About Jenny Otto

The capacity to transmit movement information depends on a teacher's embodiment. Central to embodiment is one's own kinesthetic empathy which Jenny owns through personal practice and teaching yoga for twenty years. She is nationally known for her in-depth understanding of anatomy and therapeutics, investigating the domains of functional rehabilitation, biomechanics and the nervous system.

She has her own unique approach to physical well-being and pain management.

Jenny shares the depth of her knowledge and her love of yoga as she travels both nationally and internationally teaching workshops, residencies, teacher trainings and yoga therapy teacher trainings. She brings warmth, humor, practical knowledge and creativity to her teaching, and loves empowering students with progressive techniques to move them beyond their perceived limits.

Since 1994 Jenny has been affiliated with Willow Street Yoga Center (WSYC) in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she co-founded co-directed the teacher training programs from 2002-2007. She continues to teach the area's first Yoga therapy class Special Conditions and Injuries. From 1995-2004 Jenny was the primary teacher for Annapolis Yoga Center.

From 2004-2009, she co-founded Golden Heart Yoga with one of her students in Annapolis, Maryland which featured Annapolis first Yoga alliance program originally designed by Jenny.

Jenny is known for expanding her studies to keep her classes fresh. She began studying with Thomas Myers of Anatomy Trains in 2007. Jenny has participated in three human dissections with Mr. Myers to further her understanding of the human body. She has completed his accelerated program Kinesis Myofascial Integration and is now a certified structural integrator. Structural Integration is based on the pioneering work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf.

Appointments for Body Balance Functional and Structural Yoga therapy in Annapolis and other locations are available.

Body Balance Yoga studies are designed to provide an optimum learning experience for students. BBY offers therapy training and certification, and is a Registered Yoga Alliance School at the 200 hour and 500 hour levels. Check the workshop page for information on these programs.

Jenny in Print

Read a story that appeared in the August 2008 issue of Fit Yoga. Jenny is interviewed as part of the feature.

Click HERE for a slideshow of a recent Anatomy Trains dissection in which Jenny took part.

People are Talking...

“Jenny Otto’s ability to invent physical/educational/compassionate poses to convey insights and healing to students is magical and effective.”
-Sue B.

“Jenny Otto’s teaching has changed my practice and I appreciate the way that she truly embodies satya.”
-Mary P.

“We have so much enjoyed working with you over these past few years. Not only are you an excellent teacher but you have great integrity.”
-Lynne and John E.

“Jenny’s love for and commitment to her own practice shows in her teaching and serves as a model for me, her deep and precise knowledge of the body and how it plays out in the poses, her passion for sharing all this through her teaching, the great joy and lightness of heart that she brings to each class, and the way she appreciates each of us in our differences and help us accept and love ourselves. And these are just the things that come immediately to mind!”
-Ellen C.