What the students are saying:

I started doing yoga nine years ago thinking a light workout and stretching would be good for me. I have never been especially athletic but I knew I needed to do something so I joined a gym. Little did I know what I was in for when I walked into Chris’ Ashtanga class! First of all, Chris was so patient. It took her a LONG time to even get me to sweat, she really had to work at it. I expected a light workout and stretching… and I was determined not to sweat (Yuck!). Ha! Ha! That was NOT Ashtanga! But I loved her class and I kept going. Once that barrier was broken down Chris was able to teach me that yoga is not merely an exercise but a way of life. This was something she couldn’t teach me until I was ready. Knowing when people are ready for new lessons and when to take it to the next level is one of Chris’ strong traits. Just when I think I know what I am doing I learn I have just scratched the surface!

Since Ashtanga is not for everyone Chris added many new classes and yoga styles to her studio schedule last year. Being a monthly student I can take any of these classes at no extra cost so I have experimented with all of them. I find Ildiko’s Pilates and Pat's Iyengar classes especially compliment my Ashtanga practice making my core strength stronger and my alignment better!

Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo Chemotherapy and Radiation. The meditation and breathing (Pranayama) techniques I have learned at AYCE kept me centered when I felt weak and sick. And finally, over time, we have developed a very diverse, loving, supportive community of yogis who share in each other’s happiness and help each other through the tough times! I am not sure I would have stayed grounded through that ordeal without all of this! Tat Sat and Namaste!

Judi Norton, Special Ed. Teacher
Escondido, Ca.

After bouncing around from gyms to various yoga studios without luck I was about ready to give up on yoga but then I met Chris at AYCE and I couldn’t be happier. AYCE is more than just a yoga studio for me. It is a yoga family: everyone is welcoming and friendly, especially Chris. I love the Ashtanga practice, it pushes me emotionally, spiritually and physically to be a better person. I remember when I first started, just the breathing was painful- my lungs were so scarred from years of asthma- now I don’t need to use an inhaler! I can’t say enough about Chris and AYCE, for me it’s a piece of heaven on earth.

Debra Doerfler, Document Coordinator, Bunny Rescuer
Escondido, Ca.

As an exercise teacher for Mira Costa and Palomar Community Colleges I appreciate Chris Allen’s wisdom and knowledge of the human body and her expertise in teaching yoga. As a holistic health practitioner I am grateful for her compassionate and non-judgmental style. As a person I am thankful for Chris’ healing and intuitive guidance… a guiding presence that sets her apart from any other teacher I have been led by.

Gale Gibbons, Exercise and Yoga teacher, Holistic Health Practitioner
Vista, Ca.

I will always remember the first day I took one of Chris’ Ashtanga classes. It was the autumn of 1997. That class came to me warm as the sun after a cold night. I remember her loving hands gently pushing me into downward facing dog. Her words were so caring, her heart so kind. She showed me how to salute the sun, how to live a happy, healthy life! She and the class, who became my second family, showed me how to thread the breath through the vinyasa flow and soon the practice became a daily meditation for me.

When AYCE opened in 1998 I had been practicing the First Series with Chris for 2 years almost every day. Chris’ grace and gentleness were the inspirations and foundation of my practice. Her presence spoke directly to my heart. After I had been doing the intermediate series (Second Series) for some time Chris asked me if I would like to apprentice with her, learn how to teach and adjust the poses, so I did. I had come to the U.S. from my homeland Spain, to get a degree in Graphic Design. When I returned home with my degree it seemed unnecessary. I preferred to teach the First Series in Madrid and to this day my deepest dream is to meet Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in India!

Chris’ loving heart has moved my soul in a way that no one else has. She was the motivating force in my way of life as a yoga teacher. Chris is a real mother to her students, a big sister and my dearest friend. She showed me the way to get attuned to my Inner Self and how to listen to the inner voice that comes from the heart. She is a very special soul!

Alicia Lopez, Ashtanga Yoga Instructor
Madrid, Spain

Ashtanga Yoga Center East specializes in the First and Second Series and there is a nice balance between Mysore and led sessions. I find the smaller intimate setting of the shala particularly useful in my practice. Chris Allen is able to devote a lot of personal attention to ashtangis and her adjustments are always appropriate, and instructional, helping me to deepen into the asana. She follows in the footsteps of her teachers, Guruji and Tim Miller and I recommend AYCE highly!

Andy Schwartz, Computer Programmer
Poway, Ca.

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Photographs by Russell Chen