About Kristen

I wasn’t a huge exerciser growing up at least in the terms of going to the gym to exercise. A kid of the 70’s and 80’s, I spent my days playing outside. It wasn’t until the last part of high school where I decided to join my school’s track team did I explore exercise and that was running. I then joined the Air Force and learned that exercise needed to be a part of my life and being fit was actually a big deal. It was in the Air Force that I discovered and fell in love with aerobics classes, especially those “step” aerobics types. Well long story short, numerous fitness instructors encouraged me to become an instructor myself. Eventually I became a certified aerobics instructor in 2007 and also what is known as an Air Force Physical Training Leader (PTL) back in 2000. It was also in 2000 that I started exploring classes called yoga but it wasn’t until I moved to Colorado in 2003 that I got hooked and found my perfect teachers…Ellis, Evelyn, and Stacy that I really began to grow. Since I was already an aerobics instructor, these three encouraged me to pursue Yoga Instructor Training. I officially became a trained yoga instructor in 2010.

My yoga 200+ hours of training is with three schools. The first one is with YogaFit. The second is with LifePower Yoga. The third one is with Give Back Yoga.  I’ve also have studied under Jillian Pransky, Mudra Yoga Studio in Denver, and Jules Mitchell. I have all types of specialty focal areas such as various vinyasa flows, prenatal, seniors, restorative, yin, and therapeutic yoga.

I initially chose YogaFit because I identified with their vision of bringing yoga to the masses or yoga is for everyone approach. I totally believe this as well. Yoga isn’t some elite club or only for the rich and I identify with bring it to the lay person approach. Additionally, I like YogaFit’s class design. It speaks to me and it makes sense. And just so you know YogaFit is considered Hatha yoga, Vinyasa style. As I hinted, my training doesn’t end with YogaFit. During the Fall of 2014, I decided to pursue my second 200 certification. This time with LifePower Yoga. I fell in love with their Vinyasa style. After graduating from LifePower Yoga, I discovered Give Back Yoga and have continued my therapeutic yoga training with their 100 hour Mindful Yoga Therapy program. Shortly afterwards, I continue to pursue trauma-sensitive yoga and have additionally earn 140 hours YogaFit Warriors certification. Besides the schools, I am self studied and I take workshops from as many yoga schools as I can. Many schools have courses that aren’t necessarily a 100 or 200 hour course and they are excellent as well as opportunities for CECs. So you can definitely say I’m multi influenced.

As you may have guessed, I’m still learning. Currently, I’m pursuing YogaFit’s 500 hours and am considering their 1000 hours therapy track. Additionally, my studio Eighteenth Element Yoga has become a host training site for YogaFit, a kids yoga teacher training, and Veterans Yoga Project.

* However; as of 2018, we’ve started our 200 hours trauma sensitive yoga teacher training and I’m one of two instructors. So you can train with me.

* As of 2021, I now offer Restorative Yoga Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training. This is a 20 hour YA CEC course (contact hours) with a 2 hour (non-contact) assignment. My listing is on Yoga Alliance, Eighteenth Element Facebook Events, and on our schedule.

Overall, my education isn’t just yoga. I have a bachelors in psychology which compliments many yoga topics and a masters in human resource development with an emphasis in training. Also, I have training with other fitness formats such as step, resistance, barre, Pilates, and Tai Chi so I’m constantly exploring continuing education options and I am an avid hiker. But out of all the class formats, yoga and barre are my favorites!

If you would like to practice with me, you can attend any of my classes on the various Air Force Bases (Peterson, US Air Force Academy, and Schriever), here in town at Eighteenth Element Yoga (Colorado Springs, CO) and multiple charity events. Also, I teach online livestream classes through Eighteenth Element Yoga. Occasionally, I even sub for Fort Carson either at their Iron Horse gym or Warriors Transition Unit. Classes are very affordable. They are either 100% free or cost just $4 dollars for a daily pass at USAFA ($2 at Ft. Carson). Just call the front desk or visit their websites to learn when classes are held. My studio, Eighteenth Element Yoga is the best deal in town as we are very affordable! Walk in class rates for Eighteenth Element Yoga are just $8 dollars. I am registered with Yoga Alliance. To view Eighteenth Element Yoga’s schedule, click here and then on “Sign up Now.” As for the military installations, search the applicable group fitness classes for the respective location.

Not sure if you’ll fit in??? I think you will. I’ve taught active healthy adults 12 and up both men and women, pregnant ladies, older adults, out of shape/exercise newbies, those with PTSD, and people with seizures. Additionally, I have specialized training in “Hot Yoga,” “Vinyasa,” “Seniors,” “Prenatal,” “Special Props,” “Trauma-sensitive Yoga,” “Yin,” and “Restorative.” I’m also the type who will research conditions so that I may deliver a best practice to suit any of my clients needs. All my clients are very special and each are considered V.I.P.s in my book.

As of 2021, I am now offering some yoga teacher trainings and all credit with CECs. Check out my course listings here, on Yoga Alliance, and both Facebook Events and Eighteenth Element Yoga website: http://www.eighteenthelementyoga.com. Eighteenth Element Yoga does have a 200 hour Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training also.

My objective with blogging is to learn more, grow, and to share the wonderfulness that is yoga and overall wellness. I know that when I was in college and had to write papers, I actually learned something about the topic. So you can say that I’m on a continuous learning journey as I explore various mind-body topics and engaging in constructive dialogs. I am definately interested in networking and interacting/exchanging ideas with other like-minded people. Also, I only get to spend a small amount of time with my clients so I hope the articles and blogs help your practice whether you physically practice or virtually practice with me. Often, my blog inspirations come from my clients in the questions that they ask me. By having the answer available online, one can reference it anytime they need it. You know, to keep the conversation going outside of class. The blog is also an expression of my Karma yoga practice. But lastly, I truly want to get my name out there so we can practice together either here or in one of my classes.

Another passion of mine is hiking. I consider hiking to be an extension of my yoga practice…my mindfulness and a way to disconnect (Pratyahara). So you’ll see posts about hiking, backpacking, and camping too.

I hope to publish new posts often. Please check back frequently.

Namaste,

Kristen Warren,

E-RYT 200 (YogaFit, LifePower), 100 MYT, 140 YogaFit Warriors, YACEP

Group Fitness Instructor/Various Formats
DoTERRA Essential Oils Consultant
http://mydoterra.com/KristenWarren

kristen@eighteenthelementyoga.com

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