Contact Us


For questions and enquiries:

support 'at' runnersyoga.com
Ph: 604.932.0621

 

About the creator of the Runner's Yoga Program:

Van_Nepal
Celebrating his 50th birthday with a handstand in the Himalayas

Van Clayton Powel

Van is the founder of Mind-Body Fitness, Inc., a Canadian company that has been teaching advanced health and fitness techniques to clients like the Canadian National Snowboard Team, Olympic athletes and coaches, and corporations like VISA and Intrawest since 1996.

His background reflects his unique approach to all things fitness. He started as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, graduating as top student in his class and serving as valedictorian before specializing in addictions treatment and emergency psychiatric assessments. He went on to have a research article published and served on the Board of Directors of the RPNABC.

But he also spent years in Asia studying Yoga, Martial Arts, and Traditional Medicine, including intensive studies with several of the world’s top Ayurvedic physicians in India. And it is this powerful combination of clinical experience with Western Medicine and Eastern Therapies that he has blended into a unique and practical approach to total wellness.

Known for his light-hearted, realistic teaching style, Van started studying yoga over 30 years ago in Japan, and has been teaching it for the last fourteen years. He has studied with some of the world’s finest instructors, designed his own forms, and taught thousands of students. (He brought the first Ashtanga yoga workshops to western Canada, completed his teacher’s training with David Swenson, and also studied with Beryl Bender Birch, Nancy Gilgoff, Norman Allen, Dr. Peter Bennett, and Dr. John Douillard.)

An avid runner from a young age, he says, “I’ve always loved running but after numerous knee operations and injuries I had to adapt, or quit. The Runner’s Yoga Program is the only reason I’m able to run today. It has been amazing for both rehab and injury prevention, and I use every single part of it myself.”

Van and his wife Roxanne have been together for over 35 years and spend most of their time in the mountain resort of Whistler, Canada.

 

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What Others Say:

BACK DOING YOGA AGAIN
"Hey Van, just wanted to let you know that I have finally made time to go through
all the movie files and they are awesome!

I feel like I am back in class with you! These have reminded me of just how thorough you are as a teacher.

I can't wait to be confidently doing my 30 minute sequence (I am definitely a bit rusty!! and out of shape right now) not for long though... all the best..."
Sue Carmody, SusanCarmodyPhotography.com

6th DEGREE BLACK BELT MARTIAL ARTIST
Runner's Yoga
"Using the Runner's Yoga Program 3-4 days a week is keeping me injury free. And it’s keeping all the aches and pains of my old injuries away. That’s a BIG deal to me as a martial artist.

Not to mention that I’m saving a ton of money I would have spent on physio and massage or acupuncture. I’m convinced this is the world’s most advanced home-fitness program. Thank you!"
N Tropp, 6th Degree Black Belt (TaeKwon Do, HwaRang Do), Masters Public Health,
E.R Physician Assistant

PHYSIOTHERAPIST
"A perfect combination of dynamic stretching, strengthening and movement control …
a culmination of proven tools to achieve balance both physically
and mentally."
A. McLean, MSc., Physiotherapist

LIKE A MEDITATION
"It is like my meditation…takes my mind off anything I am thinking of. Honestly, it has been
my savior…"
C.H. (Australia)

BUSY EXECUTIVE
"I find it a fantastic way to keep in shape while
away on trips."
L. Zatloukal
Marketing Executive, U.K.

HOLY COW!
"It sure did help my running. Holy cow!"
Richard T, Canada

MADE IT EASY TO CONTINUE
"Thank you! I really like how easy you made it easy
with the planner to continue on with Runner’s Yoga."
DP, Vancouver

GETS BETTER AND BETTER
"It gets better and better. Even after a few sessions I started to feel it already.
As I do it more I can make it more intense."
C.C. (Denmark)

PERFECT AMOUNT OF TIME
"I use the audio recording a lot. It’s the perfect amount of time and works all the spots that need it."
D. Den Duyf

NATIONAL TEAM SNOWBOARDER
Runner's Yoga
"I really like the Runner’s Yoga routine. It improved my balance a lot and that gave me so much more confidence in my riding.

I use the Core Breathing
technique too and it’s really good to keep my focus and awareness. Even for my speed and power I like this yoga."
Akane Saito, Former member Japan National Snowboard Team

ULTRA-MARATHON RECORD HOLDERRunner's Yoga
"I have resisted doing yoga for many years because I thought I didn’t have time to do a daily routine of running, crunches, push-ups AND Yoga. 

But Van has put together an incredibly efficient and quick routine that is very easy to follow and works on almost every aspect of fitness - strength, agility, balance, coordination, flexibility.

I would recommend it to all runners to round out your fitness program and help prevent injuries."
Kevin Titus
Ultra Marathon Record Holder

INJURIES
"I’ve noticed a big improvement in my shoulder injury and abdominal strength."
Adam Hill, Mountain Bike, Paragliding and Trekking Guide, Nepal

SURPRISED
"I was surprised at how much you can cover in a half hour."
L.O.

