If the big Trader Joe’s move of 2017 didn’t bring you into the newly renovated Shops at Kenilworth, then ZenLife should. This yoga studio, boutique, and juice bar (hello, convenience) offers everything to get your mind and body right. Along with an extensive retail selection, they also offer acupuncture, massage, holistic health counseling, and a relaxing meditation room. We talked to owner Dena Leibowitz about ZenLife and what yoga means to her.

What is the mission of ZenLife?
To provide the community with a place where they can practice yoga and learn the tools for healthy living. We provide a delicious juice bar and we host workshops on everything from reducing stress to healthy eating. It’s really just a fun place where we can all practice, learn, and study together to grow and advance our lives. 

How long have you been teaching yoga?
I’ve been teaching formally now for five years, but I’ve been learning and studying for 20 years. I started teaching because a group of friends invited me to study with them and their professor. I don’t really think of myself as a fitness instructor though. I think of myself as a student and a spiritual junkie. I see myself as someone who is still studying, learning, and growing with people everyday. 

How would you describe one of your classes?

The classes that I teach here are Vinyasa style, meaning the practice is breath driven and heart lead. Which means we promote moving from a place where you’re a little bit more compassionate in your thoughts and you’re aware of the sensations that come up in your body and how you respond to them.

What is your favorite yoga pose?

My favorite pose is triangle. I always say if I got nothing done today, I got triangle done. Triangle pose represents the capacity of doing things mindfully and lovingly and it reminds me we’re all doing great things. 

What are some tips for people just starting their fitness journey?

I was just thinking about how I was struggling to the mat myself last week and I own a yoga studio! You are not a flawed person if you struggle getting to the gym or to your yoga mat. Just knowing that, relieves a lot of pressure. But I think creating a daily routine and having your mat readily available helps. The other thing I suggest is working out with a friend. That kind of motivation is super helpful.

How has yoga affected your life?

Yoga is an opportunity to just let go and feel liberated. I can get to my mat and just be me and not have to care about what’s going on around me. It has allowed me to learn more about myself, overcome obstacles that limit me, and helped me get out of my own way. 

Central New York native Daniel McKelvey discovered juicing while working in the casino business.

“I traveled to Vegas and San Diego where acai bowls and juicing are very popular,” he explains. “So I just started learning about the business and juicing’s benefits. Then I moved to Delaware where I started making juices for family and friends, and that is really what got me started.”

After moving to Maryland, McKelvey opened his first Pure Raw Juice location in Federal Hill in January 2015. Among his goals, he says, are acclimating people to pure and raw foods and educating them about healthy snack options. To that end, Pure Raw features a wide array of all-natural, organic, gluten- and dairy-free menu items like cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, raw cashew and almond mylks, smoothies, and power shots.

After two years of business, it became apparent that Pure Raw was outgrowing its Federal Hill location and on Dec. 7 of last year, McKelvey opened his new store on York Road.

“We’re between Towson and the city, so it’s a perfect scenario all around,” says McKelvey. “We looked at all the colleges around this area and thought this is the spot where we need to be.”

The new, 1,520-square-foot space offers more seating for customers as well as charming details like barn wood accents and locally painted murals.

As for the future, McKelvey says, “This year we’re focusing on taking a step back to build the brand through events and social media. The sky really is the limit.”

Q: How do juices differ from smoothies? Juices are made by extracting the juice and separating the pulp from the produce. Smoothies are blended whole, keeping the fiber in the drink.  

Q: What is the best way to make them at home? To make juice at home, you’ll need a juicer. I use a Breville at home, it’s really easy to make a quick juice. It’s a good, inexpensive starter juicer. For smoothies, you’ll need a traditional blender or a bullet-type blender. I’ve become a bit spoiled and really only want to use a Vitamix. No other blender compares in my opinion. 

Q: What are the essential ingredients to both? I always have a bunch of apples, cucumbers, celery, and lemons in my fridge. I like to have some fun and add mint, ginger, and fresh turmeric.   

Q: Is it okay to use frozen fruit or non-organic? Totally. Think about other stuff you eat. More than likely, this is trumping anything else you put in your body.

JUICE RECIPE: The Virgin Mary

YIELD: Varies depending on your juicer, use a measuring cup to prepare.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 4 ounces carrots
• 5 ounces tomatoes
• 5 ounces celery
• ½ lemon
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ beet
• 1-inch cube fresh horseradish
• ½ teaspoon raw apple-cider vinegar 
• Thai or spicy pepper of your choice

SMOOTHIE RECIPE: Turmeric Lassie


INGREDIENTS:

• 5 oz Brazil Nut Mylk (recipe below)
• 
1/2 cup frozen or fresh Mango
• 
1 cube of fresh turmeric or 1/2 tsp. dried turmeric
• 
2 pinches of cardamom
• 
1/4 tsp vanilla


Brazil Nut Mylk: 

• Soak 1/2 cup Brazil nuts in water over night
• 
Drain water and blend with 1-cup fresh water until completely smooth.
• 
Strain through a fine sieve.  
• You can add as much water as you want to the desired thickness you like.