Ryan Ochoa Loren has gone from being intrigued about yoga to becoming a certified instructor over the past year or so.
"For me, yoga is a way to relieve stress, and was a way to add something different to my workout; I [ initially ] just wanted something different, a new alternative to increase my workout," Loren said. "I never envisioned I'd become a yogi."
Sure enough, he's been trained for hundreds of hours and is now the assistant manager for the South Loop branch of CorePower Yoga, a national chain based in Denver.
"I did a free week of yoga [ sessions ] last March, and was immediately hooked," Loren said. "For me, yoga is an hour of my day that I can forget about everything, and just focus on breathing, on my practice.
"Yoga is a great way to connect with my inner thoughts, my inner self."
Loren does yogawhen not instructingat least five days a week. "I feel guilty if don't do yoga every day," he said, smiling.
"People often are skeptical [ about yoga ] , or will say things like, 'I'm not flexible [ for yoga ] ,' but that's not the case. Over time you build flexibility and more body awareness. You shed a lot of layers [ through yoga ] emotional, physical stress and more. Yoga is a great way to do something different, out of the ordinary."
As a yogi, Loren instructs people of all shapes and sizes, including many associated with University of Illinois-Chicago, which is nearby.
One of the most popular classes at CorePower Yoga is Hot Power Fusion, where the temperature in the studio is set to 105 degrees with 30 percent humidity.
"I really enjoy my job; it's exciting. I get to interact with beginner students to some who have been practicing yoga for 10 years," Loren said.
CorePower Yoga is celebrating its 10th anniversary in May.
"You can definitely see physical, mental and spiritual change through yoga," Loren said. "I know I personally have been able to grow more as a person," through yoga.
Loren can be reached at the South Loop location, 555 W. Roosevelt Rd., for CorePower Yoga at 312-829-9642.
THE STATS
Age: 30
Neighborhood: Lincolnwood
Job title: Yogi ( certified since July 2011 )
Tattoos: Scorpion on right arm, aum ( or om ) symbol on right shoulder
Relationship status: Single
Hobbies: Photography, softball, volleyball, camping, traveling, bicycle riding
Favorite TV shows: Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica and Spartacus
Favorite movie: Amelie
Volunteers at: Leather Archives & Museum
Photos by Ross Forman