Zach Small

Inner Fire Yogi since October 2022

Five years ago, I left an urban planning consulting job to pursue my passion for carpentry full-time. While I appreciated my newfound sense of independence and loved the opportunity to build things with my hands, the work was hard on my body. By the end of the day, the aches and pains in my shoulders, back, and hips would make just stepping up into my truck more of a challenge than I would have liked to admit.

Two years ago, I started doing yoga at the suggestion of some friends. Over the summer, I did free outdoor yoga in the park, but I wanted something convenient that would allow me to keep practicing throughout the year. After trying out another studio, I came to Inner Fire where I really appreciated the friendliness and warmth of the staff. As a beginner who had felt a bit intimidated at other studios, I liked how they made yoga feel very approachable and open to everyone.

Over the past two years, yoga has become an important part of my daily routine. It has not only been a great tool to work out my daily aches and pains -- but has helped me feel more grounded and calm. I’m amazed at how embracing the simple connection between breath and movement through practice has improved my mental health and allowed me to feel more present and relaxed. 

While my job as a remodeling carpenter is still hard on my body, yoga serves as a great counterbalance that helps my body feel restored at the end of the day. I’m grateful for the improved strength, flexibility, and range of motion that my yoga practice provides and how it has allowed me to continue to pursue a job that I really enjoy.