Breathwork + Cold Plunge
Kat Ellis
Deeply humbled by the power of nature, music, and simple living, Kat draws inspiration from the rich lineages of yoga, the mysterious jungles of Peru, and from her vibrant community of fellow humans. She considers herself an eternal student of these teachers, continuously seeking truth and harmony through the study and practice of yoga, as well as her relationship with artistic expression and the natural world — our waters, our mountains, our winds, our forests, our people, our self, our Spirit.
Born and raised on the East Coast, Kat pursued her studies in psychology and art. Upon graduating, she embarked on a transformative journey across Southeast Asia, immersing herself in the study of yoga in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Finally landing on the West Coast, finding her sanctuary in the sweet community of Ocean Beach, Kat is devoted to sharing the awakening powers of sound and yoga with others.
Kat has been teaching at Riffs since 2020, and continues to study the ancient roots of the yogic tradition in effort to offer renderings relatable and practical for the present-day western human. She encourages challenging poses and sequencing in her classes with an emphasis on alignment, breath, and seeing through the eyes of the heart.
Trained in sound healing, pranayama, mantra, meditation, yin, vinyasa, and Anusara, Kat offers a colorful spread of flavors to her classes. As she continues to deepen her own studies, she finds joy teaching the asanas, believing that they offer powerful lessons in perseverance, surrender, and grace. For Kat, yoga includes, but expands further than *only* the physical postures — it is a doorway — a path to unity, both within ourselves and with the world around us. It's a pause from the noise of navigating the modern world, as we become still, focused. and sensitive enough to learn the subtle language of nature. She invites others to remember this sense of oneness, guiding them in a ceremony of the heart.
Love all ॐ🪷 Serve all ॐ 🪷 And dream extreme ॐ🪷
Andy Geiger
I have a confession to make… I started my yoga journey as a complete skeptic. My first Vinyasa classes were spent mostly in Child’s Pose, uncomfortably counting down the minutes until Savasana.
Since then, I’ve experienced how breathwork can shift a nervous system state in minutes. Meditation has allowed me to witness my thoughts without becoming them. Ten years, and more than 5,000 meditations later, the most peaceful place for me to be is with myself, in stillness. Yin yoga taught me to find ease within discomfort. Restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra introduced me to deep, transformative rest.
My calling to teach crystalized while caring for my grandmother as she approached 105. By adapting restorative practices, everyday tasks like sitting and lying down became more comfortable for her. When familiar faces and kind words could no longer soothe the distress of dementia, syncing our breath together restored her sense of safety and calm.
In class, my intention is to help students reconnect with their innate ability to regulate their nervous system, build resilience while moving through life’s challenges, and dissolve the emotional, mental, and physical tension that often keeps us stuck… and have fun in the process.
Through the calm, grounding energy of our practice, I invite you to open the door to more joy, self-love, and light.
I look forward to meeting you on the mat, just as you are.
Awaken into your resilience and awaken your inner strength with this transformative experience combining breathwork and cold plunge therapy, with a mini sauna session included.
Breathwork Session (30 minutes):
This guided holotropic breathwork practice is designed to shift your nervous system, expand awareness, and energize your entire being.
While this practice can be deeply healing and powerful, it is also physically and emotionally intense. It may challenge your breath capacity, activate strong sensations, and bring up deep emotions. Modifications are available, and you are encouraged to listen to your body.
Breathwork may support:
✔ Nervous system regulation
✔ Mental clarity and emotional balance
✔ Physical and energetic release
✔ A deepened mind-body connection
Cold Plunge & Sauna Experience (40-45°F water and ~175°F sauna):
Following breathwork, you'll move into contrast therapy, alternating between cold immersion and heat exposure to enhance circulation, recovery, and presence. This is optional.
This practice may:
✔ Reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery
✔ Improve circulation and metabolic function
✔ Build resilience and mental fortitude
✔ Create a deep sense of clarity and presence
Know Your Limits – Take Responsibility for Your Body
This practice is not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, have epilepsy, cardiovascular conditions, or other serious health concerns, please consult a medical professional before participating. Holotropic breathwork and cold exposure can be intense, so it is your responsibility to assess what is right for your body. You are always welcome to modify or pause as needed. Please contact the studio or talk to your instructor with any concerns or questions you may have.
Please also note: This class includes a mini sauna session (5-10 minutes)—for a full sauna experience or access to red light therapy, check out our wellness memberships and packages.
Join us for this empowering journey of breath, body, and resilience, and explore your own edge in a supportive space.
Upcoming classes:
-
Tue Sep 16
10:30 am - 11:45 am with Kat Ellis
-
Sign Up Wed Sep 24 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Sign Up Wed Oct 01 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Sign Up Wed Oct 08 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Sign Up Wed Oct 15 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Oct 22
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Oct 29
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Nov 05
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Nov 12
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Nov 19
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Nov 26
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Dec 03
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Dec 10
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Dec 17
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Dec 24
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Dec 31
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Jan 07
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger
-
Wed Jan 14
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm with Andy Geiger