Tara Stiles named the 'Yoga Rebel' by the New York Times is a yoga instructor and anything but your typical yogini. She was raised in a tiny town in Illinois and as a young girl Stiles taught herself how to mediate. As a teenager she was introduced to ballet and then began her journey to create a westernized version of yoga. Strala Yoga is a type of yoga that everyone can feel comfortable practicing.
Why is yoga important?
It brings people to a place where they connect with themselves. In yoga you can observe your habits and you can tell a lot about yourself by how well you practice yoga.
How is your yoga, Strala any different from other forms of yoga?
We focus on instruction to correct alignment. We don't teach any extra philosophy, or tell stories we keep it to just yoga we are trying to normalize yoga.
So I assume you don't chant in your yoga classes?
Not at all, it's not necessary to practice yoga. It is so convoluted and turns people off. We have all types of people come into our studio, and we joke about it all the time: A Rabbi, an actress, and a banker walked into a yoga studio.
Do you have any advice for people who are hesitant or scared to try yoga?
There are so many myths and misconceptions about yoga. You can make it whatever you want to make it and you don't have to change who you are.
What about people who claim they don't have the time?
15 minutes is better than none and you can do it on your own. You don't necessary have to go to a yoga studio to practice. That is why I created my You Tube videos. There are videos for 5 minute yoga, yoga for insomnia, back pain, and many other videos. You can even do twists to cure hangovers.
How do you stay in shape?
I am always active and moving around. Instead of taking the escalators, I am that idiot at the airport carrying all my luggage up the stairs.
Who inspires you?
Oh my gosh, everybody! There are so many people doing cool stuff. But as for specific person I would say Deepak Chopra, he is a constant pool of inspiration.
With all your success what would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
Getting out of Illinois (laughs) I'm just joking. I feel like it was my first book but then again I'm happy I get to do everything I am doing. It's not one certain thing. Once I got further and further along with my work and once I can make contributions that feels like an accomplishment.
