Asbury Park Bazaar Feature: Ebb & Flow - Hot Yoga, Massage & Meditation Studio

There’s nothing we love more than heartwarming and inspiring stories during the holiday season. And this is one of them. And of course we love learning about new small businesses coming to Asbury Park and supporting and promoting them! Meet Katie Cook, co-owner of Ebb & Flow Yoga and Wellness, who is opening up a hot yoga studio in Asbury Park in 2025! In this blog feature, Katie shares her incredible story of how she connected with a sibling she never knew existed and how their connection and vision together led to the birth of Ebb & Flow Yoga and Wellness!

We are so thrilled they are a sponsor of Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, December 15th, 12-5 PM, at Asbury Hotel. Be sure to stop by their booth where they will offer free chair massages, showcase their signature line of antique Kilim rug-inspired hot yoga mats, and you can enter a raffle to win incredible gifts.

Tell us more about yourself and where you are from.

Hi, I’m Katie Cook, co-owner of Ebb & Flow Yoga and Wellness LLC. Originally from Manasquan, NJ, I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly 17 years, and it’s been a transformative force in my life. I’m also a lifelong educator, having taught everything from yoga and mindfulness to early childhood education and high school fine art. My passion for helping others grow and find balance led me to develop programs that bring yoga and mindfulness into schools, supporting students’ emotional well-being. At Ebb & Flow, my goal is to share my love of traditional ashtanga (or 8-limbed) yoga and education to create a truly holistic experience where students can expect not only a physically rewarding practice but also learn more about the philosophy and science of yoga as a means of finding peace and connecting with something greater than themselves.

I’m joined in this journey by my co-owner and brother, Tylor. A Marine veteran and lineman from outside Philadelphia, Tylor discovered yoga through me five years ago after a background in weightlifting and CrossFit. He was drawn to the physically challenging practice of hot yoga, which has since taken him on a profound physical, mental, and spiritual journey. Yoga has helped him recover from injuries, improve mobility, and discover mindfulness and meditation as tools for stress relief and self-connection. Tylor’s driven and motivated spirit sparked the creation of Ebb & Flow, and his behind-the-scenes work has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. He is currently working toward his yoga teacher certification and looks forward to blending his strength-focused background into powerful, dynamic classes that reflect his personal journey and passions.

Completing our team is Taylor, Tylor’s partner and gifted Massage Therapist who leads our wellness offerings. Taylor's expertise was shaped in Sámara, Costa Rica, where she studied at the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy and embraced the pura vida philosophy—a way of life that honors balance, gratitude, and connection. Her massage therapy is rooted in the rhythm of nature and the belief in the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Taylor is also a Reiki and Shamanic Practitioner, drawing from a lineage of energy workers in her family. With this ancestral wisdom, Taylor creates a safe and sacred space for healing on every level by integrating the grounding power of massage with the gentle, restorative energy of Reiki.

Together, we bring our unique strengths and backgrounds to create a holistic experience for our community.

Tell us about your business and what motivated you to start your company.

Ebb & Flow Yoga and Wellness was born out of an incredible story of rediscovery. Growing up as only children in different families, my brother Tylor and I didn’t even know the other existed. Raised by adoptive parents on the Jersey Shore, I had no idea I had a sibling until I joined Ancestry.com five years ago. That’s when I discovered Tylor, raised outside of Philly, who had no idea his parents had given up a child for adoption 8 years before he was born. When we finally met, the connection was instant—like we had known each other forever.

Though distance initially kept us apart, we figured out a way to stay connected through weekly yoga sessions, which not only deepened our bond but transformed into a shared passion. Tylor eventually moved to the Jersey Shore, and together we envisioned a studio that reflects the balance we found in each other. Ebb & Flow is a space where opposites harmonize: fiery, challenging flows alongside serene stillness, and blending yoga’s rich traditions with modern energy and playfulness.

