We all see Yoga as a meditative practice that gives us time to free our minds and stretches to heal and relax our muscles. However, the history of Yoga dates back to ancient India, where it originated as a spiritual and physical discipline that focuses on bringing harmony to the mind and body. If you want to play with words, Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to join” or “to unite,” and originated around 5,000 years ago.

The earliest forms of Yoga were simple yet powerful. Practitioners utilized synchronized breathing, slow movements, and meditation to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Over time, Yoga evolved into a more complex system of philosophy and practice, spreading from India to other parts of Asia and, eventually, the rest of the world.

Nowadays, the media has exposed various Yoga personalities throughout the years. Although many are ecstatic about this beautiful practice and form of art, Cristen Barker and Kimberly Hise, known as the Chin Twins, are two of the most influential duos in the Yoga game.

Before becoming prominent yogis, the Chin Twins were models. They began that part of their professional life when they met a photographer by chance while attending the University of Miami. Their father was the captain of a boat used for a photo shoot, and while they were hanging around helping him, the photographer noticed the twins. 

“He then asked us to do a test shoot, which became the first photo to launch our new careers as models. He also scored us an agency in Miami – Michelle Pommier,” said the twins. “From there, we kept getting more opportunities; being in front of the camera came naturally to us because we had each other to work and travel with, and we ended up living all over the world.”

The ladies felt it was wonderful to explore and learn about different cultures together as young adults. During their first trip to Milan, they met Nigel Barker, who, before becoming one of the world’s leading photographers, was modeling.

“We became fast friends; then Crissy and he started dating,” said Kimberly. “At that time, Nigel started taking photos, and we became his muses.” Together, the Chin Twins and Barker lived in Paris, followed by London, before finally moving to New York City. Their modeling career lasted for about a decade, during which they were fortunate to work for publications and companies from Vogue to Revlon, shooting worldwide and creating TV commercials. 

“We had a wonderful experience as teenagers traveling across Europe together,” they expressed. “We walked on the runways in Paris and Milan, and we flew to Japan to open fashion shows for Yohji Yamamoto and experienced almost everything from shooting underwater to posing in the snow on a mountain, running in the desert and standing on horses!”

One of the twins’ big breaks was exclusively for a fourteen-page spread in Italian Vogue’s September Issue, shot by famed Italian Photographer Fabrizio Ferre. They also often traveled to Southeast Asia to work in cities like Singapore, a prime destination for the Vogue cover where the twins starred. “We put modeling on hiatus when we both got married and started having children but started again about ten years ago spurred by our IG Account, The @ChinTwins,” they said.

The twins started their @ChinTwins account to blend art, fashion, and Yoga. It was a collaborative process, with Barker shooting all their photos. The three of them cultivated fun concepts, stepped out into the world, and made magic happen. The Instagram account then grew into a lifestyle brand that allowed the twins to spend time together and create content while raising their families. 

“Most recently, we also created our first TV show for the Design Network called The ChinTwins, where we explore yoga, cooking, and family life,” they said.

Their quest to practice Yoga began when they were teenagers. They had a background in dance, specifically ballet. Therefore, Yoga was an easy transition for them and a way to stay flexible and mentally and physically fit. 

“Yoga has been with us through our pregnancies, and parenting and is an integral part of our lives,” stated the twins. “We are both certified yoga teachers, and after creating ChinTwins together, we have applied Yoga principles and the lovely poses of Yoga to connect with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.”

While practicing Yoga supported the sisters with both their mental and physical health by enhancing their strength and flexibility. It also taught them to be more present and mindful while raising their children. The lessons of the Yamas and Niyamas have helped them understand that accepting what they cannot change and practicing self-care is vital for a healthy and balanced life. The Yamas and Niyamas are two sets of ethical principles that are central to the practice of Yoga. The Yamas are five restraints that govern our behavior towards others, and the Niyamas are five observances that guide our conduct.

“We enjoy supporting our local Yoga communities, and this year’s international Yoga Day theme is ‘Yoga for women empowerment,'” stated the twins. “We look forward to joining other powerful women in our communities to raise awareness and to celebrate the unifying power of Yoga.”

They continued, “We have daughters, so we think it’s very important that Yoga helps the world and encourages inclusion and wellness for women.”

Overall, the Chin Twins philosophy is that Yoga is accessible to everyone and will meet you wherever you are on your journey. Many types and methods of yoga are great for anyone to try, regardless of their level and ability. 

“You can find what works for you. Taking a walk in nature, sitting in silence, and breathing for 10 minutes is also practicing Yoga,” they said.

Today, millions of people globally practice Yoga, which now has the reputation of being a popular form of exercise that can reduce stress and improve mental and emotional well-being. The practice has been shown to have several health benefits, including improving flexibility and strength and promoting relaxation. It can also help improve sleep, reduce pain, and boost the immune system.

To conclude, the Chin Twins and Barker are working on a particular project: making a retrospective coffee table book of all the work they have created over the years.

Want to keep up with the Chin Twins? Follow them on Instagram @ChinTwins for more updates!

Photo Credits: All images are by Nigel Barker

Editorial Team: Editor-in-Chief: Natalie Tran Steger | Managing Editor: Cyan Leigh Dacasin | Creative Director: Claire Grisolano | Contributing Writer: Aida M. Toro