Aerobics

Yoga

Barre

Anonymous

IP location

Stephanie is a former art historian/archaeologist who found her true passion in the beauty and strength of yoga. As a long time fitness enthusiast and former swimmer and triathlete, she first began practicing yoga in 2007 as a way to stretch sore muscles and relieve the ongoing stress of graduate school. Immediately, she not only felt a much-welcomed openness in her body, but she also found peace in the union of the asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath). At the beginning of her yoga journey, Stephanie bounced between yoga studios and cultivated a strong home yoga practice that she maintains to this day, even amidst the craziness of her three young children! After many years as a student, she completed her 200-RYT in 2018 with a focus on Power Vinyasa Flow and Bikram yoga. She chose to complete her 300-RYT in 2023 with Authentic Movements, a collaborative who embraces both intricate, anatomically-based alignment, as well as free-form, creativity-inspired movements. She also hold certifications in Barre (from Pure Barre), Myofascial Release (MFR) in the Yoga Context, Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and Children's Yoga (from Kidding Around Yoga), Thai Massage Level I and II, and is currently an E-RYT 500 and YACEP. Stephanie loves to learn and share her passion for yoga and movement with others! My teaching style is: Dynamic, fluid, and logically creative. I have a passion for transitions, connecting poses and movements in fun, innovative ways--while carefully preparing the body for deeper poses and maintaining safe form and alignment. My favorite yoga pose is: Fallen Star. I love how it challenges my strength, while opening the front side of my body. It feels fun and graceful! Yoga has helped me overcome: The fear of failing and not being good enough. For many years, I came to my hot yoga practice with the mantra "I am strong," believing that if I made it through my practice, then I could also handle any challenge outside of the yoga room. Over the years, I’ve also learned that if a pose or class doesn’t turn out as I expected, it's ok. In life and in yoga, I must let it go and try again. I love my shoulders because: I’ve worked hard to build their strength. I used to feel self-conscious about being broad-shouldered, but now I appreciate their power. My favorite goddess is Maat because: She is the Ancient Egyptian personification of truth, justice, and cosmic balance. At death, the Egyptians believed that the deceased’s soul/heart would be weighed against Maat’s white feather of truth, thus determining his/her fate in the afterlife—very similar to the Christian belief in the Last Judgement and the weighing of souls. You must try this healthy snack: Dark chocolate! :) My favorite Sanskrit word is Namaste because: It reminds us to embrace kindness and respect for others, no matter how different they are from us. My advice for beginning yogis is: To experiment and find a type of yoga that feels good to you (mentally and physically) and embrace your struggles as well as your successes. You should always be able to smile in any pose! I’m most grateful for: My family, especially my husband and three children. They help me to stay grounded and remind me of what is truly important: love, wonder, and joy. The most exotic place I’ve practiced yoga is: At an excavation site at Bamburgh Castle (located in a small village in northern England)—I used to work there as an archaeologist. If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be: Stevi Gongora (@casa_colibri) because: I really admire her creative funky flows and yoga tutorials that she offers with her fellow yogi collaborates at Authentic Movements. Follow her and Authentic Movements on Instagram--they are amazing! I’m excited to take my yoga to the next level because: I love learning more about how the body and mind works and what they are capable of, and there is so much to learn! I also enjoy challenging and growing my own practice. My hero is: My mom because she is the most caring person I know. She is always thinking of, helping and giving to others. My superpower is: My determination and ability to focus. My one wish for the world is: For everyone to show more grace and kindness to each other.

Stephanie Chapman (E-RYT 500)

Instructor at Release