Ozark Mountain Yoga Mindful Living Magazine September 2015 | Page 25

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Gate pose stretches the sides of the torso and the hamstrings. It also opens the shoulders and creates movement in the spine. In addition, gate pose stimulates the abdominal organs and lungs. It is a great prepatory pose for Extended Triangle or Extended Side Angle.

Nikki Adkins, RYT 500, ERYT 200, Co-Owner: of Sunit's Yoga, Springfield, Missouri

"I started doing yoga here and there to stay in shape after I graduated college from MSU in 2004. It wasn't until after my daughter was diagnosed with severe food allergies and eczema soon after she was born in 2006 that I began practicing yoga close to 6 times a week. I discovered not only what yoga could do for my body but more importantly for my mind and soul. It allowed time to focus on me so that I could relieve stress and worry, coming out of the yoga room calm and strong... physically and mentally! I was able to focus on making a clean, comfortable and healthy environment for my daughter and really appreciate my amazing husband rather than just being consumed by stress and anxiety."

In addition to my training with Joan Rosen at Body of Works Yoga in Springfield, I completed my Sumits Hot Yoga Teacher Training in July of 2009 (shout out to my awesome hubby, parents, in-laws and Mark Monroe who helped make this happen!) and am certified through the Yoga Alliance. As a yoga instructor, I constantly feel the urge to share the gift of yoga so that everyone can experience at least one of the many benefits that it has to offer. Sumit Hot Yoga has allowed me to deepen my focus and embrace the many things our minds and bodies can do rather than looking at what they may not be able to do.

In my spare time I enjoy being able to coach the MSU cheer team, spend time with my family, friends and dog (Marley) and go to the lake. I am so grateful for everything that Sumit Banerjee has brought into my life, and am blessed to be able to share my love for his work with my students.

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