There is nothing in Stephanie’s picture or humble description that will prepare you for her class. She’s got years of experience teaching, and she’s mastered yoga instruction like no other. But she may even say something to a new student like, “this isn’t a fancy class, so don’t worry…” Do not be deceived (don’t worry, but don’t be deceived)… what it *may* lack in fanciness, it more than makes up for in intensity. I’m not an easy sleeper, but I hit the pillow like a rock on the days that I have her class.
In my first few classes I always would think “how am I going to make it through this??” just about a minute before she brought it down a notch. She’s that tuned into the group. She pushes it hard, but not too hard. She always helps us strive for the full expression even if we’re not close, and in a good way, even if it’s just knowing that in a few months you’ll be that open. And it’s always a different class. A room of old pros will get a different class than a room of beginners, and she handles the mixes easily, too, thank goodness.
Stephanie’s class will make any other (sane) class feel easy, but in Stephanie’s class you never feel like you’re in boot camp or doing something that you might regret. You will be sore after your first few classes, but not injured. Her pacing is spot on. Not too fast.
One thing I love is that she has us do a lot of poses and binds that really help open the body up for life and for the rest of yoga. It’s because of her class that my posture has improved and that the 4-year-old pain in my lower back abates. I leave the room a few inches taller than I came in.
Stephanie greets and says goodbye with a smile and a compliment. I’m glad that she’s willing to share herself 6 times a week because my schedule is unpredictable.
– one of many students –