Anita Kozeska, owner of Arya Yoga Studio, Hollidaysburg, is the subject of this month’s Fitness Track. Courtesy photo

Life is rarely a straight path. Career, family, education and fitness goals often require detours, and economic, social or physical challenges can significantly affect us. Successful adults learn to navigate setbacks and keep moving forward, even when outcomes differ from their plans. This is the story of Anita Kozeska and her efforts to fulfill a dream and lifelong calling.

Growing up in Kratovo, Macedonia, Kozeska did not participate in sports. however, she had a great deal of encouragement from her parents to pursue her dreams.

“Both of my parents were tailors,” Kozeska said. “My dad had his own shop and my mom used to work in a factory. Life was very simple. As kids we played outdoors. We were always encouraged to follow what we would like to do. My mom was a risk taker who encouraged us to go and explore the world.”

That parental guidance and support led Kozeska to travel to the United States as a high school exchange student.

“My parents could not afford to pay for that one year. Nevertheless, they found a way to borrow money for me to come for one year. I stayed with an American host family, and they’re the ones who changed my life. They saw my determination, focus, and willingness to study. With the support from another family, they paid for my education,” Kozeska said.

Members of Kozeska's senior male yoga group class include (from left): Richard Baronner, Pat Barnes, Mike Dinger, John Becker and Frank Madden. Courtesty photo

She was accepted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as a pre-med student. Her decision to become a physician was shaped early in her youth.

“I had that calling from watching my parents, especially through childhood. My dad was the one that was always willing to help anybody around him. His kindness and compassion towards others was always with us,” Kozeska said.

Many things put her dream to become a physician/neurosurgeon on hold. She got married and gave birth to a daughter. Kozeska did not want to place her daughter in daycare to pursue her career ambition. In addition, her husband’s career as a cardiologist required her to move to a variety of locales. Though she took additional classes and passed the MCAT (a requirement for medical school admission), her commitment to family required her to leave that dream behind.

She and her family moved to Hollidaysburg about 13 years ago. Kozeska decided to alter her career aspirations and become a physician assistant and was accepted into the program at Saint Francis University. Unfortunately, once again, family matters created a detour in her plans.

“The moment I started the program, my dad got very sick. His kidney function was deteriorating so I decided to take time off to donate my kidney to my dad. The school was extremely kind. They agreed to permit me to come back the next year and continue my physician assistant education,” Kozeska said.

Anita Kozeska, owner of Arya Yoga Studio, Hollidaysburg, is the subject of this month’s Fitness Track. Courtesy photo

After successful surgery, Kozeska returned to Saint Francis and began taking classes during the summer. Unfortunately, family health issues struck again.

“My sister got very sick. After months of testing, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. I decided the door was getting shut for me again, and I decided that is not what I was meant to do. I decided not to pursue the physician assistant program and instead support my sister and family,” said Kozeska.

Despite the major setbacks in her personal life, she still had a need to help others. Though her desire for a career in the medical profession was thwarted, her interest in health and wellness never waned.

While living in New Jersey shortly before her marriage, Kozeska decided to participate in a yoga class.

“I was in the first row, and I was hooked from the moment the class started. I didn’t know anything about yoga. I loved the challenge and I kept coming back. I started back in 2004. Yoga kept me present in the moment. It was about my journey on the mat, nobody else’s,” she reflected.

When she moved to this area, she continued to participate in yoga training. Her instructor encouraged her to get her certification which she accomplished a few years ago.

Today, she owns and operates Arya Yoga Studio in Hollidaysburg. She can now provide compassionate care to others, which was her rationale for pursuing a medical career. A little over a year ago she decided to add a class for senior males. Each senior student has an opportunity to modify the session by using blocks, chairs, and bolsters to meet personal needs. During the entire hour, Kozeska performs the movements with the students. Music plays in the background from a variety of genres. At the end, relaxation and reflection are emphasized prior to departure.

“I just wanted some more flexibility. I noticed as I aged that it wasn’t as easy to do things that I used to do. One of my main goals is stability and looking forward to the 80’s. If you don’t start doing yoga now, it’s not going to help much when you hit that age,” said Frank Madden, age 75.

“I run and bike with my wife. I’d go for a run, and the next day might suffer a pulled hamstring or hurt my knee or calf. Since I started yoga, I haven’t had any injuries. We’ve all heard it, use it or lose it. We’re all trying to get some of the lost mobility back,” said John Becker, age 68.

“I saw that there was a class just for men of certain age, I think it’s over 65. I was always interested in seeing how yoga would affect me. I thought this was a great opportunity to do it with a bunch of guys, and I found it to be extraordinarily beneficial. Overall, I feel better. I am more flexible and my balance has improved. Life can be so hectic, and there’s always a million things you’re thinking about doing, but the time I’m here, that disappears,” said Mike Dinger, age 67.

“I had a recent surgery, and after that I felt a lot more stiffness and soreness, especially in the morning when I got up, and my balance wasn’t as good. My brothers-in-law were in this class, and they seem to be enjoying it. My balance is improving and my flexibility is getting better,” said Pat Barnes, age 78.

“Walking and getting out of bed is getting easier. Whenever I do anything physically, I seem to recover a little quicker, and that wasn’t the case at one time. I did it for stability, flexibility, and primarily because I am with a bunch of guys my own age or older,” said Richard Baronner, age 68, noting that Anita is a great instructor.

Kozeska describes her methodology as the mirror of her life.

“This class is not easy for them or for me. My teaching comes from my own experiences. I explore different types of movement and disciplines, so that I can allow the body to move in many ways. Whatever happens, I am ready to respond not only physically but also mentally.

Though her father passed away prior to the studio’s opening, his memory was present on day one and beyond.

“He wasn’t present when I opened Arya. The studio was opened officially on his name day, which is Saint John the Baptist,” said Kozeska.

Arya Yoga Studio offers group and private classes to meet varied ability levels and personal needs.

George Thomas Kattouf of Altoona is the developer of the website AgelessTimeless.com. He has been instructing martial arts for over four decades in the Altoona Area at the Academy of Martial Arts and encourages seniors to stay fit through martial arts training. If you or someone you know in Blair County is age 50 or older and would be a good candidate for the Fitness Track, email Kattouf at george@agelesstimeless.com. Tune in to the YouTube channel AgelessTimeless to learn more.