Sara Harward
“I have always been drawn to yoga classes and instructors where there is freedom and playfulness and opportunities for exploration”
Sara, a former track athlete and a continuing marathon runner, is a 200 RYT and has earned other various fitness certifications. Additionally, Sara has been trained in a range of coaching and leadership philosophies.
Sara has practiced yoga in the Chapel Hill and surrounding area for 18 years. Sara’s yoga mentors include Carrington Jackson: who instilled in her a love for the practice. After Asher, her first son, was born, Sara signed up for a Mommy Baby Post-Natal Yoga series at Triangle Yoga with Carrington. She was scared and wide-eyed, and young and excited. At that time, yoga provided Sara with a beautiful safe place and space, where she could go with her new baby to be exactly who she was, vulnerable, imperfect, and hopeful. Throughout her yoga journey Sara also found mentors in Lori Hernandez, Shelley Roupas, and Heather Kasey, each of which provided support and coaching in unique ways that shaped Sara’s yoga practice and life.
Sara is a life-long student and lover of learning. She is happiest when she is being challenged in some way or learning something new; a skill, a different opinion, a recipe, a new arm balance. She is a Tar Heel born and bred, a Francophile, and craves soulful music, conversations and books. She needs space and time outside and feels most serene and soothed near the sea.
She is passionate about serving her community and committed to developing and investing in the next generation of leaders. Recently she has loved being involved with the FORevHER Tar Heel Mentoring program for female UNC athletes.
Sara and her husband, Shannon, have three children and live in Chapel Hill with their golden retrievers, Banks and Bloom.
Training and Education
Get to Know Sara
“I find so much inspiration in watching students move in a way that is right for them in that exact moment.”
INSPIRATION
Child’s Pose
“This pose instantly brings me to my mat and the present moment.”
FAVORITE POSE
Teaching Style
Sara allows herself to see and be seen. Her attention to the present moment is obvious through her encouragement to each student throughout a practice. She creates space for everyone in the room and provides gentle assists and adjustments throughout. Sara expertly offers modifications, challenges, and other real-time adaptations based on the yogis in the room.
Sara feels the responsibility of caring for each person that steps onto their mat. It's more than just yoga to Sara. Her classes are an opportunity to create a connection and inspire others.
Sara invites play onto her mat as she invites yogis to experiment and explore new poses. It's almost guaranteed that you’ll hear 90’s hip hop in each of Sara’s classes as she curates thoughtful and FUN playlists for each class.