Get to know Rachel:

Hometown: Franklin, MA

Favorite place: California… but Japan is a close second.

What’s your sign? Sagittarius

Five words that describe your teaching style: Mindful. Precise. Empowering. Playful. Attentive.

What’s an ODD fact about you? I have two cats, Pigeon and Fig, and a dog named Sunny.

Where are you when you’re not at the studio? Outside – reading, swimming, hiking, seeing friends. Also, deep in a vintage shop, looking for something good for my apartment or my wardrobe.

What led you to Pilates? I got diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder called EDS in high school, and aside from physical therapy, Pilates was the only thing that made me feel better. It was the first time I started to see exercise as medicine rather than punishment. Now I’ve been teaching for over a decade!

Why do you teach? I love helping people connect to their bodies and start to feel more capable in day-to-day life. When I started teaching, there were a lot of classes I felt I could not take because of my injuries. I was often left feeling like I was just trying to figure it out on my own, and I never wanted any of my clients to feel that way. Bodies are forever changing, and I want you to feel empowered in each season.

My class is for you if… You are a person! I love teaching all ages, injuries, bodies, and backgrounds. All are welcome.

How do you hope people feel after they leave your class? Better than they came in. I always want people to feel seen, in touch with their bodies, and like they had a good time.

How would a regular describe your class to a friend who’s never been? “It’s not one of those intimidating and silent classes. The instructor is funny and can make you forget you’re working hard until you can’t walk the next day. She comes around and fixes your form the whole time, so you actually know what you’re doing, and if you have a weird knee thing, she’ll help you. You leave feeling like you did something really good for your body but also like you just hung out with someone who cares."

What do you geek out on as a teacher? All of it. I have ADHD, so the ability to learn and work on so many things really works to my advantage. I think all of it together provides an amazing class.

What are you working on in your own practice right now? I’m in physical therapy for my neck, so that’s a semi-boring but honest part of my practice right now. Other than that, I’m focusing on moving with confidence and grace, which isn’t always easy when coming back from injury!

What’s on repeat lately? Very disco vibes. This playlist has been on heavy rotation.

One affirmation you keep coming back to: “The amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them." – source unknown

Anything else? I feel so grateful for the ODD community. The clients and instructors I have met here are truly special. I often just look around the room while I’m teaching and feel so lucky to be a part of something so beautiful.

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Rachel Cohen appeared first on One Down Dog.

Get to know Nate:

What are your “Big 3?" Aries sun Libra moon Sagittarius rising

Five words to describe your teaching style? Fun, grounded, expansive, intentional, restorative

What’s an ODD fact about you? I was a missionary and almost became a pastor!

What led you to yoga/fitness? I found yoga out of necessity. My body was tight from running!

Why do you teach? I felt so good from moving in my body and deepening my mental focus, I couldn’t not share.

My class is for you if… You’re willing to explore and challenge yourself.

How do you hope people feel after they leave your class? After class, I hope you feel at home in your body.

How would a regular describe your class to a friend who’s never been? “Oh it’s fun, it’ll be challenging obviously, but like, stay with it and I think you’ll be glad you did."

What do you geek out on as a teacher? Anatomy always perks my ears — and I realize that is not an anatomically correct phrase because I’m not a dog.

What are you working on in your own movement practice right now? Right now, movement for me is about getting stronger. How can I improve a strong foundation to set up for future unfolding?

What song/playlist is on repeat for you lately? Superestrella by Aitana

One affirmation you always come back to? “I am held by a universe that loves me."

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Nate Apuna appeared first on One Down Dog.

What are your “Big 3?" 

Pisces sun. Pisces moon. Sagittarius rising. Same as Erykah Badu!

Five words to describe yourself?

Authentic. Loving. Hilarious. Intuitive. Energetic.

What’s an ODD fact about you?

I’m featured in “These Are The Ways" music video by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Ahimsa. Being more gentle and kind to my mind. I’m compassionate with other people. Sometimes it’s hard to practice it for myself. It’s a journey!

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

Recharging in nature, crafting, going to concerts, and eating sushi with my partner.

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

Sushi and Thai all day.

Something or someone that inspires you?

