kneel on the floor with your knees together or apart.
Rest your chest on your thighs (or between your knees if they’re apart)
Bring your arms alongside your body and let your forehead rest on the floor.
Hold for 45 seconds to or longer if it feels good.
A resting pose, Child’s Pose releases the muscles in the back, so it’s a great pose to finish with.

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5 “Mind-Body” Tips for starting the New Year off with an “OM”, say what?

Kimberly — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:19:29 +0000

You’ve probably noticed that almost ALL New Year’s Resolution Lists have at least 1 Mind or Body Goal – most of the time it’s just the Body, like “Lose Weight” or just the Mind, like “Learn Spanish.” Here are 5 Mind-Body Tips to keep your Mind and Body strong so you can “Conquer the World!” (Which is number 3 on your list, right?)

Do Yoga. Trying Yoga is a popular Body Goal every year because of health benefits like easing back pain, improving posture, strengthening your muscles and bones, so on. If you’ve never taken Yoga here are some things to keep in mind: Look for a class that is designed for Level 1-2 or All Level students. Let the instructor know that it’s your first time and explain any health concerns/issues so they can cater to your personal needs. Nervous the Yoga environment isn’t for you? Check out the YAS Yoga for Athletes® class (or the Yoga for Athletes® DVD). It provides the same benefits of Yoga without the sometimes undesired chanting. One student said, “I’m not a hippie yoga person and that’s why I love YAS!”
Start Meditating. Meditation is “All about the Brain”. If someone told you that you could think clearer, stress less and bring your blood pressure down by just sitting for 15-20 minutes would you do it? Of course you would! Everyone can get benefits from mediation but the main benefit is to help reduce your stress level. Meditation calms your nerves and restores the balance of brain chemicals. It can also help you have a more positive outlook and decrease mild depression and anxiety.
Set a Workout Routine. This is especially important because a routine can keep you on track and motivated. One way to stay on track is to schedule your workouts like you would a meeting or personal activity. But stay strong, if the office starts calling simply tell them you’re going into a meeting and will call them back. Not the job that’s interfering? Plan a cardio-night-out rather than happy hour, schedule a date at the gym or take the little one out for a jog. Something else to consider… TEACHING the workout! As an instructor your workout is guaranteed and you’d be motivating others sweat too. YAS Fitness offers a specialized Teachers Training program that would certify you as one of our YAS Indoor Cycling and Yoga for Athletes® trainers. YAS instructors have said, “The YAS Teachers Training proved to be one of those experiences that forever changed my life.”
Get enough Sleep. We’ve heard it time and time again… “You should get between 7–9 hours of sleep EVERY night.” For many of us, real life seems to get in the way but it’s a crucial element for health maintenance. Did you know that a person who is sleep deprived can function as badly as someone is drunk?! Waking up tired is guaranteed to keep mental ability low and is said to cause weight gain, contribute to depression, increase your chances of heart attack and puts you at risk for a whole slew of medical problems. Having problems shutting down at night? Do Yoga!
Fuel your Body- to help your Mind. I have always thought of my body as a Machine-a Racing car. If your Body was a car what would it be? A Maserati? Jaguar? Prius? Here are a few tips to help fuel your Body and keep it performing at its ultimate capacity:

• Replace 1 glass of Wine with 1 glass of Water.
• Take your Vitamins – I know I sound like your Mother, but to stay sharp the brain needs the same nutrients as the body. Considering that most diets consist of highly refined foods that have stripped away essential nutrients, the brain simply cannot function properly. Take some Ginkgo Biloba which helps circulation and speeds along oxygen to the brain.
• Watch what you eat!! You’ve heard this hundreds of times, but a drive-thru diet simply won’t get the brain the nutrients it needs. Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and high fiber breads and cereals. Foods rich in antioxidants like dark leafy greens (spinach) and fruits like berries and tomatoes help to improve memory.
• Eat Breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day. The body has fasted during the night and needs the energy from the right foods to start the day in a healthy mode.
• Keep your Brain Active. Your brain is like a muscle, the more you challenge it, the more you use it – the longer it will stay supple and responsive.

