"Like many I started in a gym. One day a week I'd steer clear of weights and treadmills to do yoga. As my thirst grew, it eventually became Yoga: 7 Weights: 0. Then the inquiries started. Having enjoyed the fast paced movement at the gym I wanted to learn the architecture of the pose. This led me to Iyengar yoga. Through this study of asana I stumbled into a lifelong process of my own unfolding. I am fortunate to have John Schumacher as my primary teacher, there is no one better equipped to translate this practice to me. Whenever possible I study with Judith Lasater who brings the power of words and meaning to this practice in ways I wouldn't find alone. I have been blessed by the teachings of many yogis, the laundry list is long, however instructors of Yoga are not one's only pedagogy. I believe everyone and anything can be your teacher. Every experience manifests in one's practice. In class I try to help people find the fullest expression of the asana. In my own practice this changes daily. The perfect pose ideal is a myth. However, as we re-assemble ourselves in asana it is a practice to be the best we can be in any moment. This practice is like asking a question so I encourage questions in my class as I pose them to you. This facilitates learning as it helps merge the understanding of the art and science of yoga. One can exercise the mind and body in many ways but we come to yoga to integrate the many facets of our lives."

Bernie's classes

In Bernie's yoga classes, he likes to pose questions and loves receiving them in return- so be prepared for a bit of a lecture/ workshop discussion with a great dose of good humor. To Bernie, yoga is more than a system of stretching and moving- it is also a system of thinking states. In a good class Bernie likes to exercise each of these three aspects of yoga.

Bernie finds that Patanjali's writings about yoga are about more than just the asana (poses) of yoga; they are extensive in their thought, language and pursuit of health. In respect to these teachings, Bernie tries to integrate positivity of thought and language to help spread the healthy states of mind and body one can achieve by practicing yoga. During class, Bernie strives to balance exercise, stretching and learning. He particularly loves to teach Restorative yoga since he feels Washington needs relaxation. So join Bernie for a class with an open mind and open ears- you'll have a great time!