About Arleigh

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Chinese Proverb

I began my love affair with yoga over 10 years ago. A friend suggested I try a class and I thought – I won’t like it it’s too slow. I was so wrong. I fell in love. It wasn’t instant but I kept practicing and building my practice and pretty soon I was hooked. I loved the way it made me feel but mostly I loved the connection of mind, body and soul…. I received my 200 hr RYT under the mentorship of Mary Ellen Goodsir. I have been broadening my study of yoga and focusing on Yin through the guidance of the Summers School of Yin under Josh Summers and Terry Cockburn and am working through completing my 300 hr training. I’ve also completed a training in chair yoga and hope to be able to make yoga more accessible to more people.

As I entered my late 40s I started to gain weight and just couldn’t get it off. I never had to worry about my weight but found that now I could no longer out train my diet. With the help of a doctor and a nutritionist I have been able to lose 60 pounds. This was all through diet and exercise – of which yoga played a huge role – mentally and physically.

My classes incorporate this journey. I blend in a mix of exercises to ready the body to come deeper into poses and traditional poses. I focus a lot on functional alignment (how the pose feels on your body) vs aesthetic alignment (how the pose looks). My goal is to make yoga available for everyone – regardless of shape, size or physical ability. My classes will focus on a strong practice that you will feel in your entire body.

Always remember the Chinese proverb – “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Yoga can change your life – you just have to take the first step.

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."

~ Buddha

Light & Love - Arleigh

Arleigh Kennedy is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS).

Born and raised in the Boston area. I've lived and traveled all over the world but this will always be home.

Yoga has taught me patience and perseverance. Every pose is different everyday and for every person. Be gentle and kind with yourself as well as others - always!

Favorite Pose

Changes every day! I'm really working on coming deeper into some of my favorite poses! As my body changes so has my practice!

Favorite quote

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly.”

― Barbara Haines Howett, Ladies of the Borobudur

"Always be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn - always be a unicorn."

Travel Goals

Getting back to Europe and exploring new places.

Sometimes the biggest challenge is making it to the mat.

Umbria, Italy October 2017!!! This group picture was taken in Perugia, Italy. Lots of yoga, food and amazing wine! You only live once....

Sometimes you just have to get upside down..

Mission accomplished

Cool Stuff!!

I'll be sharing here cool articles, books, gear, etc...

My home away from home and an amazing all around studio is Yoga Moves in Stoneham. They offer a wide mix of classes and have something for everyone!

Everyone always asked how did I get started with yoga. Well like most people I stared by watching Rodney Yee on Comcast and flowing along with him! Lately I have really been vibing with the message of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition. I truly believe that yoga is for everyone and that EVERY body is a yoga body! Some of current favorite yogis - Jessamyn Stanley & Dianne Bondy. Also, check out this article about Rachel Estapa which was featured in the Boston Globe - https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2018/01/05/yoga-for-every-body-inclusive-class-somerville-shows-that-there-more-love/MDz8yFg6jnHvtDMUU4nAVL/story.html. There are some pretty amazing people here locally doing some great things!

I often get asked about where to purchase clothing. I love companies that make clothing for all sizes! I have recently discovered Booty by Brabrants. They really do fit every size AND they come in curvy options too. Check them out at https://bootybybrabants.com/collections/ I also love Athleta - again they make quality clothing for every size - https://athleta.gap.com/stores/ma/lynnfield/athleta-4904.html Last but mot least - I am a brand ambassador for Picasso Jasper. They are a local company focused on fun, fitness and yoga! Use this link to get 10% off plus free shipping https://picassojasper.com/?ref=ARLEIGHKENNEDY

I often get asked about Lulu Lemon…. Well I do not support them due to their views on larger women - clearly they don’t know that the average size woman in this country is a size 14 - oh wait an employee at their store told me “we carry ‘special sizing'‘ online…. I will let you make your own decision on them but do your research - maybe check out this article https://people.com/bodies/woman-lost-80-lbs-body-shamed-by-lululemon-employees/ and this one https://abcnews.go.com/Business/lululemon-founder-chip-wilsons-outrageous-quotes/story?id=28672323

I use a lot of different tools to sequence my yoga practices. You Tube is the best place to start if you are looking for a practice. I also follow a lot of great people on Instagram. I follow https://www.instagram.com/coloringyoga/ and she offers some amazing videos on coming into complex poses. If looking for yin sequences or some great tips on poses, check out https://www.pinterest.com/RunOnInsight/

I have been focused on Yin Yoga lately. The benefits are unbelievable and it is a great compliment to all other forms of exercise - I strongly recommend it for runners. Here is a great article about the benefits written by the master - Paul Grilley https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/yin-yoga-2 or this article by my mentor Josh Summers https://joshsummers.net/6-potential-benefits-of-yin-yoga/

I have also been focusing on teaching more functional alignment in my classes over aesthetic alignment. We are focused as teachers on the cues that we have been told to make. How many times have you as a student heard, “don’t let your knee come over your ankle”. Our knee comes over our ankle every time we come up the stairs - why is it “unsafe”? And if it isn’t unsafe then why don’t we let the student be the judge of what works for their body in a pose? I try to let students explore this in my classes. If you are looking for more on this, check out the book “Your Body, Your Yoga” by Bernie Clark. Teachers - it will change what you say in your classes and students it will change how you practice. https://www.amazon.com/Your-Body-Yoga-Alignment-Skillful/dp/0968766536/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=your+body+your+yogA&qid=1579547664&sr=8-1

Everyone loves yoga - even the rich and famous! If it can help Lilo and Britney imagine what it can do for you! Celebrities You Didn't Know Who Do Yoga

If you love the pictures of me on this site this is all thanks to the awesome skills of Brian Cummings of 781 Photography!!! Please check out his Facebook page and give him a like. He's AMAZING!

Current Teaching Schedule

Want to take a class with me? I currently have two standing classes at Yoga Moves, located at 335 Main Street, Stoneham, MA - about 10 miles north of Boston. My two current classes are:

Thursday, 6:00 pm - Yoga Moves - Let it Flow - Let it Go - Come join me for a one hour Vinyasa flow style class. Leave your week behind and move the entire body in a strong, focused and targeted sequence. You’ll leave this class ready to start your weekend!

Sunday Morning, 8:30am - Yoga Moves - Rise and Flow - Warm Flow - What a great way to start your Sunday! Meet me on your mat in our toasty yoga room for an invigorating flow to start the day!

Yoga Moves website - http://www.eyogamoves.com/classesworkshops.html

I also sub from time to time at other studios so I invite you to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more information on when I am teaching - just click on the icons at the bottom of the page. Don't forget to check out Upcoming Events section for special workshops and events that are coming up as well.

Upcoming events

Well I thought it would be 10 minutes but it's 20! A quick all over flow to start your day. Suitable for all levels! Just a little something for you to do to start your day!