Sumit's Yoga Teachers

Sumit Banerjee/Owner
I cannot start my bio any other way but to thank my greatest yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury. He not only gave me the greatest gift of yoga, but my teaching is inspired by his passion of teaching. No matter where I stand in life, I am forever grateful to Bikram and Rajashree Choudhury for their love towards me. My teaching is also inspired by friends Greg Gumucio and Bryan Kest.

My philosophy about yoga practice is simple, it's all good, no matter what style you practice, it all leads to the same practice of self-healing, awareness, control, discipline and ultimately self-realization.

If does not matter if you cannot do a single pushup from downward dog or if you cannot balance on one leg. As long as you are connected to your breath and can concentrate on keeping your mind calm and present - you are doing the real yoga. The true yoga is the practice from your heart. So, make sure you listen to everything I say in class, but ultimately listen to yourself, learning to back off or take breaks by laying in Savasana or Child's Pose. Always challenge yourself to a new level but never force yourself. Always remember the more you resist the harder it gets, but the sooner you accept and let go...the easier your practice.

I firmly believe the only way you can stay committed and advance in your practice is to make it a spiritual discipline rather than a stretching or a workout. Spiritually does not mean that you have to seek something external from somewhere, on the contrary, just connecting with ones breath can be an amazing spiritual experience.

Finally, I would like to invite all my students to challenge, struggle, work hard, smile, have fun and most importantly, never give up in class.

Dayna Henig/Owner
Dayna’s passion for teaching yoga mirrors the same passion she demonstrates in her life outside the studio. Her professional journey in life began years ago as a hairstylist where her endless positive energy, upbeat attitude and amazing talent made her an in demand stylist and a friend and confidant to many. After marrying and starting a family, Dayna left her first professional calling to move onto to her next and most enduring profession – nurturing, caring for and shaping the lives of her three young sons to which she is so devoted.

Through the years Dayna stayed active physically in various forms of fitness including weight, aerobic training, martial arts and an occasional yoga practice. It wasn’t until Dayna discovered Sumits Yoga that she took her yoga practice to a deeper level.

For Dayna, yoga has become more than just the physical poses. “It is about everything else it teaches you - focus, acceptance of your own limitations and others and mind/body awareness. Yoga is not about becoming flexible or twisting your body in contorting ways, as hard as that may be to believe.

As a teacher, Dayna’s gentle nature, warm smile and sensitivity create an excellent learning environment for the beginner, while her abilities and knowledge provide substantial challenge to the more experienced yoga student. She is grateful to the teacher who has influenced her practice and teaching most – Sumit – who really inspired her deeper inquiry into yoga.

Recently, Dayna has taken her deep sense of service, endless energy and true joy of teaching to another level. She has partnered with Sumit and fellow teacher and friend Sabrina Carlson to open a Sumits Yoga studio in McCormick Ranch/Scottsdale.

“I would like to thank Craig, David, Joshua and Sammy for all the support they have given me during this process. I love you.”

"Sumit, Thank you, I will always be grateful."

Sabrina Carlson/Owner
I must first thank Sumit Banerjee for this amazing gift he gave me! His simplicity and humble honor to the yoga practice provided an inspirational foundation to better myself on the journey to self-realization.

My practice with Sumit started a couple years ago. The liberating, positive energy of yoga allows me to become a more patient and kind soul; thus, becoming a better wife, mother and above all a better person.

Our American culture travels at warp speed; without gainful time for self-reflection. Yoga waits as pure light, at the end of that entangled tunnel!

My enthusiasm for yoga pours into class through a passionate, deep desire to truly help my students focus on themselves. Remember, yoga is a two-fold workout: physically and emotionally. There is no finish line to cross. Take your time; breathe and feel the synergistic qualities yoga can bring to your life and meet me on the mat!

Brandy Pierce

I started practicing ashtanga yoga in 2000 at the gym as a supplement to my running and strength training regimen. Once I practiced hot yoga in January 2006, I was hooked.

Hot yoga allows one to understand the power of the breath and be present to connect the spiritual, physical and mental practices and carry it into everyday life.

As a yoga instructor, my goal, is to have you love and accept yourself so you can see your true inner beauty and be open and willing to changes.

Let go, set yourself free and life will flow easily.

Kelly Farnia - Bio and picture coming soon.

David Husband - Bio and picture coming soon.

CJ- Bio and picture coming soon.