How I Found Yoga
My first yoga class was led by Claudine Beeson at Living Yoga Studio. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how challenging her yoga classes are. Claudine’s attention to detail inspires me to this day.
In yoga, I found muscles I hadn’t used in ages. I discovered how weak my feet were, and then learned how to strengthen them. I kept coming back to yoga because the classes soothed pains from old injuries. By the end of a yoga class, I always felt refreshed and energized.
Having discovered the healing effects of yoga, I pursued a therapeutic-based yoga certification with Jeff Manning at Aurora Yoga Center. I’m impressed with Jeff’s knowledge of anatomy and how to safely practice yoga with students of all ages and abilities.
Now that I’ve earned my 500-hour yoga certification, I feel inspired, confident, and creative in my approach to the art of yoga.
My Mission
I enrich the lives of adults through yoga, helping people of all ages experience improved health and vitality.
Certifications
ACE Personal Training Certification
ACE Senior Fitness Certification
Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies for veterans
Alignment-Based Yoga
500-Hour Teacher Training Certification
Ellen Von Ohlen biography
Ellen teaches fitness classes at Fox River Yoga, a business she launched to work individually with clients and establish a platform for community service.
Conservation Foundation Trustee
She is a trustee of the Conservation Foundation, helping to develop its Nature Rx program. Ellen’s background in health, wellness and relationship building serves all areas of the Conservation Foundation‘s mission.
The Conservation Foundation is currently raising $75,000 through the Strengthen Our Foundation Challenge.
For each $1 you donate, your donation will be matched with another $1. Please donate here.
Community Service
Previously Ellen served as a Recreation Therapist and on the Board of Trustees for The Gateway Foundation, whose residents are working toward recovery from addiction. During her time on the Gateway Foundation board, Ellen was training for the Chicago Marathon. Noticing the sense of well-being from the endorphin release running produced, she thought of the residents she was working with, who suffer from addiction, and how they may benefit from that experience. On a volunteer basis, Ellen developed a physical fitness program to address their needs, and the program has since become a valuable part of The Gateway Foundation’s addiction recovery efforts.
Ellen is deeply involved in community service as an advocate for the environment. She served for 9 years as a Commissioner, 4 years as Chairman of the Environmentally Conscious Oswego (ECO), a commission of the Village of Oswego, and also as co-chair of the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce Green Committee.
“I have always loved the outdoor experience,” says Ellen. “My husband and I enjoy walking and biking nature trails, and setting off in our kayaks when the spirit moves us. I am attracted to the grassroots nature of working with our local communities to explore ideas on how to create an environment that works for all creatures and is gentle on the earth. The Conservation Foundation gives me a platform to continue advocating for a healthy place to live and play.”
She holds a BA from Northern Illinois University and various health-related certifications, including a Senior Fitness Certification and Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Certification to work with US Veterans.
Ellen and her husband live in Oswego, surrounded by nature, with the Fox River in their back yard and a nature trail in their front yard. In addition to walking, biking, kayaking and yoga, Ellen also enjoys playing the piano.
Next Steps…
If you’d like to find out for yourself how yoga improves your strength and balance, call me at 1-630-417-7775.