Elizabeth Van Genderen
Level 2 Authorized • Full Intermediate Series
From completing the Boston Marathon to teaching the full Intermediate Series, Elizabeth's journey demonstrates the body's remarkable capacity to heal and transform through dedicated practice.
"Pratyahara (the 5th limb) means withdrawing the senses. We withdraw the senses so that we can look inward. Yoga is experience. It takes place inside, not out."
The Journey
The Athletic Foundation
Before yoga, Elizabeth was a dedicated marathon runner, completing 5 marathons including the prestigious Boston Marathon. This athletic background gave her a deep understanding of discipline, commitment, and the mind-body connection—but also led to multiple knee surgeries.
First Trip to Mysore
Elizabeth made her first pilgrimage to Mysore, India to study at the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute. What began as a single trip became an annual commitment that continues to this day—over a decade of dedicated study at the source of Ashtanga yoga.
Level 2 Authorization & Full Intermediate
Elizabeth received Level 2 Authorization and Sharath Jois' blessing to teach the Full Intermediate Series. This rare certification represents mastery of both the Primary and Intermediate sequences, as well as the ability to guide students safely through advanced practices.
Training & Certifications
- Level 2 Authorization
Sharath Jois, KPJAYI Mysore
- Full Intermediate Series Certification
Sharath Jois, KPJAYI Mysore
- Richard Freeman Month-Long Intensive
The Yoga Workshop, Boulder
- Richard Freeman Advanced Intensive
The Yoga Workshop, Boulder
- Primary Series Teacher Training
Tim Miller, first American certified teacher
- Intermediate Series Teacher Training
Tim Miller
The Body's Intelligence
Having undergone multiple knee surgeries from her marathon running days, Elizabeth is a living testament to the body's remarkable intelligence and ability to heal. She credits Ashtanga yoga for the increased range of motion, flexibility, and confidence she has found since practicing the 8 limbs.
This personal experience with injury and recovery deeply informs her teaching. Elizabeth understands that yoga must be adapted to serve the individual body, and she brings compassion and expertise to working with students of all physical backgrounds.
The Practice
Paschimottanasana (Primary Series)
Kapotasana (Intermediate Series)
Teaching Philosophy
Elizabeth is deeply humbled by her teachers' dedication to the Ashtanga lineage, their devotion to Guruji (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), and their love for their students. She carries this same reverence into her own teaching.
Her approach honors the understanding that yoga takes place inside, not out. By withdrawing the senses (pratyahara), we create space to look inward—and this is where the true transformation occurs. Elizabeth guides students in developing their own internal practice, one breath at a time.
Practice with Elizabeth
Join Elizabeth's classes and experience the depth of traditional Ashtanga yoga from a teacher authorized for the Full Intermediate Series.