Photos by Jamie Alexander
When Liz Faught began practicing yoga in 2009, she noticed a shift in her energy and overall disposition within just a month. Her journey with this new way of life would open for her several years down the road.
When Faught moved back to Owensboro from Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2010, she took a several year hiatus from practicing yoga in a studio. After finding her studio home at 270 Power Yoga, she says she is incredibly grateful for the world of opportunities that followed.
“I met Ericka Roberts, who introduced me to the power vinyasa style of yoga and to 270 Power Yoga. Rebecca Bickett Roby created the studio to generate community and empower others. This is exactly what it represented for me,” Faught said.
A few months after practicing yoga at 270 Power Yoga, Faught signed up for Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at the studio.
“When I signed up to do YTT, I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone and was determined to do something I had always wanted to do. I felt the most connected to life and balanced when I incorporated the physical practice of yoga and the yogic principles, along with my faith, into my daily life,” Faught said.
With her family’s support and Bickett’s encouragement, Faught graduated Yoga Teacher Training in November 2018.
The following summer, Faught was ready to take her commitment to the studio to the next level.
“I started having conversations with Rebecca about my desire to become her business partner. I officially became a co-owner in September 2019. Along with managing a small business and teaching classes, I completed multiple trainings to further my education, and developed connections worldwide,” Faught said.
According to Faught, there are many myths and misconceptions around yoga, a practice that originated as an oral tradition and eventually incorporated the physical space, asana, that most know or consider yoga to be.
“What is widely known in the western world as a form of “fitness” is not the historical practice of yoga. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means to join, to yoke or to unite. Yoga is more than physical movements, it is a way of life,” Faught said.
Another misconception some may have about yoga is that it is a religious practice. Faught says though it is not a religious practice, it can be a powerful tool to deepen one’s spirituality.
“I am a Christian and use yoga for physical benefits and to develop my faith and relationship with Christ,” Faught said.
A few benefits of yoga include stronger bones, lower stress levels, increased flexibility, lower blood pressure and anxiety relief. Other benefits include improved brain function, clarity and focus. Maintaining a healthy weight, improved balance and relief from chronic back and neck pain are other positive effects of this practice.
As far as what fuels her passion for yoga, Faught recognizes the benefits of this practice beyond physical fitness.
“It is essential to stay in the work and be committed to growth,” Faught said. “It is a moment-to-moment choice and provides access for me to be the most faithful, courageous, and loving individual I can be.”
Faught is currently completing a year-long leadership training.
“My certifications are: E-RYT 200, RYT 500, CEP with Yoga Alliance and a Tier 2 Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Educator. I enjoy generating and cultivating connections and relationships, empowering others to live authentic lives aligned to their core values. There is always potential for growth and expansion,” Faught said.
In her personal life, Faught is the mother of three children, Sam (16), Brennan (14) and Sara (10). Faught and her husband Ryan recently celebrated their 20-year anniversary and are active members of their church. Faught enjoys gardening, traveling, hiking, scuba diving, camping and most outdoor adventures.
While there are many opportunities to become active locally, Faught is grateful to be the part of a practice she considers to be so much more.
“We are fortunate to have many options for fitness within our community. However, yoga is fitness and so much more. It encompasses your mind, body and soul, connecting to yourself and with others. It’s about being a good human, serving, loving, accepting, and transforming,” Faught said.
