Studio Shout Out: The pretty sweaty stuff

Our yoga teachers and studios have been adaptable and ingenious, finding new ways to connect and continue to teach and support their students. Through lockdowns, technical issues and learning to make adjustments virtually over Zoom. This month we're shining a light on them! In January, we'll be offering studios and chatting with teachers here on the blog to celebrate those who have kept us grounded over the past year. Meet yoga instructor and studio owner Lisa Duong of The Pretty Sweaty Stuff below.

Tell us a little about why you set up your studio?

Many of the studios around the Jewelery Quarter in Birmingham are quite similar. Pretty Sweaty Stuff is located in Birmingham's first and only Sensory Deprivation Spa, which is unique in itself! As soon as you enter there is immediately great energy. Sometimes random people (pre-Covid) knock on the door to see if they can come in because they just felt the energy as they walked by. There's nothing better than that.

Aside from the building itself, I wanted to have full control over my own destiny. being my own boss and offering people courses with a modern twist.

What was your vision and did it come to light?

My vision is to continue to develop in yoga and in life and to constantly make progress. Like yoga, my vision is about the journey rather than the destination.

What are the lessons like in the studio?

I believe that the environment is just as important as the yoga itself. I am incredibly lucky to have the unique space that I have.

The Floating Spa Post Float Lounge specializes in floatation therapy and forms the core of The Pretty Sweaty Stuff's courses. No clocks, no mirrors and great vibes bouncing off the customer feedback on the board. I personally think it's important to try not to include mirrors in studios as it can be so distracting to the practice.

I am the only studio in the area currently offering pre and postnatal yoga and Strala. Strala Yoga combines the movement and healing wisdom of Tai Chi with the exercise forms of yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and traditional Chinese medicine to help people reduce stress, heal and move more easily through all types of challenges. It is a very special and uncomplicated way to practice yoga!

I also teach a funky and creative Flow, Slow & Restore class as well as my classic strong class which includes strength and flexibility movements.

How has the studio helped your community?

There are many traditional yoga options in our area, including studios and fitness classes. I was able to offer an alternative to traditional teaching with a variety of different class styles that is open to all levels. Because I specialize in Strala and pre- and postnatal yoga, I can continue to offer a varied range of classes as well as personalized private yoga.

How was 2020 different for you as a yoga studio and what challenges did you have to overcome?

Lockdown has been quite difficult for yoga studios, but it has taught me that you have to be constantly on the ball. Adaptation and change to the current situation and people's needs. It's a never-ending learning curve.

What is your personal yoga journey and practice and how has it evolved over the years?

When I first started, like many people, I was drawn to the physical aspects. I started with Jillian Michaels, who was more into fitness yoga, and then my sister introduced me to Strala. I loved how relaxed Strala was and how good it made me feel. There are very few cues in Strala, and I love that because sometimes I just want to use the sensation rather than learn what a pose is supposed to be. Sometimes I just want to move! When things started to feel a bit stale I moved to Ashtanga, which was strange because Ashtanga is the exact opposite of Strala, and so I ended up moving away from it pretty quickly as it felt too traditional and a bit too rigid for me. However, I liked the fire that Ashtanga offered and decided to venture into currents that incorporated strength and flexibility exercises. When I began my teacher training, I damaged my wrist and my practice changed again. The things I took for granted in my practice became impossible with my broken wrist. When I finally had wrist surgery, Strala was the only thing that made me feel like myself again. As the strength in my wrist improved, so did my practice. I returned to my usual movements before surgery and everything was going in the right direction until I strained my hamstring and became pregnant. I wanted to continue feeling like myself so I started practicing Strala again and as I got heavier I reduced the powerful and fast currents. Now that my baby is 2 years old, my wrist is stronger, and I move smarter, my practice is stronger than ever. Taking care of my young child during lockdown made me realize how much I need to meditate and reconnect with my center. I love the creativity of Vinyasa and stick to it most days. So when I'm short on time and have my toddler hanging on my leg, I use this style as a moving meditation, but whenever I practice yoga, regardless of what I'm doing, I always make my mat feel good.

What is a vision for the future even though things are still up in the air?

Continue to learn and progress while continuing to build on our yoga community. I would also like to venture into teaching training and offering retreats when the time is right.

To find out more about Lisa and her Birmingham studio, visit her website or keep following herInstagram.