I hope these simple Mind-Body Tips will help you make 2013 your “Best Year Ever!!”

Layover Yoga

Kimberly — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:40:23 +0000

It’s that time of the year where everybody is flying somewhere. So if you find yourself waiting at the airport, which most of us haveto do since we’re required to check-in so early, try to loosen up your lower back and neck before you hop on the plane. Here are some “quick & easy” poses that might help. Most of these poses can be done in any outfit, even a suit, and this pre-flight yoga routine will only take you about 8 to 10 minutes.

1. Standing Forward Bend-Try this with your knees bent to release your lower back. Arms over head, to stretch your shoulders. This is an easy pose to do since it doesn’t need a lot of space, it can even be done when you’re waiting in line. People around you might think you’re “strange” but let them be the ones suffering while waiting for the pilots okay to unfasten your seat belt.

Stand up straight. Bring your feet hip distance apart, reach your arms behind you and clasp your hands together. Take a deep breathe in and on your exhale hinge forward, bringing your arms over your head. Let your head go, you can shake it side to side. Hold for 1 minute or until the line moves, whichever happens first.

2. Leg Cradle- Come down to the floor, but make sure you’re on a rug, towel or fluffy sweater because marble floors aren’t the best to do yoga on. This pose will loosen up your hip joint. You can do this while you’re in your seat on the plane. (Just make sure you know your neighbor.)

Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Grab your right leg and “cradle” it, just rock it side to side for 30 seconds and then switch sides. Make sure you sit up straight.

3. Cobbler- Even better than the dessert, this pose stretches your lower back, hips and inner thighs.

Bring the soles of your feet together, knees wide apart. Sit up straight take a deep breathe in and on your exhale hinge forward. You can let your head go, releasing any tension in your neck. (But keep an eye out for your bags.)

4. Reclining pigeon- Our hips tend to get really tight while sitting in those airplane seats unable to stretch or move side-to-side. This pose stretches out the area around your hips which releases your lower back. Try to hold this pose for at least a minute or two on each side.

From cobbler pose bring your knees together and roll down onto the floor. Bend your knees with your feet on the floor. Bring your right foot on top of your left thigh. Bringing your right arm thru your leg and your left arm on the outside of your leg. Grab your shin with both hands. Hold the pose for 2 minutes and then switch sides.

5. Easy Spinal Twist- Easy to do as long as you have some room on the floor to “stretch out.”

Hug your knees into your chest and rock side to side to massage out your lower back. Keep your right knee toward your chest and your left leg straight onto the floor. Take a deep breath in and, on your exhale, bring your knee across your body. Keep your shoulder blades on the carpet and look out over your right shoulder. Hold this for 1 minute then switch sides.

After you are finished roll onto your side and push yourself up to an easy cross-legged position. Do a little breath work, especially if you get a little nervous when you fly. This along with your yoga poses will help calm you down so you can relax on the plane. If you happen to be a member of the Admirals Club, where you have more room and privacy, you might want to follow along with a yoga DVD. If you’re planning to do a DVD on your computer, make sure you are dressed for it. Wear sweats or loose fitting jeans. Look forward to seeing your Downward Facing Dog at LAX. Post photos!!

How NOT to GAIN weight during the HOLIDAYS

Kimberly — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:18:38 +0000

The average person gains 5 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, they are the same ones who have “Lose 10 pounds” on their New Year Resolutions list. It’s easy to see why we gain weight during this time-we eat more, we drink more and we work out less, this is a bad combo. So let’s try not to be one of those people who gain weight during the Holidays, use your New Year Resolutions for “Conquering the World’, or “Finding the Love of your Life”, instead of “Losing the 10 pounds”. TIPS to keep your shape during the Holiday season.

