Interview with OMFIT trainer, Rachel Rubin.

Dear Friends,

I'm happy to hear you enjoy these periodic interviews with DailyOM course authors and now with our OMFIT trainers. Today's interview is with Rachel Rubin, one of our popular yoga trainers on our OMFIT fitness app. Rachel teaches Vinyasa Flow, Gentle Yoga, Kettlebell Kundalini Yoga, and multi-focused stretching classes. Keep reading to the very end to see what people say about Rachel's classes on OMFIT!


Madisyn Taylor: Hi Rachel! You mainly teach vinyasa yoga on OMFIT. Can you tell us what it is and how it is different from other types of yoga?

Rachel Rubin: Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic yoga that sequences yoga postures and syncs them with breath. It's different because it focuses on matching movement with breath. The sequencing aspect also offers a creative approach to movement.

MT: How has yoga changed your own life?

RR: I was actually introduced to yoga after I had already been immersed in fitness for years. Yoga changed my exercise practice because it began to build my relationship with my breath and transformed my understanding of its importance for my overall well-being. It also helped me slow down, which enabled me to connect my mind and body through movement. And it instilled a deep awareness within me that my posture is the strength of my foundation.

MT: Why did you choose yoga as your discipline? What are the benefits?

RR: Yoga is just one aspect of my overall movement discipline. When I do yoga, I am able to let my mind be in control. Movement lets me tap into my body as the true keeper of all of my life experiences and emotions, and I know that I can support their integration within my whole self through the power of my yoga practice.

MT: We've just added stretching as a category on OMFIT. How are these classes different from yoga?

RR: The stretching classes are different from yoga because any workout should be performed in conjunction with stretching. On days when your body is tense, you can also do stretching on its own to help release tension and tightness. If the body is properly warmed up, the stretching component helps increase mobility and flexibility. Stretching at the end of a workout, dynamically warming up before more intense exercise, foam rolling, and therapy ball work all support the mobility and overall health of your body and help keep you injury- and pain-free.

MT: What do you love most about OMFIT?

RR: I love that it has an innovative music feature. Music is powerful in the way it taps into rhythm. Music is a means for people to feel! Giving people the option to select their own music and have it sync with their class will greatly enhance any exercise experience.

MT: How often should people take your classes?

RR: It's important that people don't put pressure on themselves to work out, so I suggest incorporating classes into your schedule in an accessible way. Three to five days per week works for all bodies. I love that OMFIT offers 20-minute classes so you can get your body moving even for those few moments. Also, I love the variety and your body loves it too! And on days when your body is sore and in need of restoration, you can do my Gentle Yoga class to help relax and recover.

MT: What's different about an OMFIT class versus an in-person class?

RR: OMFIT classes are different from in-person classes because you can do them wherever and whenever you want! You have the ability to move in the comfort of your own space and even at your own pace, if that is what you need. You can also do the class on your own schedule, which allows for flexibility that studio or gym classes won't give you.

MT: How does the customized music feature change the yoga experience?

RR: The customized music feature allows you to personalize your yoga class. If you want a more charged workout you can select energetic music, and if you want a calm experience you can choose more relaxed music. This allows people who don't connect as well with the slow flow of yoga to create a more dynamic experience just by changing the music. It's all about you!

MT: You also teach a class called Kettlebell Kundalini. What is this?

RR: Kettlebell Kundalini is the movement method I created that uses powerful and effective exercise elements for the health of the body, mind, and spirit. I've been practicing and playing with kettlebell exercise for over 10 years and advocate for its unique ability to develop core strength and address functional patterns. It was through my extensive spiritual studies that I was able to make the connection that this method also works with the energetic body and has a transforming effect on overall life. This is the kundalini. Using awareness, alignment, movement, and breath to awaken the body and moving with flow throughout! So Kettlebell Kundalini was born and has since empowered many devotees who experienced life-changing shifts, inside and out.

MT: Thank you, Rachel, for taking the time to talk with me.

Here is some feedback from OMFIT users about Rachel's classes:

This is the second class of Rachel's that I participated in, she has a lovely presence and makes learning yoga feel right. Thanks Rachel! -Cynbal

This class was amazing! Very relaxing but I felt it was also a great strength workout. The stretches felt perfect on my sore muscles. You are a natural. Your voice was so peaceful and soothing! Thank you! -FitNurseSusan

This was a fantastic introduction to yoga. Her energy is comfortable and soothing. I look forward to taking all of her other classes. -Kait44487

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I haven't been practicing much yoga the last 8.5 years due to a rotator cuff blowout and then two frozen shoulders. My second frozen shoulder is defrosting, and I really need to stretch and strengthen it. While I have been doing yoga for almost 50 years, this beautiful beginner class met me where I am now, and I feel fabulous! Rachel is a fabulous teacher and I am going to be back for more. I am going to make a commitment to do at least 20 minutes before bed each night. I really want my shoulder mobility back, and this OMFIT yoga should help me do just that! Thank you so much. Namaste -Karen_O

The greatest! Love everything about this class. Rachel is the best, her words perfectly inspire me to stretch further and also calm me to love my body as it is. -sarahdawnflow

Revitalizing and relaxing. Can't wait to do it again! -Kimbers76

I love, love, love these kettlebell kundalini classes! Keep 'em coming! -Magpie

This needs to be everyone's morning routine. Love it! -Merr61


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Clearly, people love all of her classes and are coming back for more! If you want to try some classes with Rachel, or any of our other trainers, be sure to sign up for your free 14-day trial! Until next time.

Be well,

Madisyn Taylor
Cofounder, Editor-in-Chief
DailyOM and OMFIT