Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT

Hatha Yoga

Alena currently teaches Hatha (physical) yoga inspired by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, with careful attention to alignment. Focusing on the balance between effort and awareness, her individual and group instruction uses "props" such as chairs, blocks, bolsters and blankets, making the practice of yoga accessible for all bodies.

Alena studies Yoga with Iyengar certified teacher Tzahi Moskovitz, and at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York.

Therapeutic Yoga

Alena has completed training in therapeutic yoga techniques at Beth Israel Medical Center, Department of Integrative Medicine.  She teaches therapeutic yoga to patients at their hospital bedside in oncology  and general medicine units, treating people with a range of issues from suicide attempts to multiple sclerosis (MS) to HIV/AIDS and cancer.

As a certified LifeForce Yoga Practitioner, Alena is trained in breath, mantra (sound) and mudras (hand positions) which can be practiced seated or reclining, and have been scientifically shown to promote relaxation, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Yoga for Anxiety, as published in EmpowHER,by Karen Trachtenberg



• "Alena strikes a lovely balance between a performer's intuition and pure yogic methodology. Dipping into her well of understanding regarding the human body, mind and soul, Alena is a receptive, perceptive and dynamic teacher, always growing and evolving. She has created a yoga class that is uniquely challenging, thorough, soothing and uplifting. I leave her class feeling more stretched, strong, and free!"  -Meredith "Babe" Borden, Lead Singer, Willie McBlind