A new year provides the perfect opportunity to try a new workout or return to a previously successful exercise routine. Local Yoga Sculpt instructor Tylah Alphonse offers pop-up classes sure to satisfy the desire for physical activity while having a great time.
How did you get involved with yoga?
I started doing yoga when I lived in Wilmington. Even though I resisted at first, my boss finally convinced me to go to a class. Although it was a slower yoga than I do now, I fell in love with it. When I moved back to Charlotte, my job had a yoga studio right next to it. I tried out all the different classes during the free week and I loved it so much I started going every day after work.
How did you get started teaching Yoga Sculpt?
I found an instructor I really liked, and I frequently attended her classes. One day she told me she thought I would be an amazing instructor myself, but I decided not to take the instructor course at that time. Later, I started taking a Yoga Sculpt class and that instructor told me the same thing! So, with some encouragement from my friends, I decided to get certified to teach Yoga Sculpt.
What do you love about teaching?
It's a fun way to get an amazing workout and be refreshed. Yoga also brings a community together. You meet so many friends that share the same qualities and love that you do for Yoga Sculpt, and you build a relationship based on that. We have such a good time together that after one of my Sunday classes, we all went out for lunch together.
How is Yoga Sculpt different from other types of yoga?
Usually, when people think of yoga, they think of slow and meditation, but Yoga Sculpt is very upbeat. We listen to fast music while we do exercises. During classes, we do a flow which is the slower part, but we add weights into it which is great for people who want to build muscle. Then we have a cardio portion where we run. Basically, it's like a mix of HIIT exercises with flow and that's why people like it… because it's the best of both worlds.
When do you offer classes and are reservations required?
I teach classes two times a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. I teach on Wednesdays at Waxhaw Taphouse. It’s a free class, which everyone loves because it’s almost impossible to find a free Yoga Sculpt class in Charlotte! On Sundays in the winter, I teach in a studio. In the summertime, I teach my Sunday class at Dogwood Park. My Sunday classes are just $10 per person. No reservation needed.
What makes your classes unique?
I try to make a new sequence and switch the songs around each week. A lot of the people who come to my classes love that every single class you come to is going to be different. Even if you come to a Wednesday class and to a Sunday class, I try to switch things up. I get that people don't want to be doing the same moves every week. It makes it more fun when you're doing new moves and sequences to new songs.
What should people bring to class?
All they need to bring is a mat. If they don’t have one, I usually have extra mats with me. I provide everything else such as the weights and the band.
What are your plans for future classes?
I hope to open a studio of my own one day in the surrounding area. My goal is to have reasonable prices and be accessible for everyone - moms, students, full-time workers! Right now, I’m simply building clientele and making the best classes possible for everyone.
How can people find out more details?
I post class information and updates on Instagram @tonedwty. People can also email me at tonedwty@ gmail.com for more information. Once someone attends a class, I collect their information and send out reminders. I love seeing new faces so bring your friends and family and come sculpt! I hope to see you all on the mat soon!
Usually, when people think of yoga, they think of slow and meditation, but Yoga Sculpt is very upbeat. We listen to fast music while we do exercises.
I love teaching because it's a fun way to get an amazing workout and be refreshed. Yoga also brings a community together. You meet so many friends that share the same qualities and love that you do for Yoga Sculpt.