Nature, music, and art.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

My mother became a massage therapist and reiki practioner later in life, which planted the seed of curiosity for holistic living.
I decided to become a yoga instructor 12 years ago because I had wonderful teachers, and yoga helped me through the darkest times in my life. I love to share this powerful gift of holding space for people to feel embodied with physical and mental well-being, self-discovery, deep self-love, and joy.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

On my mat, I integrate shaking my booty in down dog, and spiraling my hips to release my low back, and singing along to my playlist as I flow.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Be grateful for a body that can move. Lungs that can breathe. A heart that can feel.
Celebrate your life!

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

This one.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I have two.

1. Don’t hate, self-regulate.

2. A quote by Maya Angelou.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

How are you feeling good these days?

Limiting phone time, sufficient sleep, nourishing meals, meditation, yoga, acts of kindness, and sharing time with loved ones.

What is your definition of “energy?" 

Energy is the heartbeat of the universe, the pulse that keeps everything alive, a constant ebb and flow, the unseen force that binds all things together.

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Karen Resulto appeared first on One Down Dog.

What are your “Big 3?" 

Scorpio sun Cancer moon Cancer rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Direct, Cool, Silly, Vivacious, a yapper lol

What’s an ODD fact about you?

I screentested for SNL!

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

I’m working on loving whatever body i wake up with every day and sticking beside her!

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

Doing standup!

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

Berry Bowl in Highland Park!

Something or someone that inspires you?

Toni Morrison & Nikki Giovanni

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I wanted to learn more about my body & create my own practice!

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

In the small in between moments! In traffic, while waiting in line, I am inviting play into the mundane moments!

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Be proud of where your body is today so you can celebrate all of the ways you grow each time you come to your mat.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

This one.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I never have to do this day again. I say this after an especially hard day knowing that tomorrow could be challenging as well but it won’t be the same challenge as today.

How are you feeling good these days?

Practicing Yoga Nidra, making time to hang with friends and looking back in time at ways my ancestors emphasized joy and rest.

What is your definition of “energy?" 

I associate energy with prana, our life force. It is what fills our body and bones with breath, life and light.

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Asia Martin appeared first on One Down Dog.

What are your Big 3?

Leo Sun, Scorpio Moon, Sag Rising.

Five words to describe yourself?

Driven. Brave. Giving. Funny. Tough.

What’s an ODD fact about you?

Had a boating license before a drivers license

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Only moving when my breath changes. Which, for my home practice is great, fine , no problem. Lovely, really. Gets very tricky in a public class. Not moving at class pace, moving at my breath pace is a way I take care of myself though. I’ve worked long and hard to breathe as slowly as I can, it’s a different experience to flow slowly with ones breath.

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

Angel City Soccer Games, Movies, or Walking my dog

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

Going out? Cabra Los Angeles – it’s Peruvian, Downtown. Or Taking home? Uncle Andre’s BBQ in the Valley on Moorpark St.

Something or someone that inspires you?

I am someone who does a lot of different things so, unsurprisingly I am inspired by other polymaths. People who genuinely want to learn are inspiring. Great teachers. Sure yoga, but also in every aspect of life. Someone who is great at teaching. Cooking, communication, quantum physics, anything. Good teachers are inspiring.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I never planned to be a yoga teacher. It just kinda happened. I think I was asking my teachers too many questions and I kept getting the suggestion to “take a teacher training" over and over, well 15yrs later… here we are

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

Arm balances offer a chance to be whimsical and playful! A little crow pose here and there keeps me playful.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

If you’re gonna spend time cleaning your mat after class, – FOLD IT before you roll it. Otherwise you’re just rolling the dirty side right onto the clean side.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Alligator Bites Never Heal – DOECHII

One affirmation you always come back to?

I’ve got this.

How are you feeling good these days?

Hot Take. I think feeling “GOOD" can sometimes set a bar too high. I prefer to feel calm. TO look for way to find quiet and calm. Peace.

How does your yoga practice inspire your altruism / service off the mat?

I say it at the end of every class but, We have to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before we can be of service elsewhere. Yoga is breath linked movement. All that oxygen.

Get to know Ashley more by finding her on the class schedule!

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Ashley Platz appeared first on One Down Dog.

Five words to describe yourself?

Generous, kind, organized, persistent, and peaceful.

What’s an ODD fact about you?

“I am ambidextrous with everything except cursive handwriting! That I have to do leftie. “

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Refreshing my drop backs (dropping backward from standing into wheel pose).

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

I work with the HARRP program on Skid Row working with individuals who are at high risk for HIV and STD/STI’s. Our program focuses on prevention education and behavioral change.

