About Jennifer Ward, RYT 500
 

 

When I was in my late 30s, a yoga studio opened around the corner from my house. Apart from hearing it was “good for you”, I knew nothing about yoga. One day a week along with other workouts was, in my mind, a good place to start. But then…a teacher at the studio suggested that with 2 to 3 days a week, I would really begin to see the benefits. I took her advice and I fell in love! I couldn’t have imagined then how much this practice would bring me in the following almost 10 years; strength, flexibility, peace, and the very best friends I’ve ever had. Yoga has truly been the best gift in my life.

What are your favorite styles of yoga to teach?

It’s so hard to choose. I’ve had such passion for the full spectrum of yoga. My greatest joy in teaching comes from helping a student gain the skills and strength needed for daily living. That might be muscles to hoist your suitcase up to the overhead bin or to pick up your toddler. That might be the strength to make the time to rest. It might be relief from anxiety or chronic pain.

What did you do before you started teaching yoga?

I have worked in the packaging industry for over 25 years. I have a degree in packaging engineering and worked as a structural designer for the first 15+ years of my career. I’ve spent the last 10 years helping companies maximize their packaging dollars and labor force. 

What would you like people to know about practicing with you? 

I think it’s important that people understand that I was never athletic or super stretchy. I took yoga one step at a time. Little by little, I began to develop both flexibility and strength in my body and peace in my heart.

Certifications

  • RYT 500 Yoga Alliance

  • 200-hour Training, Sunshine Yoga, Destin, FL

  • 300-hour Training, Subtle Yoga, Asheville, NC

Specialty Trainings

  • Neurobiology of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, Subtle Yoga, Knoxville, TN  

  • 50-Hour Bhakti Flow Certification, Rusty Wells, San Francisco, CA

  • 40-Hour Yin Yoga Certification, Yoga Univ. of Florida, Altamonte Springs, FL

  • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga Teacher Certification, SurFit USA, Niceville, FL

  • 16-Hour Yin Yoga Certification, Asheville Yoga Center, Asheville, NC

 
Jennifer demonstrates standing figure four pose on a stone path labyrinth.
My boys, Banner and Thor.
Jennifer does chair yoga at home while watching Jacquie Sunny Barbee on Instagram TV.
Jennifer sits on a Stand Up Paddle board in the ocean at sunset.
Jennifer smiles with Rusty Wells.
Sweet Pea rests on Jennifer’s legs atop a yoga blanket.