Rebel Yoga's owner Tasia Muniz talks about her philosophy and opening a second Westchester location.
Think most yoga classes are pretty much the same? Think again. Rebel Yoga, a woman-owned studio that started in Thornwood, just opened its second location in Somers, demonstrating how the owner's unique approach to yoga resonates with community members.
Rebel's unique approach to yoga
What makes Rebel's classes special, 37-year-old owner Tasia Muniz, of Thornwood, said, is that each class is not one set pace, which is how many other classes operate. Instead, Rebel's classes are "designed to mimic the ebbs and flows of life."
"(When) you come (to) the mat, there's a little bit of chaos," Muniz said. "There's also a little bit of calm. And just like in life, we go through different instances and experiences that trigger you, that challenge us to react or not."
"Our classes are designed to help you better approach and handle those situations off the mat, Muniz continued. "So I wanted to carve that out and then also honor traditions of what yoga is, but bring it to a more modern approach."
The class format is not the only thing that differentiates Rebel. The trial class on Saturday, January 4, felt more flexible than other workout classes. Where some fitness experiences encourage students to keep up with the pace of the teacher, this instructor -- Nikki Aloia, who teaches yoga and pilates in the area -- encouraged students to listen to their body and do what it needed.
Aloia's class reflected the atmosphere Muniz wants in her studios: "inclusive, "approachable" and "palpable," she said.
The approach works, according to Rebel students.
"I consider Rebel my home away from home," said Rebel client Elizabeth Bermel. "The overall feeling of acceptance, support and encouragement had me hooked from the day I walked in seven years ago."
Another client, Maddi Zachacz, felt similiarly.
"This is the first fitness environment where I have never felt (or been made to feel) 'less than,'" Zachacz said.
Muniz also focuses on listening to her clients' needs and wants, embracing a community-driven approach to her studios.
"Being a community-run studio, it's not about what we want, it's about what you guys want," Muniz said. "We're going to give you a foundation, but we're always going to ask you for your input."
Rebel Yoga: 'Refuse to be ordinary'
Muniz has been practicing yoga for more than a decade. Once a weightlifter who liked "intense workouts" and "never focused on mobility," she said, Muniz tore the UCL on her elbow when she was 22. She grew bored with her post-procedure physical therapy routine, and after a friend encouraged her to try a hot yoga class, she was hooked.
She became a certified yoga instructor around age 24, but Muniz felt the way she taught wasn't exactly the right fit for the studios where she worked. That's how she knew she wanted to create her own studio.
"Our slogan is 'Refuse to be ordinary," Muniz said. "And that's what we're doing here. We're honoring traditions, but we're bringing this more palpable, inclusive approach to yoga and letting people know it's okay to not blend in."
Rebel's second location opens to packed classes
With the help of numerous family members and contractors, including her mom, dad, brother, husband and many others, Muniz designed, built and opened her first studio in Thornwood in 2017. She dreamed of opening a second studio and was finally able to this week after years of planning that stretched through the pandemic.
The Somers studio appeared to be well-received. Trial classes on Saturday morning were packed. Participants ranged from beginner yogis to fellow instructors, suggesting that Muniz's "ebb and flow" classes and client-driven approach are resonating with the community.