Ruth Newnam

Path My mom and I practiced yoga together in the mid-70s. Then from age 8 to 28, I ran, swam, played basketball, tennis, softball, soccer, lifted weights, did triathlons and thought little of yoga. After a foot injury, I returned to yoga, taking classes with my mom through UNC’s Wellness Program and finding great teachers at local gyms. When CYCo opened, I found Ashtanga Yoga and was immediately hooked. As a former athlete, I loved the active, powerful poses, the emphasis on breath and repetition, and the fact that you have no time to think about anything but the pose you’re in. It was the closest to a quiet mind, to meditation I’d ever felt. Plus, the physical benefits were remarkable—and tangible. After 6 months of Ashtanga classes, I went in for a routine physical exam and found I had grown a full ½”—and this in my early 30s. I became stronger in a way that supported my daily living and my work as a massage therapist. After another 6 months, I was pregnant. I practiced Ashtanga (with modifications) into my 7th month of pregnancy. Not so much out of obsession, but because nothing else could quiet my racing mind. I returned to my home practice days after my daughter Iris was born and returned to Ashtanga when Iris was 3 months old. I hope that my teaching can help to build a broader and stronger Ashtanga community in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. I feel like I’m just getting started on the path, but teaching and coaching have always led to greater understanding and acceptance of my own practice. Inspiration My mom and my daughter are obvious role models and inspirations. And, I have to admit to another high profile inspiration--Tyler Hansbrough—no, I’m not a 12 year old boy—but man, he makes me believe that focus, practice and patience will bring great change and maybe even great rewards. Favorites for Grounding Walking, talking with friends, gardening, sewing, Sunday dinner at my gramma’s and Ashtanga. Favorites for Kicking It Hanging out with my daughter and my husband, watching Carolina basketball (rarely in public because I’m such a freak show about it). As for yoga, nothing beats sun salutations except maybe arm balances. Practice I love the primary series for many reasons, not least of which is that it offers students a great guide for their home practice. In my classes, we’ll follow the Ashtanga Primary Series as fully as our abilities allow. I encourage students to rest, modify, and improvise as needed. Intention I feel like I’m a yoga evangelical--maybe it’s my Southern Baptist upbringing--but I hope my classes will help others come to love yoga as I do. In each class, I hope to challenge myself and my students to reach a higher level in their practice. My Classes Thursdays at 6pm – Ashtanga Primary Series