Hatha Yoga focuses on gentle movement, steady breathing, and stillness. It is often considered the foundation of modern yoga styles and is an excellent practice if you are new to yoga as well as ongoing practice for anyone who enjoys a slower pace.

The word Hatha comes from Sanskrit roots: “ha,” meaning sun, and “tha,” meaning moon. These represent opposing but complementary energies — activity and rest, strength and softness, effort and ease. A Hatha Yoga practice draws these energies into balance.

In a Hatha Yoga class, poses are practiced slowly and with intention. You’ll be guided into each posture, given time to settle, and encouraged to listen to your body rather than rush or push. Breath awareness is woven throughout.

Classes typically include easy-to-follow yoga postures, breath techniques, stretching, strengthening, and time for relaxation or meditation.

Hatha Yoga is accessible to most bodies and can be adapted with props or modifications.

Ellen is an experienced yoga instructor offering accessible classes for all levels with a welcoming style. Her teaching blends yoga principles with approachable guidance for well-being and self-connection.

In the first three decades of her life, Ellen thinks of herself as not well connected to her body, unathletic and uninterested. In 2005 she found her first yoga class.

She stumbled onto her mat seeking a body that moves in balance to guide her mind to balance. Over time, Ellen learned that yoga practice supported her intention to be the best version of herself. Week after week, she just decided to show up.

Ellen began teaching yoga in 2012. She is an E-RYT 200 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance which acknowledges the completion of an approved yoga teacher training and that she has instructed over 1,000 hours of yoga practice. Ellen maintains her certification with continuing education and practice to ensure safe, well-informed classes that are true to the Yoga Alliance mission: to advocate for yoga, in its wholeness, and for all human beings in theirs.

Ellen will choose the scenic route any time she can. On her birthday she likes to do something she has never done before. She is a mother, a daughter, an administrative professional, a first-on-the-dance-floor friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a poet, a wife, a wanderer who is not lost, and a forever student of yoga.

Ellen’s approach to teaching - like her personal Hatha Yoga practice – supports resilience and mindfulness. Classes with Ellen include introspection and a playful spirit to bolster harmony in daily living.