Meet Lucy, aka @yogispicestl on Instagram! Lucy is shaking up the St. Louis scene with her fun outdoor pop-up classes in Lafayette Square Park. Join us as we chat about her journey from student to teacher, the magic of music in her classes, and what yoga means to her beyond the poses. Let’s jump in!

Constance: So Lucy, you’ve created a great following with your yoga pop-ups in Lafayette Square. They’ve really taken off! What inspired you to host these outdoor classes and bring the community together in such a unique way?

Lucy: Well, yoga’s been a big part of my life for about 12 or 13 years now. It’s been a huge tool for my mental and physical health. I started going to pop-ups around St. Louis as a student, and I always thought the concept was so cool. Becoming a teacher, I dreamed of holding my own outdoor classes, combining my love for nature with yoga. But it happened sooner than I expected—some of my students actually encouraged me to do it. My parents’ neighbors have been supportive too, so it became this community effort, which has been incredible.

Constance: That’s wonderful. I know you also have a fitness background—didn’t you say you were working toward your NASM certification?

Lucy: Not yet, actually, though it’s on my list! But I do come from a functional movement background, which has been invaluable, especially for yoga sculpt. It helped me bring a strength-focused foundation to my classes, like Gym 101 but with mindfulness. I emphasize strong form and encourage people to really listen to their bodies. Too often, fitness pushes us to ignore what we feel, but I aim to strike a balance between challenging people and honoring where they’re at.

Constance: I love that. So, in blending traditional gym fitness with yoga, what would you say makes your yoga sculpt classes unique?

Lucy: I think it’s about intention. Yoga is such a flexible concept—it’s more about your approach. We might be doing something as simple as a bicep curl, but I’ll cue people to soften their jaw, relax their self-talk, and stay present with the muscle they’re working. I hope it reminds people to connect with their body and mind, even during a classic fitness move.

Constance: That’s a beautiful perspective. So, what is yoga to you, especially beyond the poses?

Lucy: Yoga, to me, is all about showing up authentically. It’s about presence and letting yourself feel what you’re going through instead of avoiding it. I want my students to know it’s okay to process whatever they’re feeling—whether that’s through movement, stillness, or even just listening to the music. It’s less about escaping and more about being fully here and really being with your inner experience. 

Constance: Yes, I often say that yoga is about becoming more of who you are. It’s about creating that space for authenticity and feeling fully present, right?

Lucy: Absolutely. And as teachers, I think our “why” is about helping others tap into that. Asana, or the physical practice, is just one part of yoga. But it’s such a powerful, relevant entry point for people in today’s world. It can guide them toward the subtler, more transformative aspects of yoga.

Constance: You mentioned music earlier—what’s on your playlist? Any favorites?

Lucy: It really depends on the class! For yoga sculpt, I lean toward fun, high-energy pop—lots of Taylor Swift, maybe some Chappell Roan, remixes, things like that. I want people to feel like they can let go and have fun. And if I can create that vibe where they feel silly and relaxed, then I think they really get to enjoy themselves.

Constance: That sounds fun! And now that you’ve gone from student to teacher, what’s been the biggest surprise?

Lucy: Talking so much! I wasn’t used to hearing my voice as much as I do now. Even with my fitness background, where you’re mic’d up, yoga requires a different level of verbal instruction. You’re guiding people through alignment, mental cues, and so much more. It’s definitely an adjustment, but I’m learning to embrace it.

Constance:Yes! Teaching yoga is more complex than people may think—so many details to consider, like alignment and pacing, and creating an inclusive experience for different body types. What’s your approach to planning versus going with the flow in your classes?

Lucy: I’m a bit of a theme nerd, so I love coming up with ideas beforehand. Whether it’s focusing on “softness” or creating a whole Grinch-themed class around the holidays, I enjoy weaving in little themes. But at the end of the day, you have to be ready to adapt to the energy in the room. If what I planned doesn’t feel right in the moment, I have no problem scrapping it and just being present with who showed up that day and what they need. 

Lucy’s approach to teaching is all about balance—between strength and softness, planning and spontaneity. Her yoga classes mix intention and mindfulness with a dose of fun, creating a space where students can feel strong, silly, and truly themselves. @yogispicestl is bringing something fresh to St. Louis, and her journey is just beginning.