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

Lately I have been a regular at Be U on Hoover. The egg bánh mì is delicious. Chef Le is an incredible example of how a small business owner can have a tremendously positive impact on her community. Go eat there!

Something or someone that inspires you?

I draw inspiration from tons of people. Ones close to me and ones I’ve never met before.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

As a kid I liked the way yoga shut off my brain chatter and tuned me into my body. I took my teacher training at 17. It offered me peace and healing and I think I wanted to ensure that peace and healing was available to others.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

Arm balances offer a chance to be whimsical and playful! A little crow pose here and there keeps me playful.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

I hope my students take from my class the reminder that our yoga practice is an opportunity for self-knowledge. Through practicing consistently we get to know ourselves — how we deal with challenges, how we meet successes, and how we strategize our energy. To know yourself — habits, strengths, weaknesses and everything in between — is to be able to set yourself up for more sustained growth and success.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

A break from my usual pan flute and wind chimes —-I’m on a disco streak so far this year! When the mood strikes I’m listening to Diana Ross, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, etc.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am here now.

How are you feeling good these days?

I feel good when I remember to stay present and take each moment as it comes!

How does your yoga practice inspire your altruism / service off the mat?

My practice reminds me that change takes time— we are all works in progress.

Get to know Katherine more by finding her on the class schedule!

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Katherine Bradshaw appeared first on One Down Dog.

Come for the conscientious combo, stay for Audrey’s unique and unparalleled multidisciplinary approach to movement; with a 200hr teacher training in Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, 300hr in Vinyasa Flow, and certifications in Yoga Tune-Up, Yin Yoga, Kids Yoga and as a Sculptworks teacher, Spinning Instructor and AcroYogaFit trainer, this Renaissance woman provides you with an inspirational approach to fitness, fun, and daily chocolate.

Next November, Audrey will join Cindy Godell in a Costa Rican paradise for a transformative retreat designed to empower, embody, and embolden participants to embrace their inner power and let it guide a more meaningful experience. Expect daily flows, rejuvenating yin, and community-building acroyoga while enjoying pristine beaches, eco-conscious luxury accommodations, and local amenities and excursions at “Empower the Spirit in Costa Rica!“

What are your “Big 3?" 

Scorpio Sun Leo Moon  Gemini Rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Playful, supportive, honest, strong, empathetic

What’s an ODD fact about you?

I was hired right when Jess, the founder, was about to go on maternity leave to help cover the popular SWEAT classes. I was on such a high the day of my audition, as I was leaving, I got into a little fender bender in the parking lot of the original Silverlake studio.

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Physically going along with the flow of the winter season. Taking things easy, moving but not pushing too hard. Taking rests fully and unapologetically. Consciously, becoming more aware of when I turn to my phone to check out and limiting opportunities for that to happen. Emotionally, she’s feeling them all as they come and loving it.

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

These days my mat is the gym. When I train I’m in my body and with my breath and I equate that to my practice rooted from many years of yoga as we traditionally understand it. When I’m not being physically active I’m training clients, teaching online classes, or with my loved ones – mom, dad, and fiancé. Or I’m curled up in bed watching reality TV.

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

Oh My Gawd Fries from Best Shawarma – It’s like Carne Asada fries but with beef shawarma meat and in n out secret sauce on top – otherwise I’m always eating cookies. Preferably soft baked.

Something or someone that inspires you?

I draw inspiration from tons of people. Ones close to me and ones I’ve never met before.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

It was during a phase of my life between completing my bachelors in fine art, a devastating breakup I was completely invested in, and figuring out what I had to offer the world. I signed up to a yoga teacher training with no yoga practice and wasn’t aware that wasn’t the normal route people take. That training I took changed the trajectory of my life, not because it was a particularly good training. I was just ready for change and didn’t compare myself to other teachers. I wasn’t exposed to that many at the time. I just began teaching, then continued on to more certifications and workshops and then my 300hr and Yin yoga and Acroyoga and so on. The learning doesn’t stop, the industry is still growing and changing which keeps me interested, and helping people is what gives me purpose.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

The play must be everywhere at all times. Otherwise you run the risk of taking things too seriously. Between sets, throughout your workout, in the warm up, through the music, and with whoever you are with. In Acroyoga they say there are two rules. Rule 1: Have fun. Rule 2: Refer back to rule 1

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Going back to the previous question it would be to make sure you’re enjoying your process, weaving joy throughout your practice, keep track of your progress and always celebrate your little wins.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

We just got back from a destination wedding in Cabo and loved the music at one of the restaurants there. Here’s a playlist I found on Spotify that’s similar. Otherwise Rufus Du Sol never misses.

