Layli Phillips took her first yoga class in 1999 in Woodstock, Illinois, meeting in a “funny carpeted room above a store on the square. It was so different from yoga that I see now--not so much people getting their hardcore workout in their yoga outfits, but more spirit and gentle stretching in your sweatpants.” Around 2006, she started going to hot yoga and regular vinyasa classes, eventually deepening her practice through classes by Thomas Zwergel and Heather Martello, among others. In 2019, she completed her teacher certification through Advanced Yoga Training with renowned teachers Mitchel and Tracy Bleier.
Layli writes: There’s always been magic for me in yoga. There’s a transformation when I get on the mat¾knowing that I fit here, that this works for my body, that my body loves participating. I love feeling connected to my core, both the physical core and the connection we all have to our true and authentic selves.
I am excited about sharing the benefits of yoga, especially helping people relieve their stress. I enjoy working with all different kinds and sizes of people, whether it be adults, children, teens, people who aren't necessarily athletically inclined. It's tough out there in this world, and I'm seeking to provide a space for people to come back into their bodies. It seems like a lot of what's happening in the world or social media supports your actually leaving your body, or not being present. It's a critical time for coming back to ourselves, breathing in the present, becoming mindful, practicing self-care.
When one of us gets grounded and centered, it has a ripple effect opening the door and allowing others to follow. We are all one and we are all connected.