Founder/Instructor

McKenna Rowe got interested in yoga as a little girl watching Lilias’ PBS program. She enjoyed showing off exotic poses like Wheel for her parents. She continued to lead an active life in horseback riding, running, biking and snowboarding, but a her yoga practice emerged as her true love and foundation. After 16 years of working for technology and advertising companies, she decided to self-finance a summer sabbatical in yoga teacher training. Beyond acquiring teaching certification, she received another unexpected gift: a desire to help people heal themselves through yoga. She now teaches at studios, businesses, schools, and community organizations. You name it, and she will find a way to bring the yoga.

McKenna is also a singer, DJ and composer, licensing music to television shows and commercials. As a result, music has a special significance for Chakra5. We believe it's a natural extension of a yoga practice, an important conduit to tap into inner strength, beauty and inspiration. People often inquire about our playlists, which introduce our students to the some of the coolest and cutting-edge ambient electronic music. As we grow, we'll partner with musicians and DJs to make your yoga experience even more exciting.

Instructor

Gretchen Heidemann, a native midwesterner, is currently pursuing a PhD in social work. Gretchen found yoga five years ago at a time of personal transformation. She has practiced Hatha and Kundalini yoga, along with mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation, ever since as tools for healing and inner balance. Gretchen believes yoga provides a path to freedom: freedom from self-limiting beliefs; freedom from stress and pain; and freedom to discover our authentic, divine nature. She hopes to provide a space where students can aspire to be their best, highest, and truest selves. She teaches at Karuna Yoga, Studio A Dance, Anatomy Fitness, and USC.

Certified and Insured
McKenna and Gretchen have personal liability insurance and are fully certified in accordance with Yoga Alliance standards. We also have current certification through the Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.

Styles
We primarily approach teaching from the classic Hatha yoga school, but like to mix in some elements of Vinyasa, Kundalini, Iyengar and restorative yoga. Learn more about different yoga styles.

What People Are Saying

“McKenna is a motivating and inspiring teacher. Not only does she have a lot of knowledge regarding yoga, she has a deep passion for it. It shines through in her teaching. I highly recommend McKenna as a yoga instructor. She is the best!”

-Diana C, Culver City, CA

“I was very impressed with your yoga class. You demonstrated a great deal of patience with our students. It is obvious that you have a remarkable gift in teaching yoga. You were very easy to follow and learn from. I received a great deal of positive feedback from our students and they are already begging me for another workshop on campus! Thanks again!”
-Kristen C, Student Activities Coordinator, FIDM

“McKenna creates a comfortable class atmosphere where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, but she keeps everything in check to ensure students take care of themselves as well. Her mastery of yoga philosophy and technique means students are certain to get a well balanced session that suits their needs and aspirations. Definitely recommend her classes to those that want a great session with amazing music that steers clear of the stereotypes!”
-David H, Los Angeles, CA