Jay Martin started The Lifeforce Fitness Project in 2005, after moving his family to Eugene from Colorado. He has over twenty-five years of teaching and coaching experience, working with both children and adults. Always searching for new ways to expand his own education and promote health, Jay has earned a Masters degree in education and is a certified hatha yoga instructor in the Shambhava tradition. While his personal favorite activities for fitness are running, cycling, hiking, weight training and yoga, he strives to help his clients/students find and pursue fitness activities that they are most passionate about. Jay and his wife Dannette have two children, Jay and Cenna Sky. Email: jaymartinlifeforce@gmail.com
Glen Tippin, a certified Sivananda Yoga Teacher since 1994, is very grateful to be raised by a mother who has been teaching yoga and spirituality for over three decades. He has studied and practiced in several yoga traditions and with many great instructors. A devoted teacher and passionate environmentalist, he can be seen riding his bike all over Oregon when he is not instructing class. Also providing private lessons and consultations, Glen is a dynamic and loving teacher--sensitive to the needs of his students.
Health and fitness have been an integral part of Lynda Frank's life for the last 25 years. About ten years ago she decided to expand from the gym and try something new…and yoga changed her life. It has helped her to find spiritual balance and to focus beyond just physical strength. Today, she practices yoga with Glen Tippin and John Perry several times a week. She began leading classes of her own three years ago at Lifeforce! Her focus on spiritual, gentle heart-centered yoga provides a most important balance at the studio.
Bob Carlson has been teaching both Hatha Yoga and Lifeforce Fit at the studio since the Spring of 2010. A student of John Perry for over 10 years, Bob's commitment to yoga and wellness has culminated as a source of wisdom that make him one of the studio's most well-respected community members. When he is not at the studio, Bob is home-schooling his sons and running his construction business. He believes in leading by example...on and off the mat.
Kira Benesh is making her second appearance at The Lifeforce Fitness Project. After taking off the last year while focusing on her role as a new mama, Kira is back! Her creative, flowing yoga practice is perfect for starting your Saturday morning. Now that she has finished her graduate studies in architecture, Jay is hoping that she elects to stay in Eugene and create a Pre-natal Yoga program at Lifeforce. She also has a beautiful 1 year old and is getting married in July 2011!
Ellen de Werd (elle) has progressed from childhood tomboy, to student athlete, to supermom (three kids) and passionate group fitness instructor. Her teaching career began in 2000 and has evolved over the decade to include multiple formats. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise, and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. She also has specialty certifications in Weight Lifting, Indoor Cycling, Step, Core Training...and her latest acquisition, PiYo (a fusion of Pilates and Yoga). Ellen loves people and fitness, so she considers herself fortunate to have stumbled into the role which combines the two!
Bethany Peshek and Katie Steele start in January!
