Inspiring Conversations with Rachel Reynolds of Zenchin Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Reynolds.

Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2012 I stumbled across the Gravity Yoga© poses when I sought a way to support my fitness practice with flexibility training. I stuck with the training until I was introduced to a pose called “Hangman,” which is an intense stretch in the shoulders. I remember thinking, “wow, if this is how intense these stretches are, then maybe I should hold off until I’m a little more ready?” I wasn’t “ready” for another 8 years! It wasn’t until the spring of 2020 did I consider revisiting the practice. I was knee-deep in my yoga practice and felt I wasn’t getting anywhere. I felt I could have used a little more training on the side that would supplement my practice and help it move forward-I didn’t know what kind of training. My wish was unexpectedly granted! I received an email from the founder and creator of Gravity Yoga© inviting me to practice online with him and others for one of their first virtual stretching classes. I felt like it was a sign and went ahead and reserved my spot in class. Little did I know I had signed up for a stretch coach training course! I thought it was a sign and decided to move forward with the training with an open mind. The training was very new, and I graduated from the third class of coaches. The practice is prevalent worldwide but still relatively new in the states, so I felt it was an honor and a responsibility to share this life-changing practice with others! Since graduation, I have worked with clients of all ages and with all sorts of goals. Some want to enhance their fitness routine-marathon runners want to run faster; weightlifters want to squat deeper-and. Others want to feel good in their bodies. The impact flexibility training has had on people (both physically and mentally) has been my inspiration to keep studying and bring to others a convenient and simple routine that can be done by anyone and anywhere. The practice is constantly evolving, making it more accessible but with the same goal: stretch more to feel good.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges when you have something new and exciting to share with the world. My biggest challenge has been to just spread the word on what Gravity Yoga© is. Most see the word “yoga” and assume it is your typical yoga class you may find at another gym or a studio, but it’s not. I will often teach the group classes in a way that’s not yoga at all, making it a welcoming environment to those that don’t vibe with yoga, to begin with. Of course, private sessions can be tailored in any way best suited for the client.

I still call it “yoga” because there is so much emphasis on the breath. We do a lot of breathwork that helps calm the nervous system and allows the body to release so that the force of gravity can take over and gently pull the body deeper into the stretch. There is a lot of mind-body connection happening! As I always say, “the best way to describe Gravity Yoga© is to experience it.”

Great, so let’s talk business. Please tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others.
When you feel good, you want to make better choices that lead to healthier lives! Zenchin Yoga is dedicated to bringing you an accessible and science-based approach to increasing mobility in your body through flexibility training. The main goals of the training are to regain a basic range of motion and to feel good in your body again.

This practice is designed to supplement all fitness routines and is best practiced after any physical training (i.e., after you’ve lifted weights, for example). It’s heavily prop-based, but you don’t need to run out and purchase all the “fancy” yoga props you see others use. You can be creative and use whatever is around you! Anyone with any age and health/fitness goals can practice these poses.

The practice is unique in several ways:

• Gravity Yoga© is created and designed based on scientific research, allowing for the practice’s constant evolution.
• Muscles stretch best when relaxed! Research shows that holding each pose for a minimum of 2 minutes will train the nervous system to quiet the body and release any muscle tension so they can stretch. Long passive holds of the poses are held for 2-5min.
• A consistent stretching practice of 15min per day can help one gain or regain 80% of their flexibility in as little as one year!

I offer public group classes, one-on-one private training, and private group classes. Sessions have been held in person and virtually, allowing me to work with clients all over. Soon I will have some self-paced online training opportunities as well.

Fun fact: the name Zenchin is named after my chinchilla Sadie! (chin=Chinchilla). My logo is inspired by her as well.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Consistency is key. Do. Not. Give. Up! Even if you set aside 5min a day to practice your breathing or hold one pose, keep going! This practice is designed to be incorporated into your daily life for the rest of your life, so find the easiest way to include it: stretch first thing in the morning while you catch up on your favorite podcast while sitting at your desk at work or stretch at night in bed! Many of these poses can be practiced while you’re in bed or seated in a chair, making it even more convenient for you to do.

Find friends to stretch with and attend a group class at least once a week. This will inspire you to keep pushing and learn new poses at home. This practice will strengthen your connection with your body, so get curious! Do what you have to do to get it done, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zenchinyoga.com
• Instagram: @holistichinchilla
• Other: https://www.yogabody.bio/Zenchinyoga