Leslie Germain is a yogi, scientist, mother, and ocean aficionado. After beginning her doctoral studies more than a decade ago, she became overwhelmed with the expectations of graduate school. Consumed with school and research, she had no time for herself…and ended up tired, stressed, and unhappy. She made the decision that she would prioritize her happiness and health, and thus began her yoga practice. She immediately noticed the benefits, as her stress levels decreased, physical stamina and strength increased, and her journey to live a happy and fulfilling life commenced.
Her background, like many in Silicon Valley, begins with the mind. She received her PhD in Marine Ecology at UC Santa Cruz in 2011. Her approach to yoga is trying to drop the awareness of the mind into the body, since her default is usually mind-driven: analytical, thorough, and concise. This translates directly into her yoga teaching style. Yoga allows the opportunity to integrate the mind and the body, attempting to turn your mind off from your constant inner thoughts. Her yoga style aims to move bodies in fun and exciting ways, pushing you into new postures previously thought impossible for you. Leslie enjoys teaching powerful vinyasa flows, cued with proper alignment for strength and mobility building, all with a light and loving energy in the room.
Leslie became RYT200 certified through Jennifer Prugh’s JOY of Yoga program in early 2017, and is currently on the road to completion of the 500 hour. Studying under Jennifer for all these years has taught her that yoga creates space for joy, and a love for life to emerge.
Leslie currently resides in San Jose with her husband, two daughters, and two fluff balls. She supports and volunteers for foundations that protect and conserve the ocean, such as The Marine Mammal Center and The Nature Conservancy.