Kimberly Fowler
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"I want to empower my students to become their own teachers," says Kimberly. "I hope they leave my class feeling good about themselves and what they are capable of doing."
Kimberly's determination to help others realize their potential comes from her experience with the capacity of the human body and mind to overcome obstacles and regain health.
In 1982, while in her second year of law school, a car hit her during a bike race leaving her severely injured. A physical therapist introduced Kimberly to Iyengar yoga. The practice of yoga helped her heal and realign her body. With yoga aiding her recovery she began to compete as a triathlete.
Barely back on her feet in 1983 Kimberly was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. She left the hospital determined to prove her doctors hopeless diagnosis wrong.
Her evolving yoga practice became the center of her recovery. Not expected to see her 30th birthday, Kimberly celebrated her survival by returning to compete as a professional triathlete. "It was mind over matter" she states.
Practicing yoga while battling cancer taught me the importance of balancing strength with flexibility. Focusing on my breath helped me stay centered when in physically or mentally challenging situations."
Kimberly's decades of yoga practice and competitive experience as a triathlete were the foundation of opening her studio, YAS Fitness Centers, in California. Additionally, Kimberly has created a class specifically for athletes that reduces the risk of injury and enhances athletic performance. YOGA for ATHLETES® is a practice combining elements of Iyengar, Ashtanga and Power Yoga. Selected poses are sequenced to benefit the athletic body by focusing on the hips, hamstrings, core abdominals and upper body. "These are the areas that need special attention in athletes. They are used and abused in sports", she says.
Many professional athletes frequent her one-hour YOGA for ATHLETES® classes and some attribute their best-ever seasons to Kimberly's yoga classes. Athletes comment that Kimberly's yoga classes are like a secret weapon that keeps them one step ahead of the competition and off of the injured list. Results like this are what fulfill Kimberly.
She continues to live the healing benefits of yoga and wants to share her experience that you really can do anything if you set your mind to it.
Anything is possible if you believe in yourself, she says with confidence.