With Taylor’s expertise in massage and energy work, we’ve been able to take this vision even further. More than a studio, Ebb & Flow is a celebration of connection, growth, and balance—a reflection of our unique journey and a place for others to discover their own.

In addition to our yoga and wellness offerings, Ebb & Flow features a unique line of Kilim rug-inspired yoga mats that I designed. My background in fine art and graphic design, combined with a love of bohemian, eclectic, and vintage styles, inspired this project. Kilim rugs, known for their intricate patterns and rich symbolism, represent cultural storytelling through their motifs, which often symbolize protection, love, and community. I wanted our mats to reflect this beauty and meaning while capturing the vibe of our studio.

Each mat features highly realistic details—like loose threads, worn spots, and vintage-inspired imperfections—that make them look like authentic antique rugs. Made with soft, vegan microsuede, these mats are as functional as they are beautiful. The suede becomes grippier as you sweat, eliminating the need for towels even in the sweatiest classes.

The inspiration came from my own home, where I love incorporating vintage Kilim rugs into my decor. I wanted a yoga mat that didn’t look like gym equipment but could seamlessly blend into my space. In fact, I often use these mats as actual rugs in my kitchen! They’re not only a reflection of our studio’s aesthetic but also a personal expression of the balance between form and function.

What are the services you will be offering?

At Ebb & Flow Yoga and Wellness LLC, we offer a range of yoga modalities designed to bring balance to mind, body, and spirit. Our classes include high-intensity vinyasa flows, traditional hatha raja yoga (a balanced practice combining physical postures, breathwork, and meditation to calm the mind and prepare for inner stillness), Bikram-inspired practices, and restorative yoga. All classes are held in our state-of-the-art studio featuring infrared heaters, with options for hot, warm, or unheated practices.

Beyond yoga, our wellness branch, MELT, provides Massage Therapy and Energy Work, led by Taylor - our Wellness Director and skilled practitioner. MELT houses a wide array of modalities and enhancements such as Swedish Massage, Hot Stones, Cupping Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Prenatal, Deep Tissue and more! Our holistic-based practice offers only organic, vegan, and cruelty free products on skin.

In addition, we offer regular guided breathwork and meditation classes to provide extra time to dive deep into these profoundly transformative practices, discuss yogic philosophy and texts and to provide space for students to share a cup of tea as they reflect on their experience and connect with each other. We strongly believe there is so much benefit not only to practicing yoga with a group but also to creating time to explore your own personal practice on your own. Because there's not always the space and tranquility to practice in our own homes, we decided to offer open studio hours- designated time each day that our serene, candle-lit, gently warmed studio is open for you to drop in for 5 minutes or an hour to use for your personal self-guided yoga and meditation practice. Also, keep an eye out for weekly workshops designed to enhance overall well-being and community connection and lots of other fun surprises and offerings to be announced in the near future.

Why did you decide to open in Asbury Park and where will you be located?

Asbury Park is a unique blend of creativity, community, and culture, making it the perfect location for Ebb & Flow. Its downtown energy and eclectic vibe reflect our studio’s vision of balancing tradition with modernity. We’re conveniently located on the second floor of 17-19 South Main Street, just steps from the train station and municipal parking.

What is the core philosophy behind your studio?

At Ebb & Flow, our core philosophy is rooted in balance, where opposing forces come together to create a harmonious whole. Inspired by the concept of yin and yang, we offer a holistic practice that blends the vigorous energy of challenging, high-intensity flows with the calm, restorative power of meditation and therapeutic massage. Just as the ebb and flow of ocean tides find their rhythm in constant movement and rest, we help our students discover their own rhythm in life—balancing effort with ease, strength with softness, and action with stillness.

We also draw inspiration from the traditional 8 Limbs of Yoga, weaving in timeless wisdom, but we’re not afraid to put a modern twist on it. Our classes blend ancient practices with dynamic music, fun vibes, and an approachable, laid-back atmosphere that makes yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We believe in making traditional yogic teachings relevant to today’s practitioner while honoring the roots of the practice, so you can experience both the depth of yoga and the joy of movement.

