The Standard

RETREATS: All The Cool Kids Are Doing Yoga with Tara Stiles

Aug 13 2012

“Make sure to wear sunscreen” @standardmiami via @tarastiles Instagram

Last Friday at The Standard Spa yoga instructor Tara Stiles was in the house. Beloved for her accessible approach to yoga (imagine Tara saying in a sing-song, “Take your time” and “Do what feels right”) the lithe beauty played jams by Eddie Vedder, Aaron Neville, Flo Rida and more. Even Tara’s husband, Mike, participated in our 8 o’clock H2-OM class and mesmerized guests with his crow and scorpion poses. We chatted up the founder and owner of Strala Yoga and as expected, Tara’s nighttime class was completely amusing, works for everyone and is downright Om-mazing.

The Standard: You’re so bubbly and giddy — we love that! Tell us a little bit about your childhood.

Tara Stiles: I grow up in the woods of Illinois. I was a happy kid — running around, dancing. I didn’t eat meat then or now, either. I went on to study ballet and eventually moved to New York and modeled for Ford Models.

How did you get into yoga?

I would teach free lessons in the park and eventually lots of people would show up to my classes. It was organic, really!

Yoga can be really intimidating but your classes are so friendly. What can you say to inspire those who are jaded by the notion that yoga is too esoteric?

Just do it! Grab a mat and practice at the foot of your bed. You will find your groove.

You are the fist yoga instructor to use social media effectively to reach a global audience. How so?

I started making YouTube videos of me practicing yoga and things just took off. I also blog, podcast and Twitter regularly.

Your skin is ridiculously radiant. What is your beauty regime?

Thank you! Nothing! I’m a vegetarian and that’s probably why you say that.