Ben McLellan opened Underground Studios in 2009 to provide yoga and personal training in a welcoming and professional environment for students and clients of all levels.

Ben found yoga while in college studying classical percussion.  Due to the rigors of practicing and playing for many hours he developed tendonitis.  “This was a very challenging time for me as I saw my music career being challenged by a physical issue.”  After exploring several methods Ben was introduced to yoga by his sister.  “I began practicing power yoga and felt immediate relief from my tendonitis.”  He continued to practice for a couple of years and then slipped away from practice for a few years. 

Upon moving to Massachusetts to pursue a master’s degree in music, Ben’s life took a major turn towards living his Dharma (purpose).  He decided to forego another music degree and instead stepped into the wellness realm.   “My mom had always been an inspiration for me to touch people’s lives in a positive way.”  Ben found his way to personal training and also began practicing yoga again.   He was fortunate enough to apprentice with a seasoned teacher and soon began teaching yoga. 

“Since coming back to my yoga practice there has been a profound shift in my life.  In fact, yoga has touched all areas of my life.  This is why I do the work I do so that I can share this with clients and students and help them see that transformation and living a more auspicious life is possible.”

Ben received his personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is additionally certified by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), which has advanced his understanding of human movement patterns and how they relate to functional performance and injury prevention. His current and past clientele range from those interested in weight loss, post rehab clients, college and semi-pro athletes and beginner to advanced yogis. Incorporating aspects of both yoga and resistance training, Ben provides a balance between the individual desires of his clients regarding their physical body and promoting and emphasizing a mind-body connection. 

Ben prides himself on his commitment and enthusiasm towards his work and is continually working to grow his personal yoga practice. Through continued education and yoga training, Ben is able to practice what he preaches and offer his students a thorough understanding of the ever-growing practice of yoga. Ben currently studies with Yogarupa Rod Stryker of ParaYoga (www.parayoga.com) and Senior Certified ParaYoga teacher Lauren Toolin (www.laurenjaytoolin.com). He supplements his yoga training with continuing education seminars on meditation and breathing, structural alignment, and strength and conditioning. Using the technique of “wise progression”, Ben teaches yoga from a place of compassion and leadership, often using humor to connect with students. Ben expresses his knowledge of the body by incorporating alignment principles throughout his classes. He is able to safely bring students to their edge by encouraging them to rest when they need to, take it to the edge when possible and ultimately enjoy the process of breathing through it. His classes provide a challenge to students while remaining accessible and open to all those interested in the practice of yoga.

If you’re interested in meeting with Ben to discuss personal training options, developing or advancing your personal yoga practice or with any questions about Underground Studios, contact him at info@bostonundergroundstudios.com



David Bohmiller joined Underground Studios in March of 2010. With a decade long career in fitness beginning at Bridgewater State College, "Boh" has a wide range of experiences that directly impact his results-based programming. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), he draws upon the principles of proper movement mechanics with all of his clients - men, women, and children of all ages and abilities. An expert at exercise modification, he has shown the ability to work with those entering a gym for the first time since high school Phys. Ed. class as well as those preparing for elite college and professional competitive athletic events. So, whatever your goal, whether improving posture, preventing injury, weight loss or fat loss, improved performance, or just to have fun with your workouts again, we are positive "Boh" can help you. To learn more about one-on-one and/or small group training with Boh please contact us at info@bostonundergroundstudios.com



Jules Teibel. Jules made Boston her home after growing up in Northwest Indiana. She then lived and traveled around the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East. While serving as a drill sergeant in the Army, she developed a passion for teaching and fitness training. The transition from military to civilian life was daunting but Jules found comfort and balance after beginning her yoga practice in 2003.

In 2006 she attended the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, AZ and earned her Anusara based 200 hour yoga certification as well as an AOS in Holistic Healthcare.

Jules moved to Boston in 2007 and worked as a massage therapist and yoga teacher. It was then that she met her kindred spirits and deeply respected colleagues Ben McClellan and Christine Demott. Through Ben and other esteemed instructors Jules has embraced and incorporated elements of Iyengar and Para Yoga disciplines into her own teaching.

Jules returned to college and in 2010 graduated with honors earning a BA in Environmental Science from UMass Boston.

Angelina Hawley-Dolan. Angelina first discovered yoga in 2005 while living in Washington, DC. She was always interested in physical fitness, running, swimming and doing the occasional triathlon -- so she loved the rigor and intensity of asana. But when she moved back to her hometown of Boston in 2008 to begin graduate school, she realized that there was more to yoga than just the physical practice. Angelina began to appreciate the fact that yoga can begin anytime, anywhere. And now her practice serves as the source of balance for all aspects of her life.

She graduated from the 200 hour teaching training with YogaWorks under the beautiful instruction of Natasha Rizopoulos. Angelina’s classes blend breath, movement and expression with a focus on alignment. She strives to offer a fun, dynamic and challenging experience for all levels. Through teaching she seeks to share the joys that she has found within yoga, remembering: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Off the mat, Angelina is a visual artist and also currently working towards her PhD in Developmental Psychology at Boston College. She researches how people understand art and the development of aesthetic reasoning.

