Testimonials
What folks are saying about Sophie’s yoga classes and overall presence when guiding movement.
“Sophie's classes are incredible. Her sequences are truly unique, intelligent, fun, and accessible. Her presence as a teacher is deeply thoughtful, warm, welcoming, and kind. While she guides the class with clarity, she also opens the space for class participants to take control of their practice and take whatever they need from the experience. Her off-the-mat commitment to participating in a socially-just world subtly comes across on-the-mat as well, as she clearly approaches her teaching from an inclusive, student-empowered, language-conscious place. She's a joy and her classes will make you feel connected to yourself and your body. I always leave her classes feeling notably better physically and emotionally. I'm very grateful to be able to practice with her!” - Ann Bumpus
“Sophie is a fantastic yoga teacher and her classes very quickly became an essential part of my weekly routine. She creates fun and funky flows that let you try something new, without taking everything so seriously. I’ve taken regular classes with Sophie and attended her Queer yoga retreat - in two very different physical environments Sophie’s teaching created that same light and tranquil atmosphere. Her approach creates a safe space for students to explore various movements in a judgement free and extremely supportive environment, and it's because of Sophie that I will likely do yoga for the rest of my life!” - Drew Powell
"Sophie Lyons has a passion for creating flows that are inclusive, trauma-informed, and interesting explorations in movement. Her care for her students is something one feels is present the moment one meets her. Sophie has dedicated herself to being a beacon of refuge for people who are looking to relieve or release anxiety and increase joy in their lives." - Jason Denham
“Sophie’s classes are truly a transformative experience for the mind and body. She is entrenched in social justice work and mindful, personal growth that she ties into her yoga and meditation teachings. Her classes help me center myself while challenging me to improve myself physically, mentally, and emotionally”. - Emily Hopkins
“When you practice with Sophie, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll come out of that class feeling lighter, more grounded and even a little sillier (in the best way). She holds space so well, and her funky flows help keep you out of your head and fully connected to your body, meeting yourself with compassion and laughter along the way. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, educated, trauma conscious instructor, Sophie is the perfect guide for you.” - Janelle Taylor
“I appreciate Sophie’s classes so much! I was never particularly into yoga before attending her classes and now I look forward to every one I can attend. Sophie clearly puts so much effort, care and love into each class, and I’m not really sure how she does it given how unique the flows are, but I love them. They keep things interesting and surprise me with what I can do. To top that all off by fostering such a welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging – it bums me out when I can’t attend for a prolonged period of time. I moved to the area last year and it feels really good to feel welcomed, especially to a space to unwind and breathe and have fun”. - Spenser Duehr
“Sophie was the first yoga teacher that truly connected me to my practice. Her unique approach takes the practice seriously without taking herself too seriously. Sophie's flows are always unique, challenging, and feel great in my body”. - Matt Freake
“I started taking Sophie's yoga for climbers classes in person at BKB earlier this year. When gyms and studios shut down, I was so glad that she started teaching classes online because it was nice to have a familiar face leading yoga classes during such uncertain times. I've been taking her online classes a few times a week for 6 months now, and cannot speak highly enough about her. She is kind and thoughtful and is an excellent teacher who really pays attention to her students. She gives modifications when needed and keeps things funky and challenging. I look forward to her classes each week and am so glad that I am able to practice with her. Each class leaves me feeling stronger and more relaxed than when I went into it." - Emily Paulhus
“Sophie guides my body and energy to move naturally and with grace. She crafts her class to allow for authentic movement and encourages self exploration through asana. She holds space for each of her students on and off the mat and always brings a smile and joyful energy with her to class. If you have the chance, go move your body and spirit with Sophie!!” - Andrea Marzilli
“Sophie has such a beautiful presence. It’s easy to connect with her spirit and energy, and this quickly translates into her teachings as they flow and seem almost natural to my own movements. She takes the time to truly understand what is best for her students and is not afraid to be open and take risks while doing it. She’s a talented yogi.” - Jessica Alvarez
"My gym (Brooklyn Boulders) has a rotating pool of yoga instructors, with widely varying styles and personalities. It's always fascinating to see the different ways teachers approach yoga, and while the experiences are almost always positive, I specifically took Sophie's classes whenever my work schedule would allow it. I love her ingenuity; her down-to-earth personality, enthusiasm; and that she often included self-massage components. But if you really want to know Sophie Lyons, let me tell you about the yoga class she taught on Friday, March 13th, 2020. This was, of course, the day that the wheels fell off the world and Massachusetts violently lurched into lockdown. The gym announced it was closing the next day; everyone was worried and confused. Only a few people showed up for Sophie's class--the last yoga class to date at the gym. The first thing she did was acknowledge the turmoil going on outside, and tell everyone that the class would be focused on relieving stress and worry. Her only concerns that awful day were for the welfare of her students, we had a wonderful, soothing class that felt energizing instead of mournful. It was such a great experience. So to add to all the other things you get with Sophie: Unbelievable professionalism; earnest, compassion. She's one in a million”. - Matt Pacewicz
“Taking Sophie’s class is something I look forward to every week. She fosters an inviting environment to explore and relax with utmost gentleness. I would highly recommend it”. - Celine Sanel
“I first attended Sophie’s Yoga for Climbers class in October of 2019 and I was hooked! In Sophie’s classes, I feel safe and valued. I never feel pressure to have the best pose or be the most flexible. Her bubbly personality and silly jokes remove any feelings of a stuffy yoga class and put you in a great head space. She is such a bright light. Of all of the classes I’ve taken in the last few years with many wonderful instructors, Sophie’s are by far my favorite.” - Marlena Paz
“Sophie's classes bring so much joy to my day. No matter how I arrive at my mat, I can guarantee that I will smile and leave feeling powerful, engaged with myself and the world around me. Sophie creates a space of authenticity and acceptance, which is both refreshing and challenging. It is evident from her style of teaching that she deeply cares not only about the physical asanas, but also about all parts of yoga and continues to learn and grow. Sophie's passion is contagious and I am so grateful to be able to practice with her!” - Arianne Spaulding
“Sophie's classes are always very fun and dynamic. Her style uses moves grounded in a more traditional vinyasa flow but incorporates creative and fun transitions that keep things interesting and fresh. Her classes also flow really nicely, so it's easy to shift your focus internally and just let your body do what feels right that day. For her climber-focused classes, she often adds movements that are inspired by the wall and adapted for the floor - which transitions nicely to climbing. Definitely glad that I've been able to practice with her through multiple formats (live classes, streaming, and Zoom)!” - Rose Yoon
“I really enjoy Sophie’s classes because the poses are different than in other classes I have been in, like cross-legged downward dog, etc. It feels so good to stretch in new ways like that and challenge myself by working different muscles! I love how casual and laid-back Sophie’s classes feel--it's so nice to laugh, smile, and chat about our days in class. I truly believe she has a gift for teaching yoga!!” - Maggie Benoit