Racheal Cook of Hayes, started River Lotus Yoga in August.

She runs the business part-time now, with plans to offer additional individual and group yoga training sessions in the future. Cook currently trains at the River Club community, Hayes, and is making plans to open her own studio.

Cook said she specializes in power vinyasa and heated vinyasa yoga. Both techniques involve controlled breathing and holding set postures, she said, with the heated version adding the element of high heat to the workout. This type of yoga is said to be good for rehabilitation from injuries and improve body alignment, she said.
Cook, 28, has been practicing yoga for 12 years and teaching for two years. Previously, she worked for a yoga studio in Richmond.

Originally from Gloucester, she is a graduate of Gloucester High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in business at East Carolina University.

Her husband, Jameson, teaches at a school ...