No Perfect Poses Required: Meet Bri Sapienza

The sun-soaked beaches of Palm Beach, Florida provide the perfect backdrop for Bad Girls Yoga's unique approach to wellness. Unlike traditional studio classes, Bad Girls Yoga brings the practice directly to you, whether that's on the sand, in a park, or wherever you feel most comfortable. A champion of this movement is instructor Bri Sapienza, whose infectious passion and inclusive teaching style embodies what Bad Girls Yoga is all about.

Bad Girls Yoga focuses on creating a space where everyone feels welcome to move, breathe, and connect with themselves exactly as they are. From our signature Namaste then Rosé classes that blend mindful movement with celebratory sips, to personalized sessions tailored to each group's energy and needs, Bad Girls Yoga is redefining what yoga can be.

We sat down with Bri to learn more about her journey, teaching philosophy, and what makes Bad Girls Yoga such a special experience for practitioners of all levels.

The Heart of the Practice

What does yoga mean to you? How has it impacted your life?

"To me, yoga means having both a physical and a mental space reserved for yourself that is always welcoming and enlightening," Bri explains. "Yoga welcomes you as you are, and encourages you to reach wherever it is that you want to go. Yoga is a practice to unite the mind, body, and spirit."

For Bri, this unity has been life-changing. "Doing so has allowed me to harness some deep emotions, and let my thoughts flow freely through the movements in my body. The practice of 'letting go' through pranayama, or breath work, has helped me release a lot of tension and negative energy. The comfortable and confident feeling that I have when moving my body through different asanas gives me confidence and comfort in my mind as well."

What inspires you to continue teaching yoga to others?

The answer comes immediately: witnessing transformation. "I am inspired to continue teaching yoga to others because I see the transformation people experience first hand. At the end of every session, at least one person says something along the lines of 'I so needed that' or 'That is exactly what I needed.'"

Bri's passion for teaching goes deeper than just guiding poses. "I love teaching others because a lot of people try yoga once and never really return to it. When I can give them an experience that makes them fall in love with the practice and how they feel, I know they will likely continue on with their own yoga journey!"

Breaking Down Barriers

Is there a common misconception about yoga you'd like to clear up?

"One of the most common misconceptions about yoga is that it is just stretching," Bri says emphatically. "While you do have an amazing opportunity to stretch through various asanas, or postures, a lot of them are also about building strength, improving balance, and endurance."

She further explains that yoga includes much more than moving your body: "Yoga also encompasses a lot more than just the physical postures, and commonly includes pranayama (breathing techniques), dhyana (meditation), and a true inward reflection of oneself. Also, yoga does not have to be a super silent and still thing!"

This philosophy perfectly aligns with Bad Girls Yoga's approach. "The beautiful thing about yoga is that it is all about unity. Uniting your mind, body, and spirit. That's why with Bad Girls Yoga, we get to know you ahead of time and get a feel for what kind of experience you're looking for, so we can curate something enjoyable for you!"

The Bad Girls Yoga Experience

Describe your class style, what can yogis expect when they take your class?

Bri's teaching style reflects her belief that yoga should be joyful and personal. "I love to start my classes with a guided breathing exercise to help quiet the mind and turn everyone's attention inward. I then love to do some movements to stimulate lymphatic drainage and get things moving in a fun way!"

Her classes embrace playfulness: "I love to remind everyone that if they want to throw in some dance moves, they are more than welcome to. I like to say we aren't here to give a perfect performance, but to move and connect with our bodies however it feels best!"

What's your favorite yoga pose, and what do you love about it?

"My favorite yoga pose is Supta Baddha Konasana, or Reclined Butterfly. I love this pose because it is a hip opener, but it is very gentle and grounding. Lying on the back allows you to keep the body connected to the Earth, and to really melt and relax. I love placing my hands on my rib cage in this pose to bring awareness to how my ribs move with each deep breath, and I find this to be super soothing!"

What makes you proud to be a Bad Girls Yoga instructor?

"I love being a Bad Girls Yoga instructor because it truly brings people together from all over! The uplifting atmosphere is amazing and I am proud to celebrate each and every person I meet through Bad Girls Yoga, and hope that they can carry the same positive energy with them wherever they go! We are all about inclusivity, and meeting people right where they are and giving them exactly what they want/need, and I think that is such an incredible thing."

For First-Time Yogis

What would you say to someone feeling nervous about trying yoga for the first time?

Bri's advice is both practical and heartfelt: "I always tell first time yogis that it's not about how you look, but about how you feel! Never compare yourself to others, because we are all built differently, and we are all meant to look different. You don't have to put yourself into any poses that don't serve your body or your mind. Give yourself grace, and come with an open mind and an open heart, and thank yourself for carving out the time to devote to you and your well-being!"

Your top tip for someone preparing for their first class?

"I always recommend bringing a towel! It gets really hot in Florida, and even though I use light colored mats, they can still get pretty toasty if we're set up in the sun! If you book a beach session, expect to get sandy!"

Book Your Bad Girls Yoga Session Today!

Ready to experience the transformative power of yoga in a welcoming, judgment-free environment? Whether you're just getting started, a seasoned yogi, or want to try a personalized group class, Bad Girls Yoga is here to meet you exactly where you are. Fill out our form to learn more about bringing this unique yoga experience to your next gathering, event, or personal wellness journey. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.