Seattle Yoga News is on a mission to find and highlight all of the hidden, and maybe not so hidden, gems in our yoga community and beyond. We want you to learn about their experiences and perspectives, but also a bit more about their personalities, so we have a few fun questions for them. This week’s spotlight is turned towards Trista Peck.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOGA?
I made my way through art schools and dance programs that always had a bit of yoga woven into the curriculum. After college I stumbled into a donation-based yoga studio in New York and it was then that I fell in love with the practice. There were no mirrors, no perfect form, no rules, and I was hooked. It didn’t take long for me to become a teacher after that.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
I got my RYT 200 hour in New York City many years ago while pursuing a professional dance career. I am fortunate to have owned a yoga studio where we held multiple teacher trainings. We hosted many experts in other styles of yoga, so I have been a sponge absorbing as much knowledge as possible from a variety of techniques. I find Nevine Michaan, founder of Katonah Yoga to be particularly inspiring. I would love to do one of her trainings next.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING METHOD?
I help my students gain a greater understanding of their body’s alignment, movement mechanics, and overarching patterns. My approach focuses on harnessing new pathways of movement that allow the body to heal. I work with my clients on organizing the body and the mind. During the reorganization process we become more available to the full potential of ourselves. You become in sync with your alignment and true sense of self. When this happens, you can create and craft the life you choose.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR STUDENTS?
Trust yourself. You will meet a lot of amazing teachers along your yoga journey, but no one knows you better than you do.
WHAT’S YOUR MISSION AS A YOGA INSTRUCTOR? WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO REACH AND WHY?
My mission is to empower my students to own their work. It is not my desire for anyone to need me as a teacher. My clients are those that want more than a workout and are ready for life changing healing. They are willing to face the mirror, not ‘fake it til they make it’, and therefore cultivate sustainable results in their lives.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ONE CAN EXPECT WHEN VISITING SINCERELY TRISTA STUDIOS & WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER STUDIOS IN SEATTLE?
My students are the heartbeat of my business. I started Sincerely Trista Studios with the intention of helping my students find the teacher within themselves. Initially I was simply photographing before and after shots of my students in private sessions, but it has since evolved into a full immersion one-on-one yoga program. My primary focus is to build community and genuinely connect with the people in that space, so these private yoga lessons are meant to establish relationships with individual students until I have my own space and can bring the Sincerely Trista yoga community together. You can check out sincerelytristastudios.com and @sincerely_trista on Instagram for updates on my teaching schedule!
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT YOU HAVE FACED AS A YOGA TEACHER & STUDIO OWNER? AND WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR YOGA TEACHERS CONSIDERING OPENING A YOGA STUDIO?
I pour my heart and soul into my work…so much so that I’ve had trouble separating my own self-worth from my businesses. I’ve had to learn to create boundaries and advocate for myself in order to be able to give back to my students. For anyone out there who may be considering opening their own space, my biggest piece of advice would be to know your limits, educate yourself, and lay the groundwork to prioritize yourself so that you can prioritize your students. YOU have to be able to do the work that you preach.
WHAT YOGA RELATED BOOKS HAVE MOST INFLUENCED YOU?
The Prophet by Khailil Gibran, Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers, Tools of the Titans by Tim Ferriss, The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOME OF YOUR WELLNESS AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES?
I like to vary my movement, so my wellness routine is dynamic. I find release through running, yoga, hiking, and exploring with my family. As a teacher and entrepreneur, my schedule is often unpredictable, so I’ve recently learned to readjust my morning to feed my creative side. Through a series of experimentation, I’ve found that self-care means maximizing my mornings to internalize and prepare. I wake up between 6-7 am every day, take my Golden (Higbee) out and give him breakfast, and before I drink my coffee for the morning I sit with myself and meditate for 15 minutes. Once finished with my daily reflection, I write. This routine has allowed me to begin each day feeling renewed and balanced.
WHO IS THE YOGI WE SHOULD FEATURE NEXT?
I have so much respect for Sarah Pohl of Ritual House. She does an incredible job of protecting the space for her teachers and students to grow and flourish.
Trista Peck’s Bio: “I am a business owner and creative entrepreneur. I grew up the middle child of three girls in Jacksonville, Florida. I started dancing at age 4 and have worked as a professional dancer in New York City. I went to a performing arts high school, and got my BFA in Dance from Southern Methodist University. I’ve been teaching yoga for 10 years and have taught over 7,000 classes in studio, private, corporate and teacher training environments. In my spare time I enjoy running, living the PNW lifestyle, and spending time with my husband, daughter, and golden retriever.”
