1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Emily Crawford, my husband and I moved here from SW Missouri in 2011. We currently live in Lakewood Ranch.

2. Have you done other styles of Yoga other than Thavma Premium Hot Yoga?

I had not done any yoga prior to joining Thavma. I had done research, but other than head knowledge, knew nothing.

3. What made you decide to take your first Thavma Class?

My husband surprised me with a membership for my birthday last year. 🙂 But, I had done a lot of research on natural healing for the body. I had played a lot of competitive sports in high school and college and had a lot of aches and pains. There was one time, I recall having so much back pain, walking caused me to cry. I started to research how to “fix” it and yoga came up. After a lot of prayer and researching local yoga studios, Thavma was the one that stood out.

4. What made you choose Thavma Yoga as a Studio?

After doing a lot of research, Thavma just felt right. The social media presence was impressive, and Marina is just an inspiration, let’s be honest. She’s beautiful, poised, and makes yoga look cool. I personally like her accent, so I could just listen to her and be happy. (I was not paid to say that 🙂 )

5. What was your first Yoga experience at Thavma Premium Hot Yoga like?

Intense. I literally did not know what I was getting into, but knew in my heart that I was supposed to do it. All through, I was convinced I may die, but afterwards felt so good. I felt taller, in alignment, and just overall good.

6. What makes you come back?

I truly enjoy the whole environment. I enjoy the challenge and physicality of the classes. But more than that, I feel a part of something. During the pandemic, when we were virtual, Marina was sometimes the only human interaction I had for days, as my husband has been deployed out of the country since last summer. The classes were like a lifeline of normalcy, and it made Thavma a special part of my heart.

7. How long have you been practicing?

About a year and a half.

8. What changes have you seen since you began the practice?

I no longer have the extreme back pain. I notice my alignment and posture are much improved. I also train in martial arts, and have noticed I am more in sync with my body with that training as well.

9. Where have you seen that it helps you?

For sure in my confidence. I walk taller, I feel like my skeletal and muscular system are working as they were intended.

10. What is your favorite pose?

Oh geez, I feel like they are all challenging, and sometimes those are a love/hate relationship. I would say Pigeon and Lizard and other hip openers, as I carry a lot of tightness there. For me, they’re intense but oh so yummy.

11. What is your least favorite pose?

Fixed Firm.

12. What do you like most about Thavma Yoga?

The community. I’m naturally very introverted and don’t talk a lot, but I always look forward to class and seeing everyone’s smiling faces. Particularly with my husband gone a lot for work, I feel a part of a community that I have been missing for a long time.

13. Tell us anything else interesting that you feel you have gained or learned since starting Thavma Yoga.

I am very competitive with myself and a perfectionist. I have learned that it is ok to not be able to do the fancy advanced postures and work on alignment and proper form. At first, it used to bother me, but now I am ok with modifications knowing I will get to the advanced moves with continued practice.