Like many modern Yogis, Rob Phillips first came to yoga primarily seeking the physical benefits. As a fitness enthusiast, he hoped to increase his flexibility and perhaps even reduce his stress a bit. After unassumingly walking into an Ashtanga class he was left humbled by the physical challenge and inspired by the energetic effects. It wasn't long before he became a dedicated Ashtangi, practicing under Kate ODonnell.
While he appreciates the strong energies created by the more active practices, Rob is also an enthusiast of the calmer contemplative practices of Yin Yoga and Buddhist Vipassana (Insight) meditation. After years of struggling with anxiety and borderline depression, yoga and meditation have provided him with a base of focus and confidence that continues to grow with each year of practice.
Rob's classes draw influences from the Buddhist tradition, placing a heavy emphasis on mindfulness of the body and movement of the breath; but his dry and witty humor help to keep a light air in the room. His first teacher training was in Yin Yoga with Josh Summers. He also completed his 200 hour training through YogaWorks with Natasha Rizopoulos. This method fuses the power and fluidity of Ashtanga with the precision and alignment of Iyengar. Rob is forever indebted to all of his teachers, both past and present, for helping him to discover his full potential.