WHO WE ARE

At Heart & Grit, we’re a team of "real" teachers who believe yoga should be realistic, approachable, and built for you. We cut through the fluff and focus on what actually matters, safe, functional movement backed by science and respect for tradition. Our classes are inclusive, supportive, and designed for every body, no matter your shape, size, or experience level. We bring expertise in anatomy and biomechanics without overcomplicating things, making each class both educational and genuinely fun. Here, you’ll feel welcome to explore, challenge yourself, and grow, all in a space that values effort, curiosity, and a good laugh along the way. Whether you’re stepping on the mat for the first time or looking to take your practice deeper, we’re here to make yoga something that sticks.

We are here to serve our local Barrington NJ community and the Southern New Jersey region.

"I have been attending classes at Heart & Grit for 9 months. Taking yoga here has helped both my physical and mental health. I am so glad to be a part of such a welcoming yoga community. We are so lucky to have such caring and knowledgeable yoga instructors teach in our community. I highly recommend practicing here."

-Stacey

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TESTIMONIALS

CORE TEAM

Gina W - Owner

I'm the founder of Heart & Grit and a teacher who believes in both science and soul. I first came to yoga in 2009 after an injury, but it wasn’t until deep personal loss that I discovered its power to heal, connect, and transform. For me, “Heart” is the center of it all, while “Grit” is the resilience and determination that carries us through life’s hardest moments....read more

Kayla D

I'm a light, easeful, and welcoming yoga teacher who first came to yoga as a teen but found its deeper impact during life’s challenges. For me, “Heart” means leading with love and kindness, while “Grit” is encouraging people to work through challenges at their own pace. I love helping people find moments of calm in the chaos of everyday life......read more

Renita E

I'm a fun, challenging, and empowering yoga teacher who first discovered yoga as a gift to myself on my 30th birthday. For me, “Heart” means leading with love and holding space for others, while “Grit” is showing up with resilience and commitment, even on the hard days. My hope is to remind students that who they are—just as they are—is already enough. ....read more

LezLee B

I'm an intentional, goofy & real teacher who first discovered yoga in 2019 and was immediately drawn to the deep relief and ease it brought me. For me, “Heart” means showing up with love as an action, while “Grit” is the effort and challenges that shape us into stronger versions of ourselves. My classes are intentional, real, and a little goofy—always aiming to help students feel supported on and off the mat.....read more

Dawn A

I am a structured, focused, and strong yoga teacher who believes movement should be both science-based and full of heart. For me, “Heart” is about connection through love and compassion, and “Grit” is about showing up, putting in the work, and always striving to get better...read more

OUR INTERNS

Michele L

I'm a curious, open-minded, and playful yoga teacher who believes in the power of community wellness and meaningful connection. For me, “Heart” is your purpose—the why behind showing up—and “Grit” is the commitment to keep showing up for yourself and others. My goal is to help you thrive, not just survive, on and off the mat....read more

Colleen H

I'm a genuine and playful yoga teacher who first discovered yoga over 30 years ago. Yoga has carried me through every stage of life, including preparing for and recovering from a double mastectomy. For me, “Heart” means meeting each student exactly where they are, and “Grit” is offering the just-right challenge that helps you feel stronger and more resilient, both on and off the mat.....read more

Elisa L

I'm a warm and community-focused yoga teacher who was instantly hooked by how good yoga made my body feel. For me, “Heart” is about practicing self-love and compassion, while “Grit” means showing up and doing the work even when it’s uncomfortable. As a nurse, I believe deeply in the power of wellness, and I love creating space where people can grow and connect through yoga....read more

OUR VALUES & PRINCIPLES:

Science-Based Movement

Beyond the holistic aspects, asana at its core is a form of structured, intentional physical movement, the very definition of exercise. Just like any other physical activity, we approach it with a practical, science-based mindset, ensuring that the yoga journey is not only enriching but also aligned with functional movement for overall health and well-being.

Being Real & Resilient

No one's perfect, and yogis are no exception. We're all just regular folks, doing our best. Yoga isn't about chasing some lofty ideal of perfection or enlightenment; it's about being true to yourself, accepting who you are, and dealing with the world as it is. It's a journey toward resilience in our everyday lives.

Communal Wellness & Belonging

Our motto is "feel better together," underscoring the belief that collective well-being begins with the movement of our bodies. Once we engage our bodies, we unlock the ability to shift our emotions and minds. The shared desire to feel better is a universal bond that unites us. We embark on this journey of communal wellness through the practice of yoga, because together, we can truly feel better.

Playfulness & Fun

Yoga is a mix of challenge and joy, and we believe playing makes it even better. This is a space where laughter, play, questions, and conversation are not just allowed but encouraged. We know the practice will be hard, but we encourage you to embrace the challenges anyway and have fun even when things don't go as expected!

Upgrading Our Industry

We believe that the yoga world is long-overdue for a professional upgrade and we are here to lead the charge. From the nuance of the client experience, to the way we prioritize teacher education, we are upleveling our industry every day. We believe that the profession of yoga can be a primary contributor to the health and wellness industry, and we aim to gain a seat at the table in hopes of becoming a major science-backed, respected and prescribed modality in the wellness world.

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Gina

They say “third time’s the charm”—and here I am, opening my third yoga studio, proving that some callings just won’t let you go.

I found yoga in 2009 the same way a lot of overachievers do—by getting injured. At the time, I was a competitive triathlete, teaching six gym classes a week, chasing every diet, and hustling for perfection in both body and life. My doctor told me: no running, no biking, no anything except yoga. I was devastated… but reluctantly rolled out my mat. I never looked back.

Gina Ward, Owner & Founder

And at first, yoga began as just another challenge to conquer. I was already teaching just about everything else—step, bootcamp, kickboxing, functional training, spin—so yoga seemed like a natural next step. I started teaching movement-based classes in 2001, so when a teacher training popped up in 2012, I thought, “Why not?” But my real “why” didn’t hit until 2014, when my dad took his own life. In my grief, I threw myself into another training, not realizing it would lead me to the sense of community and the soul-healing movement practice I had been searching for. That’s when I knew I wanted to open a yoga studio.

My story with movement—and with yoga—goes even deeper. I spent years chasing perfection, approval, and achievement, both in fitness and in life. I was a competitive triathlete, taught six gym classes a week, and tried every challenge and diet out there. That drive came from a lifetime of hustling for attention, belonging, and worth—patterns that left me exhausted and unfulfilled.

Yoga started as just another thing to “get good at.” But somewhere along the way, I stopped working on the yoga and let the yoga work on me.

Then came the losses—my mom at 19, all four grandparents in just 18 months, and my dad’s suicide in 2014. Sitting on my back porch the day before his funeral, I realized I was on the same path as so many people I’d lost—living for achievement, not connection. That day, I decided to change my life.

Exactly one year later, I left my “safe” six-figure job and opened my first studio, Moonshine Power Yoga. I loved teaching and my community, but over time, I began moving away from the rigid structure of the organization I was part of. I rebranded, created my own trainings, and just as things were clicking into place—the pandemic shut us down permanently. I swore I’d never open another studio.

Well… never say never.

Heart & Grit Yoga is my third chapter—built my way, in my town, grounded in both science and soul. I believe in evidence-based movement, because when you can move freely in the world with ease and power, everything changes—your mental health, your confidence, your spirit. My teaching style is challenging, honest, and fun. For me, “Heart” means the center of it all, the thing that holds everything together. “Grit” is what protects that center—resilience, relentlessness, determination.

We need people. We need each other. We need to move. Yoga does all of that.

If you’re ready to move, connect, and stay curious—you’ll fit right in here.

Credentials & Education