About Anand

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Ken "Anand" von Roenn (ERYT 500) embarked on his yoga journey in 1995 at Arizona State University, initially drawn to Iyengar yoga to enhance his rock climbing prowess. Following injuries and three surgeries resulting from climbing, he turned to yoga as a means of physical and mental rehabilitation. His dedication led him to enroll in the Yoga East teacher training program in Louisville, Kentucky, where he discovered a passion for sharing his knowledge through teaching.

Over the next decade, Ken delved into various yoga styles, instructing in hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, and Anusara Yoga. Upon his relocation to Miami in 2005, his practices and teachings evolved into the distinctive style of Skanda Yoga (RYS), earning recognition from the Yoga Alliance as an independent yoga style. Ken is the accomplished author of three books: "The Practice of Skanda Yoga," "Classes of Enchantment," and "ADHO MUKHA VRKSASANA."

In addition to his literary contributions, Ken has developed a mobile app named "Skanda Yoga Practice," offering a convenient platform for accessing his classes and teachings. Known for his dynamic and engaging style, his classes are a blend of enjoyment, information, and challenge.

Anand advocates a nuanced approach to asana, emphasizing the existence of diverse alignment positions, each offering unique benefits. Rather than imposing predetermined patterns on the body, he encourages individuals to discover the alignment method that suits their specific physique. In defining alignment, two perspectives emerge: the first involves positioning components in straight lines or perfect angles, known as "standard alignment" in Skanda Yoga, fostering strength and requiring self-effort for the ideal form. The second, termed "dynamic alignment," opens the body to universal energy by positioning components in a way that may not seem aligned but enhances performance .

Within these primary alignment types lie functional planes that facilitate fine-tuning, allowing individuals to identify the precise method achieving a balance between steadiness (sthiram) and ease (sukham). Anand rejects the notion of a universally superior alignment method, asserting that the most appropriate approach is biomechanically tailored to each person. He guides students in discovering their fullest expression in asana, acknowledging the importance of individualized alignment for optimal practice.