My Style of Yoga
Having many years of experience with fibromyalgia, depression and burn-out, I have grown to love yoga for its various therapeutic qualities that help alleviate the myriad of symptoms experienced: Regulating the nervous system, introducing movement to decrease muscle stiffness & pain, and adjusting the mindset dealing with physical & mental suffering. I have also experienced how yoga can feel more dysregulating and create physical backlash when its intensity level is too high for our specific conditions and no adaptive options are provided. Too many people have been turned away from the practice, or from the onset think they don’t have the body for it and don’t dare to try. I aim to meet you where you are, so you can enjoy its many benefits.
I am drawn to teach yoga to share its curative qualities in ways that are safe and accessible to those experiencing energy-limiting conditions and/or chronic pain: Gentle and accessible movement to soothe the nervous system, reduce muscle stiffness and uplift our body & mind. My particular interests lie at the intersection of yogic science, traditional Chinese medicine and neuroscience. My practice is also informed by learning Ballet as a child, Pilates as a young adult and Qi Gong in recent years.
This is all reflected in my sequences, which are a combination of slow and progressive Yoga Asanas, Somatic Movement, Qi Gong, Pranayama & Mindfulness, built around a strong (and often seasonal) theme.
Classes Offered
After offering a first series of 8 classes a few months ago at One Down Dog, the studio where I have done most of my training, I offered a similar series of 8 classes here, this past spring.
Following this, I will be sporadically offering more classes. Plans for a regular schedule were dampered by personal and world events, as well as a need to focus on upcoming trainings. Registrants will get confirmations before a class is to take place.
Classes are offered live on Sundays at 11am PST, 2pm EST, 8pm CET. Class lasts one hour, the zoom room opens 15 minutes prior to class and we may chat about our experience afterwards.
A recording of the class then become available on the Classes page to catch-up or take again, in your own time.
Pay What You Can
As I’m just getting started teaching yoga, I am offering a range of pricing options at a lower rate than the going average. I invite you to contribute what feels right to you, depending on your budget and taking into account my past years of yoga teacher training and thoughtful preparation of classes. Your generosity is appreciated but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Registration takes place on the Classes page.
The contribution suggestions for access to all live and recorded classes are: Community: Free / Contributing: 30$ / Sustaining: 60$ / Supporting: 90$
If you would like to contribute an amount different than the options provided, please choose the Community option and you may then send a donation of your choosing with the button below. If you would rather not use this platform for payment, you may use Venmo @stephtrep, or contact me at stephanie@evokative.xyz to discuss options.
Suggested Props
Props are important in my practice. I do encourage you to get as many of the listed props as you can afford, as they will greatly elevate your practice, provide you with more support, sense of safety and comfort. Coziness is key, have with you as many blankets, pillows and other padding options as you can or want.
I aim to provide many options during class, depending if you have the specific prop, have something else to use in its place, or nothing at all.
Mat: A mat provides you with cushioning against the floor and a stable base with some grip. I use this one and like it, but any cheaper kind would do just as well, and a towel would also do the trick.
Blankets: I always have a folded yoga blanket under me as a cozy base, to pad knees in tabletop position and provide elevation when seated. You could also use a towel. A second blanket often comes useful in some poses. I also like to have a smaller Turkish towel under my head when lying down. A hand towel would do the same, but it is not necessary.
Blocks: I use blocks in so many ways, for support and elevation. There aren’t really substitutes for them and they do come handy in most classes, so I would suggest you get a pair. Many affordable options are available online.
Bolster: This prop brings so much coziness and support to the practice and I use one most of the time. It is the more expensive prop however, with a wide range of prices and options in terms of thickness. I have been using this one at home and it’s very cozy, though can feel thin and flimsy at times. There are thicker and firmer bolsters that can feel better in some positions, such as this option (there is a wealth of options online). Both types are useful in different situations, so if you can treat yourself, do it. You could use a rectangular throw cushion instead.
Strap: Very useful to help with arm reach and leg support, but only used sometimes. You could also use a fabric belt (like a woven belt or a bathrobe belt) instead.
Myofascial balls: I have not used the balls in my online classes yet, but I love them and can provide great relief if you have muscle tightness. Tennis balls could provide a similar effect.
Cozy attire: Wear whatever is comfortable to you and allows for movement. I personally favor sweatpants but any other loose or flexible bottom will do. We likely won’t move fast enough for you to get hot, so you can have coverage or layers for your top. I like my feet to stay warm so I almost always practice with socks.