At Ebb & Flow, yoga is more than just physical exercise. It’s a journey for the mind and spirit as well, and we emphasize how these teachings can be taken off the mat to benefit all areas of your life. Whether you’re pushing through an intense flow, finding peace in stillness, or enjoying the therapeutic benefits of massage, we aim to create a space where you can find your balance—on and off the mat.

What are your favorite design features or elements at your studio?

Our studio is designed to be an oasis that feels like a retreat from the outside world. The calming, zen-like ambiance features soft lighting, candle-lit spaces, and the warm glow of a fireplace, setting the mood for serene meditation practices or fiery vinyasa flows.

We’re especially proud of our state-of-the-art infrared heaters, which not only warm the space but also offer incredible health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification, and enhanced muscle recovery. For post-class refreshment, we’re excited to offer a shower for members to use after our sweat-inducing classes.

Lastly, our cozy lounge invites you to stay and connect after class. With complimentary tea and oracle card readings, it’s a space to relax, build community, and deepen your experience.

How does meditation and massage benefit ones’ yoga practice & vice versa?

Yoga, meditation, and massage are deeply interconnected. Yoga, or more specifically- the physical asana practice, prepares the body and mind for stillness, enhancing meditation by calming the nervous system and sharpening focus. Massage complements yoga by releasing tension, improving flexibility, and promoting deep relaxation. Together, these practices create a holistic approach to wellness, helping individuals balance their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Who do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from a blend of traditional yogic practices combined with a modern approach. My personal sadhana, or practice, is largely inspired by the Ashtanga Yoga or 8 Limbs of Yoga as taught by Sri Dharma Mittra. The holistic nature of Dharma Yoga, with its focus on compassion, yogic philosophy, and sacred scriptures, has been a significant influence on me. I also appreciate the emphasis placed on more subtle practices like pranayama (breathwork) and dhyana (meditation) that help deepen the connection to the self.

That being said, I enjoy making the practice more accessible and relatable to modern practitioners. I put my own spin on it by keeping classes fun and laid-back, with invigorating playlists that help bring a sense of playfulness and motivation to class, while still honoring the depth of the traditional teachings.

Taylor draws her inspiration for Massage Therapy and the healing arts from doctor and author, Deepak Chopra. A leader in integrative medicine, Chopra bridges the gap between Western and Eastern healing traditions. His holistic approach inspired Taylor to incorporate elements of energy work, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic principles into her practices. His books, teachings, and wisdom have also helped influence her approach to all underlying elements of touch therapy.

Who are your favorite local Asbury Park businesses?

Cafe Volan is my go-to spot for a cozy coffee break and my caffeine fix.

Rebel Supply Co. is perfect for vintage finds and quirky, hilarious gifts.

Freedom Rocks keeps my crystal and oracle card deck collection ever-growing.

Over the Moon Studios has brought some of my favorite artwork into my home—especially from their amazing annual holiday party.

What are some of the services you will be offering at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar?

Visit us at the Holiday Bazaar for a chance to unwind with free chair massages by Taylor from Melt! We’ll also be showcasing our signature line of antique Kilim rug-inspired hot yoga mats—perfect for holiday gifting. And don’t miss our raffle, where you can win premium yoga mats, free yoga sessions, and massage treatments. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself or someone special to a little wellness this holiday season!

Tell us what you are most looking forward to at the Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar?

I’m most excited about connecting with the local community and sharing the spirit of Ebb & Flow. The Holiday Bazaar is such a wonderful showcase of creativity and small business, and I can’t wait to be a part of the festive atmosphere while introducing people to our unique approach to wellness.

Be sure to stop by Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, Dec 15th, 12-5 PM, at Asbury Hotel and meet the incredible team behind Ebb & Flow Hot Yoga, Massage & Mediation Studio. We greatly appreciate their sponsorshop & support of Asbury Park Bazaar! See you there!