Riehm (in photo on left with student Darrell Williams) has been a practitioner of yoga and avid researcher into yoga history and practices around the world. She felt a strong call to introduce the rich spiritual traditions and methods of yoga to the Christian community, where it is often misunderstood, condemned or even banned. Most community or gym-based yoga classes don't discuss yoga's spiritual roots or its founding text, How to Know God--written centuries ago by the great Indian sage Patanjali. To strip the spiritual elements out of yoga is to gut it of its original meaning and purpose.

Many so-called "Christian yoga" teachers offer classes and videos featuring traditional yoga movements, but most offer standard gym-class yoga with scripture barked over a loud soundtrack, and ending in prayer. These students are missing out on the deeper spiritual teachings of yoga, including ethics, study and meditation. Plus, it is disrespectful to label this "Christian" yoga. Yoga is yoga, just as prayer is prayer.

Riehm holds a certification as a Fitness Specialist and also an Older Adult Fitness Specialist from the Cooper Institute. She has had a number of books and magazine articles published on business and health issues, and has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, CBS News, PBS's All Things Considered, among many others.Her interest in yoga and Tai Chi started while she lived in Hong Kong, where she finished her Masters Degree in International Business. She has held managerial posts at IBM, Rockwell, and KPMG as well as serving as the Executive Director of Angel Flight, Inc, a nonprofit providing free air transportation for patients needing medical treatment away from home. Riehm also is an ordained Presbyterian Elder.

Currently, Riehm offers classes in her private studio, at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church in Richardson, Texas, and to church groups, retreats and seminars around the country. Contact sarah@redeemingyoga.com if you would like more information on scheduling a workshop or how to find a class suitable for you.