Meet Crystal Stephans | The Thavma Edit | Thavma Yoga Team

Meet Crystal Stephans

Her hips started the story. Your glutes get the sequel.

A note from me...

Crystal is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and one of your biggest cheerleaders. But getting her to become the person leading the class? That took a little convincing—and a fair amount of going back and forth. Let’s just say I’m glad I kept asking. 😉

She came to THAVMA after years of hip issues, hoping to get more out of her body. Teaching wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was going to Jordan. Watching her step outside her comfort zone has been one of my favorite parts of knowing her.

You may know her cues. Now meet the woman behind them: the elaborate coffee ritual, the very spoiled Kipper, and the song that brings out a completely different Crystal.

I asked Crystal a few questions about life in and out of the hot room. Here’s what she had to say: 🤍

What’s your driving-to-teach hype song that would make your students say,

“Wait… YOU listen to that?”

I’m a Noah Kahan girl all day, but put on “Wobble Baby” and apparently I can’t control myself. I may even end up dancing on the bar! 🫣

If your class came with a completely honest label, what would it say?

Warning: You might discover muscles you didn’t know you had! And yes, I’ll probably remind you to wrap your stabilizing glute back approximately 47 times. 😉

What do you secretly love hearing a student say after class?

“That was exactly what I needed.”

I love knowing someone leaves feeling better than when they walked in. Hearing they’re sore the next day is an added bonus. 😉

What would your students lovingly roast you for?

Apparently, my classes double as “hip physical therapy.” What can I say? Hip health is no joke. You’re welcome! 😉

What’s your most controversial opinion that has absolutely nothing to do with yoga?

My husband lives by, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late.”

I say, “Then why did we agree on a time?!”

I’m not late—just wildly optimistic about how much I can accomplish before leaving the house. Okay, sometimes I’m late. 😉

Inside her class

What’s one detail about how we teach at THAVMA that you wish everyone knew before their first class?

Modifications aren’t a sign of weakness! We’re all working with different bodies, and sometimes knowing when to back off is just as important as knowing when to push. Leave your ego at the door.

What’s something you used to believe about fitness or your body that THAVMA changed your mind about?

I used to think getting deeper into a pose meant I was doing it better. THAVMA taught me that more isn’t always better. Slow down, use the right muscles, and listen to your body.

A first-timer is hiding in the back row. What do you want them to know?

Honestly, the hardest part is just showing up! Once you’re here, start by breathing. Nobody’s judging you, I promise.

Finish this: “If you want a class where you can ___ and feel ___, come take my class at THAVMA.”

If you want a class where you can challenge yourself, learn a little more about how your body works, and leave feeling stronger and more confident, come take my class at THAVMA!

Marina’s notes

I agree with Crystal: deeper doesn’t automatically mean better. I want you to understand what’s supporting the movement, what you’re engaging, and when a modification serves you. That awareness is something you can carry into every class.

A few things you wouldn’t guess

What are you hilariously bad at outside the studio?

Making decisions! I’ll overthink every option, finally make up my mind… then second-guess myself and start all over again.

Marina says it’s because I’m a Taurus, but shooooot, that’s the ONE thing I can’t change. ♉

What’s something your students would never guess about you?

I had a full hip replacement at 40! Somehow, that whole experience led me to teaching yoga, which is something I never imagined doing before finding THAVMA.

Funny how life works. That hip ended up opening doors I never even knew were there.

Visit our social media to see more photos.

The coffee: a whole production

My morning coffee has so many ingredients it practically qualifies as breakfast. It’s a whole production, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Apparently, once a day isn’t enough, because I usually go back for round two with decaf at lunch! 😋

Kipper: her favorite dinner guest

My mini Goldendoodle, Kipper. I might actually spend more time cooking his food than I do cooking for my kids! 🤫

Jordan: outside her comfort zone

Jordan was one of those experiences I’ll never forget. Between the people we met, the places we saw, and everything we experienced, it was pretty incredible.

Her family: her favorite people

My favorite people and my greatest accomplishment! Life with them is my biggest adventure. ❤️

THAVMA: the chapter she didn’t plan

I came to THAVMA hoping to get more out of my body after years of hip issues. Never in a million years did I think I’d end up teaching, but here I am—and I love getting to share what I’ve learned with others!

Your next class has a familiar face

Now that you know a little more about Crystal, come experience her thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and very memorable glute reminders.

And next time you see her, ask about Jordan. I’ll let her tell that story herself. 😉

See you in the hot room,
Marina Bourantonis
Owner & Lead Trainer, THAVMA Yoga