Zen Yoga Studio

our story

ellen's story

I have never felt comfortable in my own skin. I spent the better part of my early life trying to keep the peace in my family, and was always worried about everyone else. After a few traumatic events in 1998, 2008 and 2010, I was lost, broken, and in need of a spiritual fix. I first tried yoga at community college in 2005, and then again in 2010, but it didn’t really stick until 2013. That is when I truly believe yoga began to save my life.

I was a runner and used to run five to eight miles a day, so I was already in the groove of a daily workout routine. However, the winter weather in Columbus led me to try yoga with a friend. I started at a hot power studio, with loud pumping music, rigorous sequences, and left drenched in sweat. I began going to classes pretty much daily right from the start. That’s just how I am, an all or nothing kind-of gal.

At first yoga was a way for me to turn off life for an hour. I was in graduate school at The Ohio State University and was under TON of pressure. Yoga was a way for me to get out of my head. To let go of the negative self-talk. To stop comparing myself to everyone else, and just work on myself. As my practice grew, I moved on to a non-heated, non-power studio, fell in love with a teacher’s style, and signed up for her 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2015.

I used yoga to peel away all of the layers, and start rebuilding myself from the ground up. And I have done just that. So much so that I opened Zen Yoga in July of 2019. I am grateful every day that I get to live this dream we call life and spend each day trying to give back the gift of yoga.

zen's story

Zen Eilers is the four-legged co-owner, chief greeter, and unofficial CEO (Canine Executive Officer) of Zen Yoga Studio in Columbus, Ohio. Known for his flawless downward dog and even better tail wags, Zen’s job is to make sure everyone feels welcome the moment they walk in the door.

With a naturally chill vibe and a talent for napping through classes, Zen keeps the studio grounded. He loves greeting students, supervising classes from his favorite sunspot, and reminding everyone to take more breaks and enjoy the little things—like treats.

When he’s off duty, Zen can be found exploring Columbus on walks, sniffing absolutely everything, and spending time with his human. He brings joy, comfort, and a whole lot of personality to the Zen Yoga Studio community.