The Yoga Center of Indiana opened at 6245 North College Avenue in Broad Ripple on June 15. Co-owners Karen Fox and Heather Thomas-Tromiczak first met in 2004 when two of their children attended elementary school together.

They both have taught yoga in various venues, such as their own homes and at the Riviera Club for many years. As their friendship grew like their knowledge of yoga, they decided to open their own studio together. They previously participated in each other's yoga classes and each discussed their backgrounds.

Fox said, "I was a personal trainer for 12 years and, when I trained in Yoga, I knew that this is what I wanted to do and teach with others. When I practice yoga, I feel as if I am giving myself a gift. I believe that yoga is a physical practice that enhances your ability to develop your body and mind to their full potential," she added.

Fox attended Baron Baptiste's teacher training program in Mexico in 2003. Returning to Indianapolis, she completed 200 hours of additional teacher-training at CityYoga with program director Nikki Meyers. She also completed a teacher-training program with Jonny Kest in 2006 and 2007 in Michigan.

A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Fox graduated from North Central High School and Indiana University. Her interest in health and fitness led to her career as a personal trainer.

"The style of yoga that I teach is not only energetic and dynamic, but also is relaxing and restorative. I am inspired daily by the dedication of yoga students who have shown up day after day in my home studio for the past three years," she noted.

Yoga is a 5,000-year old science combining breath and movement that develops one's strength, flexibility, balance and focus. According to the Jonny Kest Center for yoga website, the benefits of practicing yoga are multi-faceted. It can tone and strengthen muscles, increase vitality, relieve back pain, improve circulation, purify organs and release tension. Yoga can also help an individual manage stress with deep and complete breathing that can calm the nervous system.

Fox and Tromiczak continue on their spiritual journey and practice of yoga in Broad Ripple and invite all those who are inspired to learn and grow with them. Their Family Yoga classes give parents and children the opportunity to explore yoga together. One child can attend a class free with each paid adult while there is an eight dollar fee for each additional child. The bond that occurs in class between parents and children can create a solid foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness.

There are several types of yoga that they teach, which include Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Slow Flow and Vinyasa.

Ashtanga Yoga is defined as "eight-limbed yoga," according to Patañjali, who compiled the Yoga Sutra, a major work containing descriptions on the philosophical aspects of mind and consciousness. It consists of the following eight spiritual practices: Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self purification and study), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (contemplation). Patañjali is the founder of the system of Yoga and the ancient text that he established outlines the practice and philosophy of Yoga. His birth is disputed by experts to be sometime between the fourth century BCE (before Common Era) and the sixth CE (Current Era). Much about his life remains a mystery to scholars. However, there is no doubt how his creation of concepts and principles has positively impacted the millions of people who practice yoga around the world today.

Power yoga can vary widely among instructors. It emphasizes strength and flexibility and can include a vigorous, fitness-based workout. Various versions of this type of yoga include Power Vinyasa yoga.

Slow Flow yoga is designed to calm one's mind, strengthen one's body and increase one's awareness. Due to its slower pace, it is often recommended for first time yoga students.

Vinyasa Yoga unites breath with movement to build internal heat within the body, to increase one's strength and improve one's flexibility. It can energize the individual's body, mind and soul. A session of Vinyasa Yoga may vary in levels of intensity and music that are chosen by the teacher.

The types of yoga practiced are as diverse as those who participate regardless of ability, age or body type. Any individual can began to experience the benefits of yoga after an initial session.

"Their specialty is Power Vinyasa Yoga that focuses on the flow of motion plus core-muscle strengthening. It is practiced in a room heated to 101 degrees. I've been practicing Yoga with Karen Fox for more than three years and I can attest that Power Vinyasa Yoga is quite a workout!" said client Liz Appel Rinck, who is director of communications at Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity in Indianapolis.

My recent Saturday morning visit for a 75-minute class of Vinyasa yoga was a unique and uplifting experience. In the candle-lit room accented with both peaceful instrumental and up-tempo music, 11 individuals (nine women and two men) participated in a variety of breathing, motion and stretching exercises. After completing the session, I felt like a new person stepping out into the parking on that cool autumn day.

There is currently a 30-day challenge being offered by the Yoga Center of Indiana. Individuals are invited to complete 30 classes in 30 days to experience the amazing mental, physical and physiological benefits of daily yoga practice for 100 dollars. Students are required to sign-in on the class list for every class they attend and can start any time between now through November 30th. In early 2008, a Teacher-Training Intensive Program for a 10-week in-depth study of Yoga and meditation that includes free classes will be offered. More information can be found on their website listed below.

Sessions are held seven days a week, though class times vary daily at the Yoga Center of Indiana. You can discover and develop your own spiritual journey by calling 255-YOGA or by visiting www.theyogacenterofindiana.com.