WORKING -- Juris Zinbergs

-- Story by Sue Doyle; photo by Marianna Day Massey

HE IS

Bending and twisting his way to good health.

MIND OVER MATTER

As a yoga instructor, Juris Zinbergs teaches people how to bend their

bodies into complex and twisted positions for exercise. He leads 25

classes weekly throughout Orange County, including ones at the Yoga Place

in Costa Mesa. He’s often hired by corporations to teach employees how to

relax.

“I feel like one of my jobs is to help people reconnect to something less

intense, because the corporate world takes a toll on bodies,” Zinbergs

said.

LIVING OUTSIDE THE BOX

It’s only been a few years since Zinbergs, 32, was part of the corporate

world, working in a cubicle. He worked in the restaurant management

business and traveled nationwide to teach others how become part of the

food chain.

Business life wore down Zinbergs, who said he became stressed out and

obese over time. He knew there was something else out there to accomplish

in his life.

Everything changed when he discovered yoga. It soon became a major part

of his lifestyle.

Zinbergs knew this was the change he was waiting for. He studied yoga for

five years in order to become a professional.

He doesn’t regret the change.

“It’s not the most financially gratifying,” Zinbergs said. “But in terms

of what I’ve done with my body and mind, I have a sense of well-being

that’s more gratifying.”

BREATHING BETWEEN THE LINES

Zinbergs’ classes force people to focus on their breathing techniques. He

says there’s a relationship between breathing and conscious behavior.

When people are stressed out, they take shorter breaths. But when the

mind is relaxed, breathing slows down.

“Deep breaths help you reconnect with what’s important in your life,”

Zinbergs said.

PRACTICING WHAT HE PREACHES

After a day loaded with classes, Zinbergs finds time to relax at home.

Sometimes it’s through meditation; other times it’s through deep

breathing and reflection.

But to spice things up a bit, he’s training to run in a triathlon.