One affirmation you always come back to?

“You know I’m not an affirmation person but I realized I’ve been living by The Four Agreements before I knew the book existed
1 – Be impeccable with your word. Which is why my friends describe me as honest and sometimes maybe blunt
2 – Don’t take anything personally. Cause its not about you and to think so is a selfish thought
3 – Don’t make assumptions. You have no idea what people are going through and chances are whatever you assume you’re projecting
4 – Always do your best. If you move with that in mind you’ll always love your practice"

How are you feeling good these days?

I make sure I move in some way every day. Movement always makes me happy. Lifting weights makes me happy. Then I enjoy two pieces of See’s chocolate every day. For now.

As a yogi, how do you approach New Year goals and ambitions?

I believe every moment is an opportunity for a fresh start—whether it’s a Monday, a new morning, a new quarter, or even a new hour. You don’t need to wait for the new year to make progress or set something exciting into motion. Personally, I don’t put a lot of emphasis on New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I focus on continuity. My goals don’t reset with the year; they evolve. I just keep building on them, setting new ones as I near completion of the old. I think the idea of New Year’s goal-setting can be helpful for some, but I prefer to maintain steady momentum throughout the year

Get to know Audrey more by finding her on the class schedule!

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Audrey Guedelekian appeared first on One Down Dog.

Going into the year with a focus on alignment and the foundational core values of play, creativity, and passion, Mel’s thoughtful approach to goals will leave you feeling ready for anything. Perhaps the most exciting contribution of Mel’s in the new year will be teaching a new class format in Eagle Rock every Monday at 7:30pm, YOGA NIDRA, a guided meditation practice designed to bring you into a profound state of relaxation and inner awareness. That sounds like something we all need right about now.

What are your “Big 3?" 

I don’t know my Big 3 but I’m a Leo/Virgo cusp

Five words to describe yourself?

Wild, passionate, optimistic, playful, creative

What’s an ODD fact about you?

My nickname was Smelly Melly when I was in high school and it wasn’t because I had bad BO….

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

I’m working on deepening my breath and softening my approach to the posture, especially within a longer hold.

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

Writing scripts or working on film sets as a director and producer

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

PIZZA and NOODLES

Something or someone that inspires you?

My cat Stanley Kubrick. And my dad.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I was a professional dancer for many years so it was a natural progression for me to incorporate yoga into my routine. I did my first teacher training because I was curious about deepening my own knowledge of the practice, but to be honest, I fell into teaching yoga. A dance studio reached out to me to ask if I wanted to start a yoga class and I really only accepted the position so I could get free dance classes. But once I started teaching, I saw the beautiful energetic exchange between myself and the students, how teaching yoga was so much more than the physical. I quickly began to realize that teaching yoga was aligned to my purpose and that I was born to help others light up the path of self-knowledge and higher awareness through these divine teachings.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

It’s pretty easy to tap into play on the daily when you have a 1-year old boy In my practice, I bring in gentle smiles and remind myself to not take myself so seriously in any moment.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

You have all the answers you need within you. The path of power is the path inward. Yoga helps us remove the layers that are blocking us from seeing something that’s already there. My biggest hope is that students walk away from my classes remembering who they truly are, remembering that the light, joy, and love we often seek externally is already there within.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

My chill R&B playlist here or The National. Always The National.

One affirmation you always come back to?

Life is a gift.

How are you feeling good these days?

I feel good by practicing every day, reading before bed, spending less time on screens, and getting outside in nature.

As a yogi, how do you approach New Year goals and ambitions?

I like to identify three core values to focus on that serve as the foundation for my specific goals. My core values for 2025 are PLAY, CREATIVITY, and PASSION. Those three words give me a stronger foundation to create intentional goals that are aligned to my path.

Get to know Mel more by finding her on the class schedule!

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Mel Mah appeared first on One Down Dog.

Dedicated to sharing yoga, cultivating connection, and “always doing the next right thing," Jessica has also put One Down Dog at the forefront of altruism and social change. For example, she was one of the first people to donate to Miry’s List back in 2016 – helping to enable the vision of a friend, neighbor, and ODD student, Miry, who sought to assist refugees with the difficult process of resettlement in the United States. Needed now more than ever, Jessica continues to lead this charge with an annual fundraising FLOW for Miry’s List, this year hosted at our Eagle Rock studio at 10am on Christmas Day, and led by Jessica herself!

