YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Charlotte Bowden

HOMEtown:
Richmond, VA

Favorite yoga pose & why:

Bakasana / Crow Pose holds a special place in my heart. I was terrified of arm balances when I first started practicing yoga (I was even afraid of cartwheels as a kid), and crow pose was the asana that got me over my fear! It was definitely more of a mental challenge than anything, and it empowered me to try new things that scare me -- on and off the mat.

Most challenging yoga pose for you & why:

Ardha Kapotasana / Half pigeon has never felt comfortable to me. All I want to do is fidget around, and keeping my mind, body, and breath still seems impossible sometimes. I have to focus all of my energy on just inhaling and exhaling, and giving in to the hip-opening magic.

Hobbies or other things you like to do:

I love exploring D.C., starting random (sometimes solo) dance parties, looking at the Rock's instagram and trying to find friends to take me to Costco with them.

Why are you a part of the GTM team?

Grip the Mat's format of exploring new places and fostering community through yoga make it such a special way to connect with new people, and that's one of my favorite things to do. I love yoga because it has led me to some of my best and most unexpected friendships, and I love Grip the Mat because it has created a warm, inviting community for others to do the same.