About me
Karyn Zenzele is a California native, Navy Veteran, wound care nurse, and the founder of 40 Acres and a Mat. Bringing unparalleled grit and a zero-nonsense attitude to the yoga community, Karyn is extensively trained with over 500 hours in Bikram and Power Vinyasa, alongside certifications in Yoga Nidra and Gravity Yoga. She understands exactly what it takes to survive intense heat and high-pressure environments—a skillset she honed while nurturing two children.
Her personal definition of endurance includes solo hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for her 60th birthday and currently preparing to tackle the Eastern Continental Trail next summer.
As a medical professional, entrepreneur, and seasoned instructor, Karyn combines clinical knowledge with real-world stamina to help students conquer the hot room. She strips away the pretense of the practice, replacing intimidating jargon with refreshing wit and practical strategies. When she is not teaching, nursing, running her business, or planning her next thru-hike, Karyn is empowering others to embrace the sweat, handle the mirrors, and survive the heat with humor and grace.