Drink More Water: Before you have that 120 calorie glass of Wine, drink a 0 calorie glass of water. When you drink water before you eat or drink, you will eat less because you will feel full; it will also help flush your kidneys and liver from drinking.
Stick to your Workout Routine: This is probably the most important thing to do, because if you are eating and drinking more, than you are consuming more calories than normal, so logically you should workout more. If you don’t then you will gain weight, it’s a fact.
Do Yoga for Stress Relief: Sometimes we eat when things get stressful, the pressure of Holiday, gift buying or you may just have issues with the Holidays-a lot of us do and we head for the comfort food which is readily available during this time of year. Another reason to do more yoga is that it also help with your digestion i.e.; helps you process all the food you eat.
Get a Workout Buddy: I don’t know about you, but I’m more accountable to other people. If I say, “I’ll meet you at YAS to workout” I will be there, no matter what. See if that works for you.
Do the Math before you Eat & Drink: I’m not telling you not to “indulge” during the Holidays, there is nothing I love more than a piece of pumpkin pie with a cup of eggnog, but I do have to realizes I just consumed over 1000 extra calories, which equals 1 Spin class and 1 Yoga class, so I know if I have to do 2 extra classes in order not to gain weight. I have included a Calorie Counter below, so you can “Do the Math”.

Drinks:	Calories
1 mixed drink	250
1 glass wine	120


1 cup eggnog	343
Snacks:	Calories

1 cracker with cheese	70

½ cup mixed nuts	440

1 ounce tortilla or potato chips	150
1 tablespoon dip for chips	75
Salads:	Calories
3 cups salad with diet dressing	100
1 tablespoon ranch dressing	75


Main Course:	Calories
6 ounces cured ham	300
6 ounces turkey	340
6 ounces prime rib	330
½ cup stuffing	180
½ cup cranberry sauce	190
½ cup mashed potatoes	150
½ cup gravy	150
1 baked potato with sour cream	150
½ cup green bean casserole	225
½ cup sautéed green beans	50
½ cup candied sweet potatoes	150
1 dinner roll	110
1 pat butter	45
Dessert:	Calories
2 chocolate mints	60
2 small chocolate chip cookies	150
1 piece apple pie (1/8 of 9-in pie)	410
1 piece pecan pie (1/8 of 9-in pie)	480
1 piece pumpkin pie (1/8 of 9-in pie)	180
½ cup whipped cream	75
½ cup ice cream	145

Leftovers:	Calories
1 turkey sandwich with mayo and cranberry sauce	450

From legal pads to yoga mat, Kimberly Fowler: The New Face of Modern Yoga

Kimberly Fowler — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:46:47 +0000

