Stephanie Kelly Coggins / Yoga

TEACHING VIBE

What brought you to yoga? We love a good origin story.

From a young age, I've always been an athlete. Whether it was competitive cheerleading, gymnastics, figure skating, or playing street hockey with my brother, I love being active. As I became older, my muscles would sore quicker and my joints were stiff immediately after a workout. I admit, I wasn’t originally draw to yoga and the one class I tried at the gym left a feeling of, blah.

In 2013, I was going through a difficult time in my life and decided to try a class at a local yoga studio with a few friends. This time, not only did I want my body to be relieved from pain, I also wanted her mind to be clear. When I walked into the studio I felt a sense of community, love, and dang, did it smell good! Shortly after, the aches and pains disappeared and I was starting to feel herself again.

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

How would you describe your teaching flow?

I like to describe my teaching as a mindful movement flow. I encourage my students to allow the breath to deepen their practice on and off the mat. I like to challenge my students to get outside of their comfort zone so that they can learn more about their body, and to fully let go of anything that has been holding them back.

Music Preferences? What is always on your playlist? Favorite artist?

Sol Rising, DJ Drez, Bob Marley

What was your most memorable yoga experience?

The first time I cried in Savasana - what an experience!

Any teacher shoutouts? Favorite yoga teacher?

Amy O'Connor (Open Doors Yoga Studios) - She's now living in Germany but, I went to her classes because she was passionate about the practice and her feels were raw. After each class, I always felt inspired and ready to conquer the day!

MEET: STEPHANIE KELLY COGGINS