BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — At just 16-years-old, Eric Heard is the youngest yoga instructor in Buffalo.
He was first introduced to yoga seven years ago at summer camp. You wouldn't know it now, but he says he hated it as first! Once he realized the mental challenge and how great it made him feel, he was hooked.
"If you're struggling in school it helps you focus," Heard said. "If you're struggling in your career it helps you there."
Heard has made it a passion of his to spread yoga to others. He introduced the exercise to his grandma Diane Rose and his cousin Daijanae Price.
Through a nonprofit Yogis In Service, all three were able to have a fully-funded trip to Africa to become certified teachers.
"My goal is to teach yoga and to help people who don't really get to have yoga," Heard said.
Heard hosts free classes at the Delavan Grider Community Center every week. You can find a schedule to free yoga classes here.
He's hoping to inspire more young people to find their own balance. Eric, Diane and Daijanae are raising money to head to India for another yoga learning trip. They hope to raise $7,000 to be able to go to the "home of yoga" and come back to teach more free classes and classes at summer camps. They have a GoFundMe set up here where you can donate.
