Amanda DeHaven Kneese

Hometown

grew up in Elkhart, IN, been in Denver, CO now for 6 ½ years

Career

bartender at The Capital Grille

When Did You Start Practicing Yoga?

February 2004

What Has Yoga Done For You?

Over the years I have found that yoga can heal my body and make me more physically strong and balanced than any other type of exercise I have ever done. Yoga challenges me every time I am on the mat and I love to discover where I can go further and deeper each time. Even small accomplishments feel like huge obstacles I have conquered. What is most surprising and fulfilling is the mental and emotional balance and clarity it can bring, teaching me to focus, to stay calm in this hectic world, and to stay present in the moment. Yoga encourages me to live in a more positive way off my mat and in my world every day of my life.

What Has QiCycle-yoga Done For You?

I was a long-distance runner for years but kept having knee and hip problems and so I had given it up. I lacked and missed the cardiovascular exercise however, so when I discovered the spin/yoga combination I was hooked. Spin doesn’t place any stress on my joints, hips or knees. And, I love music and dancing as well, and to me, spin is like a dance on your bike. The more I practice too, the more I discover how yoga is translated into spin. When I am feeling stressed and tired and like I cannot push any further on my bike, I am inspired by my yoga practice to push harder, to be present in the moment, and to breathe and stay focused.

What Do You Want To Teach?

I want to share my love of the practice with others in my community and hopefully allow them to experience all the same positive physical, mental, and emotional benefits that it has to offer.

What Is Your Favorite Part Of Teaching?

I really enjoy meeting new people and sharing with them the beautiful practice of yoga, and the truly beneficial combination of spin and yoga. I look forward to seeing students progress in their practice and want to give to them the same amazing energy, creativity, and positive awareness that my teachers have given to me over the years. I can only hope that through my teaching they will find the same love for it as I have.

Favorite Quote

“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it” Ferris Bueller

Other Activities

I love to have cocktails with friends, cook, shop, curl up with a good book or magazine, relax in the sunshine, renovate and work on my 100year old home, and just hang out with my English Mastiff Sammy and my husband Patrick.

Future Goals

I want to continue to deepen my practice and share what I learn with others.