OLYMPIC MEDALIST
Runner's Yoga_Runner's Yoga
"The Runner’s Yoga Program is a great complement to any training program."
Lynn Kanuka, Olympic Bronze Medal 3,000 Meters, SportMedBC Program Coordinator

I’VE TRIED VIDEOS BEFORE
"I really like having the audio recording. I’ve tried videos before and find I get twisted up like a pretzel. This is much better.

I’m using the Core Breathing when I run, too, and it keeps me very relaxed."
Meghan O, Vancouver

BUSY MOM
"It's perfect! As the mother of a one-year old, thirty minutes is often all the time I can get."
Jennifer H. (U.S.)

PRO SNOWBOARD TRAINER
Matt_Belair
"Wanted to let you know that as a Professional Snowboard Trainer I'm always looking for the best ways to train myself
and my riders.

I've taken yoga classes before but NO yoga class or other fitness plan has been as effective and helpful as
the Runner's Yoga Program.

The fact that the Yoga is only 30 minutes and does everything I need (and more!) is perfect. I feel great after doing it and have noticed a huge increase
in my flexibility and
peace of mind. Thanks!"
Matt Belair SnowboardAcademy.com

I HATE RUNNING
"I hate running but I really like this yoga! I love the beat. It helps calm my mind and keep me focused.

And I’m quite surprised that I’m actually doing the routine on my own. I’ve tried all kinds of videos and other things but never stick with it. This one I’m doing.

I think your voice really helps, too. It’s very soothing."
Marilyn C.

THE BEAT IS A WONDERFUL WAY…
"Now that I've been doing it for a couple weeks and know the routine better,
I'm finding the beat is a wonderful way to get into the breathing and flow.
Very nice."
A.L. (UK)

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Val_Burke
"I find it really easy to follow the audio recording. It’s a great way for runners to stretch tight muscles and work on proprioceptor and core stability."
Val Burke, Exercise Physiologist and Endurance Training Specialist

WORLD CUP DOWNHILL SKIER
"I'm using the breathing technique you taught me in the start gate. It's great."
Britt Janyk
Canadian National Ski Team

MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPION
"The Runner’s Yoga Program has been great for my mountain bike riding. I’ve found it has improved my balance, my awareness and my overall strength, especially my upper body strength, which is so important to riding.

And of course it has been fantastic for keeping me flexible. I love my Runner's Yoga - it's fun, fast and efficient. A perfect fit for my hectic life style."
U. Scherer, Former BC Mountain Bike Champion &
“Test of Metal” Winner

KINESIOLOGIST & MARATHONER
Runner's Yoga
"The Runner’s Yoga Program has dramatically changed the way I run. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I went for a 27 km run early on Sunday morning and I used the Core Breathing. Took me a little bit of time at the beginning to get into the rhythm, but after that I was surprised at how calm I felt throughout the run."
D Suzuki, Registered Kinesiologist, Marathoner

ALL THE THINGS THAT HURT
"It stretches all the things that hurt. It’s perfect."
Bridgette (Vancouver)

POSTURE AND AWARENESS
"Great program! I got so much out of it and think that you have a very unique and wonderful way of teaching.

I’ve noticed a big difference in my posture and my awareness of how I hold myself. Thank you!"
Narelle D, Marketing Manager (Australia)

EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS
"Was looking for a practical, efficient routine, short enough to be doable - totally met and exceeded my expectations."
V.E.

BUSINESS OWNER
Runner's Yoga
"After participating in a wide variety of yoga classes, I have to let you know that your teaching style is the best I've experienced.

My 3-year practice with you improved my balance, flexibility, overall health, and eliminated a couple chronic conditions I had. Even now, seven years later, what I gained by following your teaching has stuck with me."
Troy Assaly, I.T. Business Owner (resortac.com)

PHYSIOTHERAPIST
"In his Runner’s Yoga, Van has succeeded in creating an effective and balanced workout that should improve athletic performance and help reduce the risk of injury. 

Using the principles and postures of yoga, this 30-minute regimen blends strengthening and stretching exercises with balance and breath control that enhances and enriches the body, mind and spirit."
J Rogers, Physiotherapist

"The half hour flies by."
H.H.

"Excellently organized and researched. Anyone who is serious about overall health and fitness should try this program."
Luci B.

"Excellent, dynamic teacher."
TJ, Vancouver

INSPIRING AND SAFE
"Van’s approach to yoga is not only inspiring but more
importantly it is safe and without ego.  He promotes
yoga for the individual, always ensuring that each student is at a place that is right for them.

Whether you’re young or old, an athlete or an academic, I would highly recommend any of Van's programs. You will walk away empowered and inspired with a new outlook on the world of yoga and what it can bring you."
Nicole Thomas, Business Owner