Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Ran
Hi Ella, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been practicing yoga since 2012 and teaching since 2017 at the Yoga Shed in DeLand. In 2019 I purchased the studio from the previous owner, and I now teach six weekly classes at the Yoga Shed, two weekly classes in the Seminole County Correctional facility for women through Yoga 4 Change, and one weekly class at Crossfit Berzerk.
I teach Iyengar Yoga, which is known for its focus on precision and timing and the use of props to make it accessible for all ages and body types. The system of yoga known as “Iyengar Yoga” was created and developed over 75 years ago by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Mr. Iyengar devoted his life to the evolution of his approach to yoga, based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga taught over 2500 years ago by the sage Patanjali. Mr. Iyengar believed that yoga goes beyond a physical discipline- it is also an art, a science, and a philosophy, and he developed his method with this in mind. My teachers and mentors studied with B.K.S Iyengar and his family for decades. I have also attended many workshops with Prashant Iyengar and Abhijata Iyengar, including two week long intensives in Dallas, TX in 2016 and San Diego, CA in 2019.
I find the accessibility of Iyengar Yoga incredibly important and helpful. Particularly given that many students come to my classes really interested in learning the how and why of what they’re doing. As a person living with chronic pain and injuries, I know how important proper technique is.
Iyengar Yoga is a worldwide, standardized instruction system and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYTs) undergo rigorous training and evaluation to earn their certifications. Only CIYTs are permitted to describe their method of instruction as Iyengar Yoga. I began my training in 2018 and continue studying weekly with a senior Iyengar Teacher. It is a lifelong practice of learning, exploration and discovery.
My style of teaching is oriented toward gradual yet steady progress rather than quick results. Through skilled instruction and practice, my students learn to penetrate beyond the physical body to the inner kosas (layers) of mind, energy, and spirit, gaining vitality, clarity, and calm. Iyengar Yoga is a powerful and sophisticated discipline that can be practiced at all stages of life. Its benefits are far-reaching and can assist the practitioner in all aspects of daily life.
I first came to yoga due to neck injuries from my career in skydiving, and have found it to be a life-changing practice with benefits far beyond pain management and injury prevention. I am inspired by the use of yoga to reduce or eliminate pain, and beyond that to create a sense of empowerment, capability, stability, mobility and poise.
My classes are engaging, fun, inspiring and constantly evolving. I bring warmth, an abundance of patience and fun to each practice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, purchasing a yoga studio just months before a global pandemic hit was not easy. Keeping the studio open was very challenging. Our studio was on the DeLand airport for more than a decade, and through collaboration with our partner Lisa Monti at Soul Needs DeLand, we were able to move downtown in March of 2024. The new space is absolutely beautiful, inviting and has much better visibility and accessibility.
Additionally, while working towards my first level of Iyengar Yoga Certification I was also the primary caregiver for my father as he passed from cancer. My yoga practice helped me through these incredibly challenging times. It allowed me to be more present and patient, and also helped me to cope with the difficult emotions I experienced while supporting my father and family during that time.
My neck injury occasionally flares up and leaves me physically limited. So learning how to practice and teach through those flare ups has helped me become an even more compassionate, patient and skillful teacher. I have also had to learn how to practice carefully in such a way that doesn’t cause further harm, but allows me to experience the benefits of yoga while being mindful of my own limitations and needs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in back and neck care, due to my personal experience with injuries sustained over many years as a professional skydiver. I’m known for being a compassionate, energizing and inspiring teacher. I offer clear, effective instructions to students at any level and age.
My five years living in Israel and extensive travel has allowed me to experience different ways of living and see things from various perspectives. I’m particularly fond of learning new languages, and am fluent in Hebrew and continue my studies of Sanksrit.
My classes are almost 50% men, which is somewhat of an anomaly in many yoga studios. I have a wide range of ages that I teach, and have done several courses for teaching children and those requiring more therapeutic work. Many of my consistent students are in their mid 70s – 80s; a clear indication of the accessibility that my students experience in general classes.
Don’t take my word from this though. Here are a couple of reviews from my students!
“I have been “practicing” yoga for more than two decades. I took my first class 12 years ago. I started with Ella a year ago and it is like night and day! Alignment and guidance with Ella has elevated my practice to a whole new level. The bonus has been Ella’s attention to my personal physical issues. An anterior discomfort I have been struggling with for years is now resolved. My hip issue that has been with me for decades was addressed in the span of one class using a strap. I bought one to take home, used it once, and that’s it. The cherry on top is Ella. A more compassionate, focused, competent, joyful instructor I have never met. Love you Ella!” ~ Janice
“Classes at the Yoga Shed are the best yoga classes I have ever taken. I have taken classes in Maryland for many years and none of them have met the quality and personal instruction that I have received here. They offer a variety of classes here and each one is very special.” ~ Holly
“Since its founding over a decade ago, the Yoga Shed in Deland has stood head and shoulders above other yoga studios that I have experienced in central Florida. It’s most recent proprietor, Ella Ran, continues to expand her own capabilities and raise the standard of services offered to her clientele. Among others, that includes a wonderfully comfortable, new studio space in the heart of downtown Deland. Go! You’ll be glad you did!!” ~Shannon
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am extremely passionate about social justice, international affairs, skydiving, surfing, gardening and above all – my family. Especially my dog Andy, who comes to almost every class and lays in Shavasana (corpse pose) napping for most of the class. Apart from the hellos and goodbyes that she offers to all at the start & end of class. I’m a native DeLandite, and my mom & idol Janet has owned the Muse Book Shop for over 40 years in downtown DeLand.
I believe Yoga truly is for every body. It’s not about mobility, or strength/stability – although those are main themes of our asana (physical postures) practice. It’s about culturing our minds and becoming more skillful in how we live our lives. Yoga helps us to be more connected with ourselves, others and this world. This is increasingly important as things like anxiety and depression become ubiquitous. This practice helps us to meet the challenges of modern life with skill and poise…and considerably less anxiety! =)
I see Yoga as a life long practice, and I’m so grateful I found it this “early” in life. I invite everyone to try a class with us, and feel the benefits for yourself!
Pricing:
- Drop in $18/class
- Discounted Class Pass $16/class
- 2-3 hour Workshops $25-45
- Private Lessons $75
- Private Group Lessons from $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yogadeland.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yogasheddeland
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/yogadeland
Image Credits
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