Joaquin’s practice began in 2006 when he moved to DC and fell in love with the intention and structure of yoga. After attending yoga classes for almost a decade with many different teachers, he wanted to take his practice to the next level. He asked his mom to split the cost of teacher training with him as a combined Christmas and Birthday gift, and ended up pursuing his 200 hour teacher training certification with CorePower in 2018. He is now a Yoga Alliance RYT500 instructor.

He has always found he learns best by figuring out how things work and getting comfortable enough to teach others, and the same has been true with yoga. Peeking behind the curtain to see how delivering a class works has given him a deeper understanding of sequence design and helped him go further in his own practice.

Joaquin’s goal is to help others find their passion in yoga and movement, and his classes will lead you to explore your body through dynamic movement and breath. He likes to keep things fun and accessible to all levels and body types. You will leave feeling accomplished for having spent time on your mat.

His Yoga Sculpt classes at MINT are unique because they use weights to build strength and control, helping you further your practice on and off the mat. He likes to sequence a creative flow that incorporates different lineages and physical exercises to keep things interesting.

Outside of MINT, he enjoys running through Dupont and Foggy Bottom to the National Mall. When asked what his favorite meal in DC is, he says “I like to nurture body, mind, AND soul so you can’t beat a burger at Annie’s.” He also loves to bake and you may find him bringing extra cookies and treats to his classes to share with his students. You can follow him on Instagram @joaquin.obieta.

You can sign up for Joaquin’s Yoga Sculpt class Thursdays at 6pm here.

Shahrooz has been practicing yoga for ten years and is thrilled at any opportunity to share his love of the practice with others. He has a strong conviction that yoga is for everyone and works to create a welcoming classroom environment for all levels from beginners to advanced yogis. Compassion is the priority of his practice both on and off the mat. Shahrooz has been teaching in DC for two years with a focus on creating a friendly, energetic & inclusive space at MINT.

Kelly knows that yoga makes people feel better, so she is constantly encouraging people to try it! Kelly loves teaching newbies as well as advanced practitioners, and loves the community spirit that yoga fosters, and how it supports good health and lowers stress. An enthusiastic DC yogini since 2006, years Kelly completed her RY200 Yoga Certification in Vinyasa Flow from Tranquil Space in 2009. She incorporates principal yogic themes from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras such as ‘letting go’ and ‘being present’ in her classes and loves incorporating reading in her class from spiritual leaders such as Pema Chodrun, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Kelly is also a certified Fuse Pilates teacher and generally teaches with a focus on core engagement and will throw extra challenging core poses into class (upon request). She has a keen eye for alignment, and gives assists throughout to all students. Kelly is enrolled in an Advanced Teacher Training program at Tranquil Space and plans to acquire her 500 hour certification in 2016. She believes in the importance of karma yoga as well, and teaches free yoga at work, among being involved in other charities. Kelly also teaches Meditation, and feels that meditation makes you feel calmer and more focused even just from a 10 or 15 minute meditation. Overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance in Kelly’s yoga and meditation classes!

Claire began her yoga practice as a teenager growing up in rural Canada. Since 2011, she has been teaching yoga consistently to people of all experience levels. She is a graduate of a 108-hour Anusara immersion, a 200-hour Power Vinyasa teacher training program, a Prenatal Yoga apprenticeship, and advanced training with Faith Hunter. Claire is passionate about yoga, running, and museums. In the studio, Claire encourages students to explore their edges with safe alignment and breath. Students should expect to be both challenged and cared for in her classes.