Doctors discovered she had an inoperable brain tumor. With a “screw this attitude” towards surgical procedures that could’ve greatly impaired her joint movement-the unthinkable for a tri-athlete-doctors assured Kimberly Fowler that her days were numbered. “This is completely unlike me. I always know where I have to be and I’m there. I’ve just had so much going on lately, but I guess I like the stress.” And with that, in walks, Kimberly Fowler, owner of YAS Fitness Centers and the empress of all things fitness. So, she’s a little late for her interview with Genlux and a lot more toned than she is tardy, but as the “New Face of Modern Yoga”, Fowler’s booming business and burgeoning celebrity has kept her in high demand. Fowler’s Yoga for Athletes® program has gained a cult following with more than 500 YAS-goers frequenting her, ultra-modern Abbot Kinney studio on a daily basis. Her unique blend of yoga and in-door cycling, coupled with her promise of “no-chanting, no granola, and no Sanskrit” has proven to have mass appeal. “I started the Yoga for Athletes® program because people try to force themselves into a pose and end up injured, so they don’t like yoga,” she explains. “They don’t realize that it takes a while for the body to adjust, to turn yourself into a pretzel. Every pose has a lesser or more advanced level so athletes don’t get injured.” However, before Fowler reached her iconic yoga status, her less then humble beginnings left her a fighter long before she mastered the Warrior pose. Coming from an impoverished background and alcoholic parents, Fowler acted as mentor for her younger siblings while also juggling several jobs to fund her college career. “Sports and athletics were more important to my family then education. I came from a poor family so athletics always took priority over learning.” After becoming the first college graduate from her family, her aspirations for higher learning led her to law school, but were temporarily put on pause when doctors discovered she had an inoperable brain tumor. With a “screw this attitude” towards surgical procedures that could’ve greatly impaired her joint movement-the unthinkable for a tri-athlete-doctors assured Fowler that her days were numbered. Miraculously beating the odds through unconventional treatments and the “mind over matter” outlook, Fowler became cancer-free and steadily continued her law practice until 1982 when she was hit by a car during a bicycle race. Following the suggestion of her physical therapist, she explored the healing powers of Iyengar yoga. The yoga proved instrumental not only in her recuperation from the bicycle accident, but in the recovery from a near fatal rock-climbing more than fifteen years later that left her with a punctured lung and an injured kidney – a kidney that against the advice of her doctors, Fowler refused to have removed. “I guess you can say that yoga has saved my life a couple of times when nothing else could; a lot of it is just mind over body.” Shortly before her free-climbing accident, Fowler had transitioned from Houston-based lawyer to Monaco-based lawyer (reaping the benefits of her friendship with Prince Albert) to COO of The Winning Combination, an American vitamin company. Fowler’s shift from the gavel-pounding and pinstripe-suited field to that sun salutations and spandex became official after having spent several months in the hospital mending the wounds from her climbing accident. “I realized that I didn’t want to waist my time in a hospital and that I just wanted to spend however much longer I had doing what I love to do, and that meant spinning and yoga.” Fowler, with her black nail polish, Edie Sedgwick-reminiscent bob, and signature low-rise black YAS sweatpants, doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of a soft-spoken, earthy yoga guru; in fact, she is notoriously the ‘anti-guru.’ Her progression into the yoga realm is far from conventional; after two decades as a litigator (“the scariest kinds of lawyers.” Cher quips in the 90’s classic Clueless), and then as the only female executive of The Wining Combination, yoga was an unlikely career move. “As a lawyer you fight every day, and even if you win a case, you don’t touch people’s lives. And I get so many testimonials about how YAS has changed lives in a way that has nothing to do with money. After years of being a lawyer and a corporate exec I got tired of fighting all the time.” Combing the yin and yang energies of spinning and yoga, Fowler’s sequence allows students to sweat out their aggression on the bike before lunging deeper into warrior two’s or surrendering in child’s pose-all to the tune of a fabulous Rolling Stones or Zeppelin track. “People see yoga in a certain way so they stay away from it,” explains Fowler. “This studio is definitely a safe haven and I’m not trying to preach or conquer anybody, I just attract people who wouldn’t go for it; I attract the athletes.” Aside from the seemingly unlikely marriage of cardio and core work, Fowler further flouts the more traditional chanting and meditative practices of yoga as well as the ninety-minute Power Yoga craze, as her classes are designed to meet the one-hour mark. “Time is so valuable and I’ve noticed that after an hour of yoga half the class bails, so I decided to make it shorter so people will stay to absorb all the elements of the class.” Citing her corporate and law background as well as her type-A personality, Fowler applies the same conquer-all and business-savvy approach to a yoga empire that has come to include several instructional DVD’s, two book deals, The No OM Zone (Rodale 2011) and Flat Belly Yoga! (Prevention Books 2013). A reality show is in development, following the opening of her next studio, her own yoga clothing line that includes skull-and-bones theme, and eventually, an anti-aging vitamin line. “I think I appeal to a broad base and not to an elite group. I’m like everybody else-I’m not totally flexible, I don’t do some poses correctly, and I don’t just do yoga,” she explains. “Nobody is perfect and nobody has the same body or the perfect pose, and I represent that.” A strong advocate of movement in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a preference for strong yoga bodies over ‘waify’ figures, Fowler continues to be a one-woman powerhouse single-handedly revolutionizing the age-old practice of yoga, all from the comforts of her minimalist Venice Studio, where she still teaches on the weekend.

“I remember driving down Abbot Kinney and I saw this building with broken windows and the ‘for lease’ sign dangling off the side. It was a gang area. People thought I was crazy, but somehow I knew it would work. But, I never knew it would work out this well. This is absolutely wild!”