Instructors Bio's

Deb Marweg is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She has been practicing for over 12 years. Deb opened Now and Zen Yoga Spa in 2004. Deb’s classes are a mixed style, using the philosophy of BKS Iyengar by offer modifications using props (chairs, blocks, bolsters, etc.) to make sure students have proper alignment in their poses to not only be safe but to experience the full benefit of yoga. She also teaches with the intent of Vinyoga, making sure that each student is working within their ability even if it means expressing the pose differently or even finding a different pose to get the same benefit. Her mixed level and level 2/3 classes are enhanced by incorporating Vinyasa flow to classes as well. Her gentle and therapeutic yoga classes do not have the vinyasa flow element and we stay away from poses that put pressure on the joints of the wrists and knees. Deb feels that yoga can be for every body, and enjoys teaching specialty classes to meet the needs of those who traditional classes are not beneficial. She is currently finishing her 500 hours Yoga Alliance certification.

Kim Mallory

Fitness Philosophy...Showing my clients that fitness can be fun is a passion of mine. I believe that fitness is a way of life and should be a routine just like waking up in the morning.I believe keeping your mind and body in sync is the most important factor in having good health. Physical activity can help clear your mind and improve your ability to tackle everyday challenges. I feel that it is my job in life to encourage people to take those steps necessary to lead a long healthy life.

Education and Qualifications:

A.F.A.A Personal trainer certification

Pilates certification

Certified Massage Therapy 500 hours

A.C.E. Group Exercise Certification

Specialty:

I have been in the fitness industry for 20 years teaching varies types of classes: High/Low impact, Step Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Cardio Kick Boxing, Body Sculpting/Conditioning, Hip Hop dance, one on one Personal training and Pilates. My experience with personal training and teaching group fitness has taught me to show unconditional support and motivation for my students and clients. Not only am I active inside Now & Zen Yoga Studio I strive to achieve my personal goals by living a healthy lifestyle by healthy eating, running stadium steps, jump rope, Pilates and training on the Stability Ball.

True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body...The two are united

Introducing Michelle McAllister

Michelle discovered the joy of yoga in 2003 at a studio in Sacramento. While completing her nutrition degree at California State University Sacramento, she worked as a yoga/prenatal yoga instructor, personal trainer, and cycling instructor. She holds numerous certifications with YogaFit Training Systems and has worked with some of the best yoga master trainers in the industry. Michelle believes that yoga can truly be for everyBODY!

Lisa

I have been practicing yoga for over 5 years, beginning with a home practice. I found that the longer I was doing yoga the more I wanted to learn and grow in my practice. Yoga became a way to start my day on a calm, relaxed, and focused path. I started coming to Now and Zen Yoga Studio and felt immediately at home. With Deb as my mentor, I have fulfilled my desire of becoming a yoga instructor and sharing with others this amazing gift of yoga. I love learning about yoga from all different sources and teachers and I completed training with Stuart Rice of Bhakti Warrior and finished my 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification. My teaching style is a blend of Vinyasa, Viniyoga and I love teaching Yin Yoga. I feel that everyone can benefit from a yoga practice no matter what their activity level, age, or gender. I enjoy teaching students of different levels and abilities to help them find what works for them individually. The students at Now and Zen are wonderful and make teaching an incredible experience.

Kelli Pearman

I began practicing yoga while living in Chico, Ca. in 2003. I was hooked instantly! Yoga did amazing things for my body, but more importantly, helped me discover a connection with the divine spirit of the universe. The peace I have gained from my practice brings me a joy that is hard to put into words.

My yoga journey began with a bikram practice, but turned more traditional after taking a class at Chico state. I began practicing with teachers of Iyengar, Anusara, and Ashtanga. The more I practiced the more I loved it. Deb Marweg helped my dream of teaching become a reality. I love incorporating all styles I have been exposed to into my teaching, with an emphasis on vinyasa flow. I have completed my 200 hour teacher training with Stuart Rice of Bhakti Warrior.

To be able to pass on my love of yoga is truly a blessing. What a gift to be able to do something I love so much every day. When I am not teaching or practicing yoga, you would probably find me chasing around after my daughters who are five and one.

Namaste

Amy Drew

Amy has been practitioner of Pilates for over seven years and is fully Mat Certified through PHI Pilates. Amy is also hold certifications from AFAA in Personal Training, Indoor Cycling and a B.A. in Liberal Studies degree with course work in Kinesiology, Health and Sciences has laid the ground work for a passion that is fueled by an intrinsic need to teach others. Amy lives in Lodi with her husband Steve, and her two boys Dylan and Ryan.

Joseph Pilates dedicated his life to developing an exercise program that involves mindful and controlled movement. It is from his work that we can learn “The Method,” and become more aware of our own movement through space as well as develop a balanced body. J.H. Pilates was well ahead of his time and as a students of his we can learn to have correct posture and reap the rewards of better health and fitness. My goal is to teach you the principles of Pilates and more importantly how and when to apply them in your other activities and in daily life.

Deborah Tobinski

Deborah Tobinski (Tobi) started practicing Tai Chi in 2005, and is a Certified Instructor for the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program. Deborah says, "I practice Tai Chi and Yoga regularly and find the health benefits amazing."

Tai Chi:

Is suitable for almost anyone

Can relieve pain and improve quality of life for people with arthritis

Relieves stress and improves concentration

Integrates body and mind

Tai Chi originated in ancient China and is now practiced throughout the world as an exercise for better health. Everyone can benefit from practicing Tai Chi, and it’s fun and easy to learn. It is non-impact and uses very gentle movements, to promote strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Alison Antonovich

For me, Yoga was my path to really understanding my body, pranic energy and balance. I started practicing in 2006 after the birth of my second child. I loved how I felt during practice, that space where it is difficult to hold a pose, but how the power of the breath can transform the way you feel in those hard spaces. I knew after a year and a half of consistent practice I wanted more…. more knowledge, more practice, more understanding.

I began teacher trainings through YogaFit, completing levels 1-3 and retraining levels 1 and 2 over the next year and a half. During this time I began teaching, first at church and then at the local gym. My love for the physical practice continued to grow and in 2009 I changed the course of my education joining the teacher training through bhakTi Warrior Yoga. I am now RYT 200 through Yoga Alliance but my desire to learn and grow hasn’t ceased.

One and the most important reasons I started down the path of education was to bring an awareness of physical worship to those who share in my Christian faith. I believe that God can use all things to His Glory and we all have a unique way to worship. My prayer through this vessel of clay is that I may cast all attention to Him who perfects me in His image.

I am blessed to have a supportive, loving husband, Darren and two beautiful children Jillian, 8, and John Paul, 4.