It's our favorite day of the week! This Tuesday, we're spotlighting one of our Boston-based yoga and meditation instructors, Hope Kelley.
Hope Kelley is a yoga practitioner, instructor, and enthusiast. She has been practicing yoga for 8 years. She initially explored the practice for its physical benefits, but eventually discovered yoga’s influence in alleviating the effects of anxiety, grief, and stress. As her appreciation for the practice deepened, she decided to complete her 200 hour training in Prana Vinyasa Flow. Hope enjoys mixing invigorating, energizing sequences with restorative holds and meditation. She believes that yoga and wellness have a definite place in healthy work environments, and looks forward to offering classes to the Boston community!
Thanks for being a part of our team Hope, we're so lucky to have you! To learn more about Hope, read on below and give her a follow on Instagram: hopekel
What inspires you to teach fitness or yoga and how did you get started?
My inspiration to teach yoga came into my life simultaneously with my inspiration to deepen my own personal practice. I decided to immerse myself in a teacher training, mostly to learn more about the roots of yoga itself, and as soon as the learning began I knew I wanted to share my new knowledge and excitement with other yoga practitioners. I learn so much each time I lead a class, and it is a beautiful experience as a teacher to deepen my practice as my students deepen theirs.
Favorite Healthy Snack?
My favorite healthy snack is homemade hummus, which I like to make with spices and lots of cracked black pepper. I like knowing exactly which ingredients this snack includes, and I love that it turns out a little bit different every time I make it.
Favorite “treat yo-self” Snack?
My favorite “treat yo-self snack” is any sweet treat that involves cinnamon. I am a big fan of the cinnamon raisin cookie, which I believe is an underdog in the world of cookies.
What are your interests and passion when not teaching fitness/yoga?
My passions outside of yoga are mostly activities that get me outside! I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and rock climbing. I’ve also been surfing for a few years now, and it’s one of the most challenging and rewarding hobbies I’ve undertaken in my lifetime (besides yoga!). My first love, though, is writing — an interest I strive to honor each and every day.
What are your hopes for your class participants?
My hope for my class participants is that they get out of their heads and into their bodies! We live so much of our day-to-day lives guided by our minds. The freedom to move is incredibly grounding, and it is a practice that helps to bring us back to our bodies and our intuitions, each and every time we step onto our mats.
What is unique or special about teaching in a workplace environment?
I believe in the positive correlation between wellness and performance in the workplace. Teaching in a workplace environment is so unique because I can work with participants on generating movement, refreshed energy, and clarity that they are then able to directly apply to their workday and work relationships — prioritizing their wellbeing and enhancing their performance as a result.