What are your “Big 3?" 

Scorpio sun Aquarius moon  Taurus rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Loud, adventurous, determined, loyal, hard-working

What’s an ODD fact about you?

My first dog, Patrick Bateman, is THE One Down Dog. He passed away in 2021 and I now have another mini-schnauzer named Steve Yzerman.

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Showing up

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

On my computer running this business lol, but also being a mom, walking my dog, lifting weights, seeing live music, hanging with friends, eating delicious food.

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

I am a huge foodie so this is impossible to respond to. I love sushi, Hama is my fav.

Something or someone that inspires you?

Women in business.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

“Long story short, working in a rehab. Short story long, while I was in my MA program studying psychology, my parents got me to take a yoga class, and I loved it. For graduation, I was gifted yoga teacher training, which I thought was going to be an add-on to my work as a therapist. I applied to work at a rehab and they saw yoga on my resume and asked if I would teach yoga there. I had no intention of ever teaching, in fact public speaking was (and sometimes still is) terrifying to me, but I said yes because I really wanted to work there. It turned out that I loved teaching yoga more than working as a therapist. The impact I saw in the clients I worked with was magical. Yoga has changed my life in massive ways, and I wanted to share that with others. I’ve worked in every position there is at various yoga studios and after not finding what I was looking for in my neighborhood, I decided to open my own. While I love teaching, my favorite part is creating and nurturing community.

Fun fact: the name One Down Dog comes from my work in recovery centers. One Down Dog at a time… (also, I’ve always secretly wanted to be a dj, so getting to make playlists brings me a lot of joy)"

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

Lots of singing and dancing.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

I’m not teaching right now, but if I was it would be to find ease within the effort, have fun and not take shit so seriously… none of us are getting out alive.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

I’m going to see Saves the Day, Pharcyde, and Digable planets this month, so all of their albums You can also find a lot of my favs in our feeling-focused ODDtunes playlist on Spotify.

One affirmation you always come back to?

It’s ok to not be ok. I love you, keep going.

How are you feeling good these days?

Music, dancing, eating yummy food,

How do you incorporate karma yoga into your practice?

Always doing the next right thing.

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Jessica Rosen appeared first on One Down Dog.

What are your “Big 3?" 

Sagitarrius sun Leo moon  Gemini rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Sagacious, witty, magnanimous, intelligent, resilient, kind hearted

What’s an ODD fact about you?

I have a degree in Psychology, I use to be a cheerleader (lol), I’m very crafty and enjoy knitting/crocheting. I guess y’all can choose

One thing you’re working on in your practice right now?

Not taking myself so seriously and allowing myself to embrace all the weebles and wobbles. I think there’s something really empowering in the idea that you don’t have to be perfect to enjoy something

Where are you when you’re not on the mat?

In my reading nook or on some kind of adventure with my boo

What’s your fave food or restaurant?

I love anything spicy! Big fan of spicy food

Something or someone that inspires you?

My Grandfather, Robert Beck, has always felt like an inspiration to me. He lived a very difficult life and took his stories and his experience and turned it into books and became a pretty known/successful writer. I think the way he didn’t allow his traumatic experiences to keep him down and instead used it as building blocks to forge a new path for himself

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

Yoga was the first time I ever felt like I could tune out the world and really just be in my body. I could finally do something that was all mine and I didn’t have to preform or be “perfect".. I have always struggled with my body image and the image being forced upon me as a female presenting person in this world and doing Yoga was the first time I felt I could be strong and feminine and honestly just feel beautiful in my body for me and no one else

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

I think allowing myself to move more intuitively. Allowing myself more space to be more autonomous over my body and not take everything so serious.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Its ok to slow down, its ok to be softer with yourself. Softness and Kindness are not weakness, they’re your super powers

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Woof this feels loaded– my musical taste is too all over the place.. I listen to it all all the time lol

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am letting go of self Judgment

How are you feeling good these days?

Slowing down and existing as this current version of myself, reading my books and spending time with friends, chosen family and my three fur babies

How do you incorporate karma yoga into your practice?

I make an huge effort in volunteering when Im not working and I recently have been working to get clearance to volunteer my time teaching yoga a facilitating soundbaths in Los Angeles county prisons

Get to know Mars more by finding her on the class schedule!

The post ODDlight Teacher Feature: Mars Beck appeared first on One Down Dog.