Testimonials
Ben Hinchman
Like many yogis, Ben Hinchman started practicing yoga for physical exercise before beginning to appreciate mental and meditative rewards associated with consistent practice. A surfer, cyclist and mountain biker, Ben wanted to increase flexibility and complement his existing routine.
As a kid, he remembers performing poorly on physical aptitude tests measuring flexibility. In yoga, the first time touching the floor was an accomplishment.
"It's a real slow process," Ben said. "It was 'Ah, victory.' It's cool seeing what progression happens, the emphasis on core strength and intention, how every movement is meant to be."
Ben, currently awaiting Peace Corps placement, is a graduate from both SDSU and UCSD. As a teaching student, he taught yoga to kindergarteners to help their focus.
"It was cool seeing the positive influences," Ben said.
Working at Sol Yoga's front desk, Ben appreciates the healthy atmosphere and getting to know "super-positive, down-to-earth" instructors. Although yoga makes him feel "relaxed and at peace," he's noticed an ebb and flow to practice.
"At certain times, I'll find myself stalling out on one aspect, not improving flexibility but gaining strength," Hinchman said.
Strength-building arm balances are favorites; so is savasana. Meditation is "the hardest thing."
"My mind bounces around a lot," Ben said. "I notice that my mind gets quieter. It's still such a challenge."
He's considered becoming a yoga instructor, but for now enjoys his own practice.
"I just wanted to have some more time with it," he said. "Maybe someday, if it's in the cards."
Greg and Monique Gesin
Before taking Sol Yoga classes, Greg and Monique Gesin were no strangers to physical fitness. Monique, a longtime dancer, and Greg, a former college athlete, kept busy by hitting the gym, skiing, hiking and camping.
But Greg was recovering from old sports injuries, and Monique wanted increased upper body and core strength. Observing that a neighbor seemed to glow after yoga, Monique decided to try.
"I was immediately sold on it," Monique said. Noticing that Monique arrived home drenched in sweat and looking "revived," Greg started practicing yoga and noticed improved energy, weight control, balance and flexibility.
"Now I have zero pain, zero swelling," Greg said. "It's also helped in getting my stress under control."
Along with stronger arms and abs, Monique noticed subtle attitude shifts.
"When I went to yoga, I left everything at the door," she said. "I drop everything to be in tune with where my body is. It's kind of like a revelation. I'm happy and just very blissful."
Greg and Monique often walk to classes together. Later, they exchange positive feedback and encouragement about challenging poses. Greg has learned crow pose, and Monique has incorporated side crow and hurdle pose.
"We're a very close couple," Monique said. "Our lives are very intertwined. This is another activity to do together."
Inspirational encouragement from instructors helps transfer yogic principles into everyday life, Greg and Monique agree.
"The instructors will empower you," Greg said.
"Life's not solely about yourself," Monique said. "'Take this bliss off the mat and share it with the world.' This is something I'll do for the rest of my life."
Dana May
Decades ago, Dana May loved to surf the waves of La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach but longtime struggles with weight got in the way. Last February, he decided to take a chance with yoga classes at Sol Yoga in the hopes of finding a healthier path.
Demanding job responsibilities and caring for his wife, Carol, a stroke survivor, made it challenging for Dana to reconcile physical fitness goals with the reality of busy work schedules and socializing with friends.
"It became clear that I needed to get some progress on my well-being," said Dana, 61. "What if something happened to me?"
Dana decided to eliminate social alcohol consumption from his diet, forgoing pizza-and-beer get-togethers with friends, and dropped 10 pounds last December. Encouraged, he decided to give yoga a try. Formerly a taekwondo student, Dana hoped to regain some flexibility and begin a soothing yoga practice.
"I felt kind of frustrated," Dana said of previous efforts. "My mind and body were in two separate places. Somehow I know that I'm not going to yo-yo this time. Maybe that's because I've healed."
Now much closer to his physical fitness goals, Sol Yoga's 10 a.m. class has become a daily routine for Dana, who's often the last student to leave after a nourishing savasana, he said. But it's the beginning of class when Dana feels most empowered.
"When we stand and set an intention, the energy that I feel I'm about to generate, I dedicate and send to Carol," Dana said. "The yoga studio probably is my church. That's when I feel most blended."
"I'm very proud of him," Carol said. "It's awesome, just awesome."
There's another reason Dana keeps returning to his yoga mat: he's on a personal mission.
"My goal is to get back out on the water," he said. "I'd love to do some surfing."