Abbey Weston

Introduction: I first tried yoga because I wanted Madonna’s arms (I’m an ‘80s kid—what can I say?). But while that was my inspiration, my first, second, even third experience with yoga didn’t exactly win me over. In fact, I hated my first few classes. I’ve always loved movement, but yoga felt foreign, and I assumed you had to be naturally bendy to fit in. I was so wrong.

It wasn’t until I was drowning in a high-stress work project—exhausted, overworked, and running on fumes—that I took a class with a real savasana. For the first time in ages, I was truly at rest. That moment hooked me. When I started practicing yoga regularly, it changed everything. Learning to link movement with breath was a game-changer, and yoga began expanding my mind, body, and life in ways I never expected.

I’m not naturally flexible, and I think that’s what kept me away at first. But I’ve learned that yoga isn’t about being hypermobile—it’s about understanding your own body, honoring where you are, and working inward to build awareness and strength. Yoga has humbled me (and continues to do so) while also making me stronger, both on and off the mat. I’m so honored to have this practice in my life, and my goal is to bring that same love and appreciation into every class I teach.

Training and Approach: Abbey holds a 200-hour yoga certification from East Lansing Hot Yoga (2013), Barre Intensity training (2017), and an aerial yoga certification (2019) with Lucas Rockwood of YogaBody in Barcelona, Spain. Her diverse training background has shaped a well-rounded approach to movement. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all method, she emphasizes understanding the "why" behind every exercise and pose. Having personally struggled with flexibility, she knows firsthand that mobility isn’t just about stretching—it’s about strength and stability, too. After learning the hard way that overstretching can cause injury, she became deeply invested in movement science, continuously seeking knowledge to better support her students.

Teaching Philosophy: Expect the unexpected. Abbey’s classes break free from rigid structures, encouraging exploration and mindful movement. Whether it’s yoga, barre, or aerial, her sessions are designed to challenge muscles you didn’t even know existed, all while promoting body awareness and functional movement.

At the heart of Abbey’s teaching is the ethos of Firefly: Love Up – Lift Up – Light Up. She believes that when we take the time to love up on ourselves first—practicing self-love, compassion, and acceptance—we create the foundation to show up better for others and the world. Strengthening our bodies and minds (lifting up) allows us to support ourselves and others in ways that are sustainable and empowering. When we combine these two—loving up and lifting up—we start to light up, becoming a beacon of positivity, strength, and resilience. Abbey strives to infuse this philosophy into every class, helping students not only move with intention but also cultivate a deeper connection to themselves and their place in the world.

Words of Encouragement: You don’t have to be the most flexible, the strongest, or the most experienced—just willing to show up for yourself. Abbey encourages her students to embrace where they are, honor their bodies, and celebrate progress in all its forms. Growth happens when we listen, learn, and challenge ourselves in ways that feel supportive rather than forced.

"Love yourself enough to walk into only the rooms and situations that show care and love for you. Love yourself enough to walk out of the rooms that harm you in any way. Love yourself enough to hold the people who harm you accountable for their words and actions. Love yourself enough to express your wants, your needs, and your desires. Love yourself enough to tell the truth. Love yourself enough to keep yourself safe. Love yourself enough to say enough is enough when enough has become enough.”

— Cleo Wade

Beats: From Motown to Kendrick Lamar, Trevor Hall to The Weeknd, and everything in between, her playlists reflect her love for rhythm, energy, and emotion. She believes music is a powerful tool to breathe and move to, creating an atmosphere that’s both motivating and immersive. Expect an eclectic mix that keeps you engaged, whether you’re flowing through yoga, pulsing at the barre, or settling into stillness. No traditional yoga music here—just beats that inspire movement and presence.