Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Croker
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Saint Louis everyone always asks, “Where did you go to High School”? I graduated from Marquette High School in Chesterfield and after college, started my professional journey working for publishing and various merchandising companies around the U.S. I married my High School Sweetheart in 2007 and the corporate, “on the road” lifestyle that we both lived eventually started to conflict not only with the everyday stresses in life but also with our family plans. After becoming a mother, I struggled with years of spinal spasms and actually lost my ability to walk for a short time. I had to use a cane and go through physical therapy with so many modifications to my work life balance. This is where my yoga journey began. I started with just 1 beginner yoga class a week and quickly loved the peace it brought to my life. My back was healing. In 2019, I chose to get my Yoga Teaching and Immersion Certificate with Wildwood Yoga & Wellness out of pure curiosity. I dove deep into the history, the spirituality, physical postures and mindful meditations that this year long series offered. I knew that I wanted to start teaching right away and Wildwood quickly became our home. Teaching everything from Family Yoga to Vinyasa, my passion on the mat grew not just within the studio but also within the community. When Covid hit and the fitness/yoga industry was shut down, I had to recalibrate and quickly move to a virtual platform. To say I was uncomfortable and totally outside of my comfort zone is an understatement! The upside was that my Zoom Yoga classes began to reach farther than I would ever expect. People from all over states and even other countries began to join. It was amazing and so scary all at once, but I am so grateful for the community we created during such a trying time. I have learned so much and today, continue to learn and teach in Wildwood with so much appreciation for the experiences along the way. Yoga has totally changed my life for the better and I love being able to share that with others in and outside of the studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride. There have been numerous times through out the years that I have had to pull back or push forward to make things work for myself and my family. It has not always been easy, but like many, we have the opportunity to learn and build from struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a yoga and pilates instructor who loves to teach weekly classes such as Vinyasa and Mat Pilates. I received my 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate in 2019 and continue to learn and expand with my ever evolving yoga journey. Being a mother of two who loves to learn, motivate and share in the art of mindful movement, I work to provide an opportunity for students to practice and tune-in while creating a playful, comfortable atmosphere for all levels. In teaching, I focus on the intention of breath while building strength, balance and body awareness. My classes will leave you feeling recharged, reset and totally refreshed.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up between St Louis and South Florida because my parents were divorced when I was younger, but my favorite memories are all the travels to and from with my 3 younger siblings. This was before phones, Ipads and all the other technology used to fill time so I cherish the banter, laughs and made up games we used to play.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristenyoga.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenandyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristencrokeryoga
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-andyoga-86070522b/
- Other: https://www.wwyogastl.com/
