Part of a continuing series of conversations with yoga instructors, Robin Rowe interviews Up Dog studio’s Rebecca Stoner

By Robin Rowe

Rebecca Stoner Vinyasa Flow Yoga: linking breath and movement

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/3/2010 – “Who doesn’t want to feel good?,” asks yoga instructor Rebecca Stoner. She teaches yoga at the beautiful Up Dog studio in West Hollywood and at Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness in Palos Verdes Estates. “Yoga helps to connect to a sense of being, love and passion. I love building strength, having a feeling of openness throughout the body, sweating, being creative, challenging myself, quieting my mind and having a lot of fun.”

“Practicing yoga helps to make life more like a playground for the mind, body and soul,” says Stoner. “I teach Vinyasa Flow Yoga, linking the breath and movements. I create playlists for my classes consisting of all genres of music that supports the sequence, movements and postures.”

“My life philosophy is to follow the heart….to live and love from a space where I honor myself,” says Stoner. “My approach to meditation is simple. Just be. I can find humor in pretty much anything. Even though trying to understand and live yoga is very important, I also feel that when you are on the mat it’s not the time to take yourself too seriously.”

Stoner has studied or practiced with yoga teachers Desiree Bartlett, Shiva Rea, Marla Wedge, Chappell Foote, Vinnie Marino, Kishan Shah, Annie Carpenter and Jesse Schein. “The most challenging thing I have done in yoga was going through my teacher training,” says Stoner.

“We have amazing teachers at Up Dog for both yoga and cycling,” says Stoner. “I feel fortunate to be a part of this team . We are learning from and inspiring each other.” Up Dog studio in West Hollywood is owned by Meaghan Townsend.

http://updogfitness.com/

Stoner also teaches at Palos Verdes Yoga and Fitness in Palos Verdes Estates, owned by Kimberly Blaine.

http://www.palosverdesyogaandfitness.com/

At both studios Stoner offers private or semi-private yoga. Stoner says she’s “happily busy” as a mother, student and teacher. She wants to travel some day in the name of yoga. “I don’t know what is next for me, but I’m on a path,” says Stoner. “I’m following my heart and am committed to live this life.”