Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Jaimie Baird
Sophie Kos NEVER seizes to amaze us. When we were 18, we were conference-calling our friends, hangin' out and babysitting for some extra cash. What we were not doing was leading other teens through a kickass workout practice that provides a safe space to let out everything we are dealing with in our personal lives. We’ve claimed our love and obsession with The Class By Taryn Toomey, but now that Sophie is an official instructor, we are so excited to share her journey getting there...we interviewed Sophie back when she was teaching yoga as her full-time profession, so now that she is working her magic at The Class by Taryn Toomey, we had to get the scoop. We are so inspired by Sophie and the choices she has made in her life. At 18 she could set an example for all women, way beyond her years as how to live our best lives and listen to our truths, wherever they guide us. Our interview with this teenage rockstar, below.
Can you describe your personal evolution from yoga to The Class by Taryn Toomey and was there a "trigger moment" where you knew you wanted to make the switch?
I have been practicing yoga for many years and continue to practice now. I have always loved and connected with the practice, but yoga started to feel a bit stagnant for me. I had a lot of fire and drive in me that I needed to let out in a bigger way. I needed to find another practice where I could get that adrenaline rush and allow my body to move the way it wanted and needed to. The Class was and is the perfect fit for me.
For us too! For all the reasons you mention. Can you share what you learned about yourself through The Class by Taryn Toomey, and how it has benefitted some of your childhood learning struggles?
I have learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought. When I first began to take class, it was very difficult for me - not necessarily on a physical stamina level. The struggle I felt was more about moving my body in a bigger way energetically and staying steady within discomfort. I felt this in the past when I was struggling in school with learning and body challenges. Movement has really become my medicine. Reading and writing still do not come easily for me and movement is the only way I can express myself.
What have you learned from Taryn and what are the ways she inspires you?
Taryn has taught me so much about teaching but I also learn and am inspired by her everytime I go to her class, which I try to do at least twice a week. I am inspired by the way she started this method on her own and has grown it into this amazing life changing experience. I am inspired by everything she says when she teaches and how she draws from a real, raw place and speaks to things that are going on in her life. Her ability to be so connected to the room. Also she is always so real, there is nothing phony about her and I really appreciate and admire that.
Yes. Absolutely and it totally comes through. As busy mamas, we love The Class, but can you explain why it's especially beneficial for teens?
Being a teen is not an easy thing. With hormones raging and stress with school, body image, peer pressure, anxiety, all of it! I know because I am going through it now and The Class is literally the thing I come to when any of the above things are being triggered. The Class is a safe space for anyone, of any age to come and get into their bodies and do anything they need. It is a completely judgement-free zone and I think that is such a special thing, especially for teenagers to have. We are told all day in school and in life what we should and shouldn’t do. To have the space to release in lass is such a special and important thing.
We LOVE THAT. How do you think, as a teenager, you can impart a unique perspective or tone in your specific classes?
Even though I am only 18, I have gone through a lot and I speak from those experiences, As a teen, I have a different, fresh perspective on life and my speak in classes comes from that raw, honest place.
How do you think you've benefited from joining this community at such a young age?
Being able to join The Class by Taryn Toomey community at my age has been so incredible. I am surrounded by strong, powerful, loving women and have learned so much from everyone already. It is truly a blessing.
