The Yoga Way: Treating the Whole Child (and Adult)

It took a videotape received in college–and, a little time off–before Yana Kofman realized what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.

The owner of , on Elm Street, had always been athletic, mostly as a runner. But, after Kofman gave a dormmate a ride home one day, her fitness outlet began to turn.

"He gave me a video of yoga," specifically a video of renowed yoga instructor Patricia Walden, the native of Russia said. "I was hooked."

The Mendham resident recently moved her practice from 14 to 18 Elm St., allowing for an expansion of available classes, with age ranges from young children to seniors. It was not until about 10 years ago, however, that Kofman saw yoga as an integral part of her life and career.

Following college, her practice had trailed off. Then, she began seeing guru teacher Sonia Sumar, creator of the "Yoga for the Special Child, Sonia Sumar Method."

And with that, "this was it," she said.

Kofman's practice began exclusively with children, mostly for those with special needs. "I have always loved working with children," she said. "Ever since I was a kid myself." Kofman has two children of her own. While the 11-year-old has taken to the practice, her 23-year-old has not. "He calls me his Ghandi mother," Kofman said, laughing.

Starting as a physical therapist, Kofman realized that, with yoga, "I could treat the whole child, the whole being," she said.

While treating children with her combination of yoga and physical therapy, it was the parents of Kofman's clients that began encouraging the yogi to expand her practice to adults.

Soon after, she founded The Yoga Way in Morristown. Today, in her new expanded space, Kofman holds 10 adult-level classes, with a staff of 14 instructors.

"We're crazy busy," she said, noting a seven-day-a-week schedule.

In addition, Kofman works exclusively with special needs children at two satelite locations, in Maplewood and Livingston, as well as through community outreach programs at places like the Beit Yisrael, on Speedwell Avenue.

As for the future of her practice, Kofman said she mostly lives in the moment. "I'm really trying to focus on today."

Still, she said she would like to continue her education, as well as continue to share with others about what she knows about the integration of physical therapy and yoga, and its benefit to both children and adults, through public speaking engagements.

"This is not just yoga studio," Kofman said. "I wanted it to be a community. A yoga community is very special. Everyone is accepted."

And, it's not just about the children. "The same goes for adults," Kofman said. "It's about your own journey."