- Beginnings
- Expansion
- Yoga For Strength
- 15 Favorite Yoga Poses
- Thailand: Where It All Began
- The Future For Daniel Epega
Beginnings
Daniel Epega experienced a path to becoming a yoga instructor that was far from traditional. Born in bustling New York City, he initially pursued a corporate career that left little room for personal exploration. Yet, beneath the surface, Daniel felt a pull toward something more fulfilling. His first encounter with yoga came during a friend’s recommendation to try a Bikram yoga class. The intense, heated environment was physically demanding and mentally grounding—a stark contrast to the rigid structure of his day job.
“I left that first class drenched and exhausted,” Daniel would later recall, “but I also felt something I hadn’t in years—a deep connection to myself.”
Over time, his casual practice turned into a daily ritual. Daniel Epega began studying the principles of Bikram yoga, diving into its philosophy and rigorous discipline. Determined to deepen his knowledge, he attended a Bikram Yoga Teacher Training program. It was during this intensive nine-week training that he discovered not only the technicalities of teaching but also the transformative power of helping others achieve balance and strength.
In 2008, Daniel left his corporate job to open his first yoga studio in a small, sunlit space downtown. The beginnings were humble—mats rolled out in close quarters, a handful of dedicated students—but his passion for teaching was contagious. Daniel’s classes combined the physical intensity of Bikram yoga with his uniquely empathetic teaching style. Word spread quickly, and what began as a single class grew into a community of practitioners who valued his guidance and energy.
Expansion
With growing demand, Daniel saw an opportunity to expand his practice. By 2012, he had opened his second location, creating spaces that reflected the calming yet invigorating energy of his teachings. Each studio became a sanctuary, designed with warm wood tones, natural lighting, and serene artwork to inspire focus and tranquility.
Daniel Epega’s ability to connect with students on both a physical and personal level was the cornerstone of his success. He developed a reputation not only as a skilled instructor but also as a visionary leader. By 2020, his practice had grown to encompass six locations, each thriving with a dedicated following.
To maintain the integrity of his teaching across multiple studios, Daniel focused on training his staff meticulously, ensuring that every instructor embodied the same values of discipline, mindfulness, and care. He also offered workshops and retreats, fostering a sense of community that extended beyond the studio walls.
Yoga For Strength
For Daniel, yoga is more than a meditative practice; it is a cornerstone of physical and mental strength. As he transitioned into his mid-thirties, he began to explore yoga as a means of building resilience—not just flexibility. His classes started to include elements of power yoga, integrating challenging poses that pushed his students’ boundaries.
“I want people to see yoga as more than stretching or relaxation,” Daniel explained. “It’s about fortifying your body and mind, about standing strong both on and off the mat.”
Daniel often demonstrated poses that emphasized strength, like the Warrior series, Plank, and Crow Pose. He encouraged his students to embrace these challenges, celebrating small victories in holding poses longer or maintaining their balance. Beyond the physical, Daniel wove lessons about inner strength into his classes.
For example, during particularly demanding sequences, he would share anecdotes from his own journey—how yoga had taught him patience, perseverance, and humility. His ability to blend the physical intensity of the practice with profound life lessons earned him a loyal following.
Yoga also became a means for Daniel to recover from old injuries sustained during his younger, more reckless days. It strengthened his core, alleviated back pain, and improved his overall stamina. He often reminded his students that strength was not just about muscle but also about endurance, focus, and the ability to adapt.
15 Favorite Yoga Poses
These 15 poses represent Daniel’s philosophy of balance, strength, and mindfulness, offering something for every level of practitioner.
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Description: Standing tall with feet together, arms at the sides, and shoulders relaxed.
Why: Daniel loves this pose for its simplicity and grounding effect. It serves as a reminder to center yourself before embarking on a sequence.
2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Description: Hands and feet press into the mat, forming an inverted V shape with the body.
Why: A favorite for its versatility, he appreciates how it stretches the hamstrings and shoulders while building strength in the arms and core.
3. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Description: A lunge pose with the front knee bent, arms extended parallel to the ground, and gaze over the front hand.
Why: This pose symbolizes strength and focus, two qualities he often emphasizes in his classes.
4. Crow Pose (Bakasana)
Description: Balancing on the hands with the knees resting on the upper arms.
Why: He finds this pose empowering, as it challenges both balance and mental focus while building arm and core strength.
5. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
Description: A high push-up position with the body in a straight line from head to heels.
Why: A staple for core strength, Daniel loves Plank Pose for its simplicity and effectiveness in building endurance.
6. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Description: Balancing on one leg with the other foot placed on the inner thigh or calf, hands joined in prayer or raised overhead.
Why: Daniel appreciates Tree Pose for cultivating balance and focus, as well as a connection to nature.
7. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Description: A side stretch with one hand reaching toward the floor and the other toward the sky, legs wide apart.
Why: This pose combines strength, stability, and a deep stretch, which he finds revitalizing.
8. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Description: A backbend where the hands reach for the heels while the chest lifts upward.
Why: He enjoys the heart-opening benefits of this pose, which helps counteract the effects of sitting and hunching.
9. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Description: Sitting with legs extended forward, bending at the hips to reach for the feet.
Why: This pose offers a calming stretch for the hamstrings and spine, which he finds restorative after a long day.
10. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Description: Lying on the back, lifting the hips while pressing the feet and shoulders into the mat.
Why: Daniel loves the gentle backbend and hip-opening effects of this pose, which also strengthens the glutes and lower back.
11. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Description: Kneeling on the mat, arms extended forward, and forehead resting on the ground.
Why: A go-to for relaxation, he values this pose for its grounding effect and ability to release tension in the lower back.
12. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
Description: Balancing on one leg with the opposite arm and leg extended upward, forming a crescent shape.
Why: He appreciates the balance and focus required in this pose, as well as the deep side stretch it provides.
13. Boat Pose (Navasana)
Description: Sitting with the legs lifted and torso leaned back, forming a V shape with the body.
Why: As a core-strengthening favorite, Daniel incorporates this pose to build stability and endurance.
14. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Description: One leg bent in front with the other extended behind, torso upright or folding forward.
Why: He finds this pose invaluable for opening the hips and releasing stored tension.
15. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Description: Lying flat on the back with arms at the sides, palms facing up.
Why: As the final resting pose, he sees Savasana as a moment of surrender, allowing the mind and body to fully absorb the benefits of the practice.
Thailand: Where It All Began
Daniel’s passion for yoga deepened after a transformative trip to Thailand in his late twenties. While backpacking through Chiang Mai, he stumbled upon a serene yoga retreat nestled in the hills. Here, he met his mentor, Sri Dharma Mittra, a revered yoga teacher whose wisdom had shaped many practitioners around the world.
Sri Dharma’s approach to yoga went beyond the physical. He emphasized compassion, service, and the spiritual essence of the practice. Daniel immersed himself in Sri Dharma’s teachings, waking before sunrise for meditation, chanting, and asana practice.
The retreat was also where Daniel experienced yoga in its traditional form, including Hatha and Ashtanga styles. The trip solidified his commitment to the practice, not just as an instructor but as a lifelong student. Upon returning home, Daniel integrated Sri Dharma’s teachings into his classes, offering a more holistic approach that resonated deeply with his students.
The Future For Daniel Epega
Daniel Epega’s journey from corporate professional to celebrated yoga instructor and entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion. Through hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to his craft, Daniel built a thriving yoga community that continues to inspire strength, mindfulness, and growth. His story is one of embracing challenges, discovering purpose, and sharing it with the world.