How do you know what practice works for you? Whether it’s traditional yoga, contemporary vinyasa flows or something completely different - it is a whole journey to find out what suits your needs best. That’s why we sat down with teachers of The Conscious Club to talk about their journey.

This time, we’re in conversation with Brittany Costa, she the author of Health & Happiness , but next to being a writer, Brittany is also a Health & Wellness Guide and yoga teacher at The Conscious Club, here in Amsterdam. In this short interview, she tells us all about her growing up in the States, and how she gradually shifted from the yoga scene in New York to teaching Strala Yoga in Amsterdam.

Hi Brittany! Can you tell us a bit more about your first experience with yoga?
“I was introduced to Yoga by my Grandmother; when I was little she would watch over my sister and I, and we would always practice along with her Raquel Welch yoga videos. Over the years, my focus turned to sports, but I always used the tools I learned from Grandma to help me open my muscles after a tough soccer or lacrosse game.”

“I actually hated going to a yoga class, I felt that the movements were too stiff and structured, the instructors were too intimidating”

So you were not a fan of yoga at first?
”I actually hated going to a yoga class, I felt that the movements were too stiff and structured, the instructors were too intimidating, and I could never seem to fit my body into the postures that others seemed to form so easily in to, though I would always practice in my own way at home, with no one watching. One day, I believe in 2009, I came across Tara Stiles YouTube videos and fell in love with her welcoming energy and accessible approach to the practice. I had recently moved to the Greater New York City area, and she lived in Manhattan, so I took it upon myself to reach out to her to hang out with me …”

And how did that go?
“I asked if I could meet up with her to learn more from her and her partner Mike Taylor. At the time she was leading Strala Classes out of Mike’s living room and she graciously invited me to check out a class and to hang out with them and chat about yoga. We spoke about just doing the practice instead of being too focused on the study of it, about how the NYC yoga scene was a bit pretentious, and how it was better to move with your body instead of against it, but honestly, the real moment I felt that this practice was for me was when we started moving and at one point Notorious BIG “Hypnotize” came on. I. Was. Hooked. The energy from the movements and the music allowed me to get into the flow state and from there I continued to ride the wave. This was the moment where I decided that I would focus a lot of my life on this particular way of movement. “

What makes Strala so much different from other types of yoga?
”Strala is a non-traditional class, with a unique playlist that is meant to inspire the movement. It is a funky, moving flow that builds strength, balance and flexibility evenly in the body while resting the focus calmly on the breath. We're working on fluid movement that isn't constricted by rules or rigidity. We move with ease, whether the movement is challenging or simple, exploring each position as we sink deeper and build strength. This sense of ease allows you to approach “hard poses” easily and efficiently, leaving space for the mind to get calm, centered and focused. With every deep inhale we create space, and every deep exhale moves us into that new space. The deeper we breathe, the more opens up. Designed to activate your body’s Relaxation Response—a chemical cascade responsible for overall health, healing and well-being—we create a healthy balance between flexibility, stability and mobility. We find ease through all positions, by moving gently and exploring where we are, rather than forcing ourselves to be somewhere else. We get happy, creative and intuitive; drop the stress and feel good all-over!”

“Life is all about the journey, not the destination, so enjoy every step along the way.”

What would you advise people who’re just starting out with yoga?
“Start where you are. Don’t feel like you need to push or force your way through any type of movement or breath, you’ll get where you need to go just by listening to yourself. You know you best. You know the places that feel good, so linger there. And you know the places that don’t feel so good, so maybe come out of those places and find a better place to be. Listen to what your body is telling you, and then respond from there.”

Complete the sentence: “Nothing helps me relax more than….
“...laying in the grass with the sun shining above, the breeze cooling my skin, listening to the music of nature and breathing deeply.“

What is your favorite place in the world?
“I haven’t been to all the places that I want to, but my favorite place so far to travel to has been Bali, there is something seriously magical about that beautiful place, and I am longing to go back once restrictions are over. My favorite place locally is my current home, I live in the most beautiful location surrounded by trees, I’m in my own little treehouse! So I love sitting on my balcony, conversing with the birds.”

What is your favorite hotspot in Amsterdam?
“I love sitting in Vondelpark, getting fresh air, sunshine and hanging with my son and/or friends (preferably with some wine!) or practicing yoga in the grass and dirt, grounding myself (if you see me practicing, come over and stop, drop and yoga with me!). Because of the way the world is at this current moment, I try to make sure I spend as much time as I can outdoors in nature connecting with the earth, my son, and my friends.”

What is your dearest wish for the future?
“I wish we can practice together in person again soon. I wish the citizens of the world work together so we can focus on preserving the environment that we live in, as opposed to fighting against each other, ourselves and nature. I wish for my son to grow up with an open mind and an open heart, with the courage to follow his passions. I wish I could travel soon.”

What is your favorite quote?
"I live my life to the limit and I love it” --Jennifer Lopez

Gotten into the Strala-mood? The Conscious Club hosts (live) Strala classes each week! Make sure to check out our schedule to book a spot. Prefer to join a class from home in you own time? Have a look at our Video On Demand platform, make sure to set the mood and turn on a nice playlist. If you’re aiming to start your Strala practice guided by Brittany, make sure to have a look at her Spotify for some great playlists to flow to!

- Written by Suze van As

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