You head into Brittany’s yoga class and you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face. She loves to dance and sing with her students during her classes; there’s no doubt in her mind she’s found her calling. As a classically trained ballet and modern dancer, she’s known movement her entire life and loves to share her purpose while having fun, making friends and working on insecurities. Keep reading for more on how she stays energized and what inspires her.

 

What is your WHY? Why do you teach?
Becoming a yoga teacher was a DIVINE CALLING like no other. I gain a wider perspective about the Universe by standing in my powerful truth. Guiding yoga has allowed me to learn and accept the value of my life experiences through the lense of my Higher Power and share that with others through meditation, movement, and intention setting. In return, I get to witness, value, gain compassion, and love other people’s experiences. I have sincerely learned we are interconnected; WE ARE ONE on this journey.

I guide yoga classes because I feel fully supported and guided by the Divine Universe to show up 100% as an imperfect human walking through life on my physical and metaphysical yoga mat. I like to think of myself as an inner strength trainer, one who inspires and shines light in other people’s inner beauty and strength so we can all uplift our community. The biggest blessing is to be able to wake up everyday, take a leap of faith, work on myself and insecurities IN PUBLIC, have fun, and make new FRIENDS!

 

 

How did you first get into fitness? 
I am a classically trained ballet and modern dancer, so movement has been in my  vocabulary since I was 3. I accepted yoga in my life about five and a half years ago when I was in recovery. I heard my heart and my spirit for the first time in many years. I remember telling myself, ” Girl, I want some more of that. NOW.”  I was so curious about this gentle, peaceful, courageous side of my personality, that I allowed my curiosity to lead me to my passion. Then, I allowed sharing my passion for yoga and inner strength training to be my purpose.

What’s the best health/wellness advice you’ve ever received that has actually helped?
My Godmother Read Gendler has mentored and refined my fitness journey since she enrolled me in Cooper Fitness Personal Training Certification. “Brittany, give them 10% of what they want and 90% of what they need.” Also, my dear friend Jill Mearns has taught me to teach with my heart and Divine Spirit, “Breathe with them and allow the Spirit to guide you in your teaching.” I will never forget their words as they have been the guide to becoming a stronger yoga teacher.

What’s your favorite workout to do when you’re not teaching?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE indoor cycling with my fitness family at SoulCycle or taking class with my CorePower Yoga and Black Swan Yoga loves. I always stay present with my fitness community as it feeds my spirit to be with my teammates.

 

 

What’s the last song you listened to on Spotify (or iTunes, Pandora, etc.)?  
“This Feeling” by The Alabama Shakes on Spotify. Apple Music “God’s Plan,” by Drake. Tidal, “ApeSh*” by Beyonce and Jay Z.

Best thing in your fridge right now?
Topo Chico and my acne cream.

Go-to pre or post-workout snack?
I have to have a 2 hour or more window before I teach for a preworkout snack, so I try to eat a solid high protein lunch since I teach in the late afternoons. High protein salads that have spinach, kale, quinoa, salmon, and veggies the color of the rainbow. If I do not have enough time, I reach for deviled eggs from Snap Kitchen or Rx Bars. Post-workout always go to Flower Child for the Late Riser Bowl that has quinoa, black beans, scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado. I like to add salmon to make sure your girl stays grounded.

Go-to morning beverage(s)?
Four Ristretto espresso shots over ice with two inches of cold brew to prevent my tongue burn. I love it with a good Topo Chico chaser.

Favorite splurge meal/dessert?
Velvet Taco’s Red Velvet Cake and/or Velvet Tacos #6 Falafel Taco wrapped in lettuce or the #17 Ahi Tuna Poke taco.

 

 

Where do you get your health/wellness information? (blog, website, podcast, etc.) 
Black Girl in Om, Daily Om for my horoscope and daily meditations, Oprah’s Super Soul podcasts. The Super Soul Podcasts with RuPaul, Marianne Williamson, Brenee Brown, Caroline Myss, and Mastin Kipp have sincerely resonated in my yoga teaching and my spiritual guiding.

If this wasn’t your job, what would be your job?
Before I was guided to be a yoga teacher, I was working my way to become a Creative Director in luxury advertising and visual merchandising through digital and print publications. I still have my sights set on this endeavor, but now it includes the intersection of the spiritual gifts, grace, and guidance of fashion and fitness.

Favorite way to unwind after a long day/week?
Epsom Salt baths with Frankincense and Myrrh oils, Pink Himalayan sea salt crystals, my favorite crystals, and a long quite sit at the lake in front of my house afterwards to watch the wild life play. If weather is ugly, I love watching RuPaul’s Drag Race or stand up comedy on Netflix.