In today’s episode, Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Lara Heimann talk about how common it is that yoga teachers complete Yoga Teacher Trainings without understanding how the body works. We discuss incorporating veganism into Yoga and we talk about Lara’s vegan journey.

The seeds of Lara's fascination with the brain-body connection were planted at the tender age of 18 as she laced up her running shoes for a marathon she had not trained for. Hitting the wall at mile 20, Lara learned that she could overcome physical fatigue with mental strength and powered herself across the finish line and into a lifelong quest to learn about the physical-mental relationship. She went on to get a BA from Duke University in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, an MS from Duke University in Physical Therapy, and a Neurodevelopmental Training Certification through Stanford University.

In 1999, after several years of yoga practice and teaching, Lara took a 200-hour yoga teacher training and was shocked to learn that most yoga doesn’t inform about body awareness and mechanics. In the years to follow, Lara created her LYT Yoga Method®, combining physiology, kinesiology, neurology, and functional movement patterns to yield a more cohesive philosophy.

Lara Heimann is an international yoga pioneer and Physical Therapist focused on evolving the practice of yoga to empower movement and balance amidst a modern lifestyle of technology and sedentariness. She is redefining the modern practice of yoga through her comprehensive LYT Method®, emphasizing smart alignment, functional movement, and spiritual wellness.


Lara has taught her methodology to thousands of students in more than 50 countries and has led workshops worldwide to speak about and explore consciousness, anatomy and purposeful movement. She is a regular contributor to Women Fitness, and has been featured in outlets like NBC News, Today Show, Inside Edition, Yahoo, Shape, Scientific American, MSN, Nylon, Pop Sugar, Elite Daily, Well+Good and so many more. She has also partnered with the New York City Department of Transportation to lead a city-wide yoga class to nearly 400 participants during its Summer Streets initiative.


Through its holistic connection between body and mind, Lara’s methodology is a clear and influential roadmap to ignite the spirit to operate at its highest potential. Coined a “yoga mama” by students across the globe, and a teacher of teachers, Lara is also a certified Natural Food Chef (Natural Kitchen Cooking School) and Holistic Health Coach (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) who champions healthy habits beyond the mat and advocates for the environment and all species of animals.


In today’s episode, Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Lara Heimann talk about how common it is that yoga teachers complete Yoga Teacher Trainings without understanding how the body works. We discuss incorporating veganism into Yoga and we talk about Lara’s vegan journey.

Connect with Lara:

Website: lytyoga.com
Instagram: @lara.heimann

To you want to support this show? If you enjoy the Yoga is Vegan podcast a great way to show your support is by leaving a review on the Apple Podcasts app. This helps other find the podcast and hopefully find the connection between Yoga and Veganism. Following the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts helps also.