Instructors
Yoga & Pilates
Amanda
Amanda found yoga in college as a way to balance the demands being a full time student and Division 1 track and field athlete at UCSB. Amanda has been practicing yoga since 2000 and teaching yoga since 2003 after being certified through YogaFit. Her classes are a mixture of breath work and flowing vinyasa. She is experienced in teaching students of all levels and can help you to modify your practice on an individual basis. You will leave her classes feeling pleasantly tired yet energized from the inside out!
Angela
Angela was born in Brazil and moved to CA about 11 years ago and loves this amazing country, the weather, the beautiful natural sights and enjoys organic living and foods. She discovered Yoga here at Mind Body Zone and graduated from the Yoga Teacher Training Program in 2010. She has done extensive training with Judith Lasater in Restorative Yoga and additional studies in Meditation. Angela feels blessed to be a part of the yoga community and is honored to share her experience with you.
Mary Jane
Mary Jane began her yoga journey later in life. Being a mother of two, wife, and pediatric transplant nurse had kept her preoccupied for the better part of a decade, and well into her 30’s. It wasn’t until her late 30’s that she discovered her passion for yoga.
After trying her first class, she discovered her love for yoga and instantly became addicted to its practice. Originally rooted in Bikram, she learned to appreciate all styles, eventually favoring Vinyasa Flow and Hot Power Fusion Yoga for their physical and mental demands, in addition to their detoxifying properties.
Ultimately, her passion for yoga lead her to complete a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program in June 2014 from Mind Body Zone, under the direction and mentoring of Lynn Cheng, deepening her knowledge of yoga history, philosophy, and practice. It is now her passion to share the benefits, joys, and gifts of yoga to others who may be searching for their own passion as well.
Linea
Linea has always had a passion for health and fitness; she began her journey into Yoga and Pilates after a skiing accident left her with very little use of her leg. Surgery and physical therapy left her feeling hopeless about her recovery; until she began taking Yoga and Pilates classes. After many months and countless classes she regained full use of her leg and also found that her arthritic pain was no longer an issue. She began taking workshops and even more classes realizing that this was the path for her. She completed a certification through Yoga Fit and two different 200 hour yoga teacher training programs. She knows the importance of proper alignment and the difference it can make in one’s overall health. She creates classes that are motivating using breath and mindful movement. She encourages her students to challenge themselves and move through self-imposed limitations; creating a life of balance and without pain.
Lynn
Lynn proudly holds an impressive legacy of over 28 years as a dedicated yoga instructor, having taught more than 15,000 group classes. Recognized as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500), Lynn assumes the pivotal role of Director of Teacher Training and teaches the majority of MBZ’s program.
Drawing inspiration from her rich background, Lynn’s yogic journey includes the study of various styles under the guidance of senior teachers, with a pronounced influence from the Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Kripalu traditions. Her classes are a harmonious blend of elements from her diverse mentors, intuitive insights, and personal studies. Each session is choreographed with music, ensuring a captivating and transformative experience.
In addition to her expertise in yoga, Lynn is a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist at both the state and national levels. For a more in-depth exploration of Lynn’s holistic approach, visit https://www.lynnchengholistichealing.com
Nancy
Nancy’s journey with yoga started back in 2005 as a form of workout then slowly grew into her passion. Experiencing joints & muscle pains from personal challenges, she persevered with yoga knowing it would heal her. It’s one of the best gifts she received.
She decided to take 200-hr teacher training to deepen her practice only to find out halfway through the program, she would teach. She received certification in Yoga Anatomy, and Silver Age Yoga, and is a Healing Touch Practitioner.
Finding the aging population in her community in need of a gentle modality, she taught chair yoga, and gentle/stretch yoga at Age Well Center, and senior residential homes.
She focuses her teaching on breath and alignment. She encourages her students to be diligent & patient in their practice, allow the body time to heal, provide positive self-talk, and celebrate all accomplishments, especially the small ones.
Meaw Meaw was born and raised in the stunning landscapes of Thailand. She completed yoga training in the heart of this beautiful country, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature and the rich cultural heritage that Thailand offers. She brings elements of Thai mindfulness and discipline to every class she teaches. Specializing in Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, Meaw focuses on breath control, precise alignment, and engaging the correct muscles for each pose to create a practice that’s both safe and powerful.
Though she’s small in stature, her classes are known for their intensity, pushing students to break through physical and mental barriers. Whether you’re looking to sweat or find peace, her sessions offer a balanced challenge inspired by the flowing rhythms of Thailand’s natural beauty.
Personal Training
Marnie
With nearly 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, Marnie, a NASM-certified personal trainer, continues to motivate and help clients produce successful results and reach their goals. Her enthusiasm and passion for fitness began in 1993 as a certified/franchise owner of Jazzercise and has continued through the years as a personal trainer/fitness instructor since 1998. She has placed in Fitness competitions, co-owned a personal training studio, and has been a part of the Club Sport personal training team. She now continues her love and dedication for fitness training, good health, and wellness at Mind Body Zone and also instructs 3 bootcamp classes a week in Pleasanton at M’s Fitness Training. Her biggest accomplishments in life are her 2 beautiful, healthy children. Personal Philosophy: Train smart, be healthy, and believe in yourself.
Accomplishments
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified personal trainer since 1998
American sports and Fitness Association, Boot Camp instructor
Member of Idea Health and Fitness Association and National Strength and Condition Association