You can contact Angelina at: artslab.hawley@gmail.com

Lisa Perron. Lisa was introduced to yoga by a theatre instructor in 1996 and it has been an integral part of her life ever since. She has enjoyed studying a variety of styles with teachers in New York, San Francisco and now Boston.

Through yoga, Lisa has come to appreciate the balance of challenge and surrender, opening herself to continuous learning and growth while also accepting her yoga practice just as it is. Lisa completed her teacher training with Natasha Rizopoulos through YogaWorks, which emphasizes a combination of precision and flow informed by the Iyengar and Ashtanga traditions.

As a psychotherapist off the mat, Lisa is interested in yoga's potential to enhance both physical and emotional well-being. Lisa encourages students to pay attention to their individual experiences in order to develop a yoga practice that is personally rewarding and can last a lifetime.

Kate Kenworthy Rodrigues M.Ed, ATC, CSCS. Even as a high school student, Kate had a passion for wellness. Kate sought out ways to learn how she could be healthier. Her favorite hours were spent between the dance studio and the gym. As a student at Boston University one of the first classes Kate enrolled in was nutrition. Since that time her passion for wellness has grown into a career as a Wellness Consultant.

As you can imagine, after being so focused on wellness, "It was quite a shock to be diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 and metastatic breast cancer 2 years ago." This journey has taught Kate that wellness is so much more than eating a balanced diet and exercising. "It's as much about the soul as it is the body. Because of these experiences my eyes have been opened to a bigger picture and the way I work with clients has reached a level one can only learn through a Broken Open experience."

Are you looking for more than a "diet"? Are you ready for and open to real change in your life?

Join Kate in creating an individualized wellness program to assist you in creating the lifestyle you desire. Including but not limited to:

• Increased energy
• Reduced stress (and belly fat)
• Eating plan that fits YOUR lifestyle
• Improved health (body, mind and soul)

Please call (401) 301.1994 or email katekenworthy95@gmail.com Kate Kenworthy Rodrigues M.Ed, ATC, CSCS for more information.

Julie Schonbeck. Julie began practicing yoga over ten years ago as a way to cope with the physical and emotional demands of being a nurse.

Because her professional life meant being up all day, up all night, or somewhere in-between, Julie was first drawn to the pure relaxation she found on the mat. Over time, Julie also came to appreciate the physical challenges of yoga and to realize how her practice could create a steadiness in the present moment that could be applied to all of life, both on and off the mat.

In 2011, Julie completed her 200 hour teacher training with Natasha Rizopoulos through YogaWorks, which blends precise alignment with elements of flow. Julie is also a certified Yoga Warriors Instructor, which is an evidence-based yoga program designed specifically for military personnel to help prevent or alleviate symptoms of combat stress (COSR) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Julie continues to deepen her personal practice, and is currently studying with Ben McLellan of Underground Studios. Julie views yoga as a life-long practice that encourages self-exploration and offers concrete tools with which to face life's challenges. As a teacher, Julie strives to help others see the subtle changes that are possible at any time and to discover the place of stillness that lies within.

Testimonials

"I have worked with Ben for over two years as a personal trainer and a yoga teacher. In that time, my chronic low back pain has vanished, I have lost twenty pounds by making slight changes to my diet and I have gained a better sense of myself in my 41 year-old body.

I am constantly inspired and surprised by Ben, as he is always learning new techniques, using them himself, and bringing them into his studio. I now have a repertoire of exercises I can do on my own depending upon how I feel and how much time I have.

Adding yoga to my resistance training routine has changed the way I approach fitness and self-awareness. It's fun to work out with Ben because he has a great sense of humor and knows when to push me and when to hang back. In yoga class I feel challenged physically and encouraged to uncover my own limitations and strengths."

Elizabeth R. 40, Belmont

“Ben is undoubtedly the best trainer I have ever worked with...and I have worked with quite a few over the years. The first time I came in, I knew immediately that he knew what he was talking about. He was able to predict areas of pain in my body from asking just a few questions and developed a routine that strengthened muscles I didn't even know I had! In a matter of a few sessions, the pain I was experiencing subsided.

The best side effect is that I lost 7 pounds in a matter of weeks. With his supportive advice, training and nutritional guidance (eating more, not less - who knew!), I dropped weight and am in the best shape of my life.”

Amber 36, Jamaica Plain

“I have been working with Ben as a client for the past three years and I could not be more satisfied. Ben is very knoweldgable and well versed in his craft. He takes the needs of each individual into consideration and has developed an approach to personal training that touches upon many disciplines.

Ben devotes his complete and total attention to each workout and has always been willing to investigate and apply new ideas and techniques based on my needs. I clearly have achieved many of the initial fitness goals and have added many new ones along the way. I would strongly recommend Ben to anyone looking to start getting in shape, or maintain an existing level of fitness.”

Eric L. 40, Belmont