Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Tesar.
Hi Cindy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been practicing yoga for over a decade and still remember the early awkwardness of poses, the challenge of movement, and the uncertainty of my body’s limitations. In 2022, I chose to take my passion for yoga a step further by completing teacher training. I became certified to share the transformative power of yoga—especially with those navigating physical challenges. Having undergone multiple surgeries, including a hip replacement and a corrective procedure, I experienced firsthand how yoga supported my recovery and helped maintain strength, mobility, and resilience.
Today, I dedicate my teaching to helping others build strength and flexibility, particularly those with joint or mobility concerns. I understand discomfort and emphasize that no one should be forced into poses that compromise safety or ease. Modifications are always available because one size truly does not fit all. My teaching is rooted in the belief that yoga is not about achieving a “perfect pose,” but about stretching, strengthening, and feeling better through mindful, foundational practice.
My classes—regardless of level—focus on calming the mind, connecting with the body, supporting the core and back, and using breath as a guide for movement. Balance work is an essential component, especially as we age, and each session closes with a restorative 7–10 minute Savasana to ground and reconnect. Yoga, to me, is a way to begin anew, to release what no longer serves us, and to open the heart to love.
Since earning my initial certification, I have continued to study at Asheville Yoga Center, returning regularly for further education and growth. This month marks another milestone in my ongoing training. I have also opened my own studio, transitioning to a more private, intimate space. The smaller class size allows me to share the full eight limbs of yoga—beyond exercise on a mat—creating a more personal, meaningful experience for each student.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was diagnosed with early-onset arthritis, and over time my joints and spine needed some fixing—little tweaks here and there. Eventually, I had a hip replacement, and then a corrective one a couple of years later. Each time, my recovery was surprisingly quick, and I really credit that to yoga. My body was strong and healthy from the practice, and that made all the difference.
That’s a big part of why I do what I do now. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people strengthen and support their bodies—especially anyone dealing with joint issues or mobility challenges. I know what that pain feels like, and I would never ask someone to do something that puts their comfort or safety at risk just to “get there.” Sometimes we don’t get there—and that’s okay. There’s always a way to modify, to make a pose work for your body. Yoga isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what feels right for you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of Rising Sun Yoga and Wellness. The studio actually began with a simple request for chair yoga from a few women who were having trouble getting up and down but still wanted to keep practicing. From that moment, I knew Rising Sun would be a space for everyone—people of all ages, all abilities, and all levels of experience.
Here, everyone has the opportunity to practice and to know that it’s completely okay not to look like a Google image of a yogi. I offer a variety of classes—stretch, gentle, chair, and Pilates—and I’m always adding new ways to build strength, increase flexibility, and develop stability. Each class is designed to work the body from head to toe, helping students feel stronger, steadier, and more connected.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Not everyone knows that I’ve managed both psoriatic and osteoarthritis over the years, and I’ve had 14 surgeries—six of them on my feet.
Pricing:
- Drop In Single Class: $15.00
- 5 class pass: $60.00
- 10 class pass $110.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risingsunellijay.com/
- Instagram: studio_ellijay
- Facebook: risingsunellijay
- LinkedIn: Cynthia Tesar
Image Credits
Rebecca Laurel Creative
