Steph Ruopp

Steph Ruopp

RYT-200

Steph (she/her) came to yoga in 2002 at a time when her knees and hips began to object to the rigors of too many years of running. That, and she struggled with, at times, paralyzing clinical depression and anxiety. Initially swept up by the Ashtanga practice, she began incorporating other practices to complement it. Soon, she was completely absorbed by the practice and by 2004, was teaching yoga. Yeah, it surprised her too.

Anyhow, Steph has a straightforward approach to, well, everything. And that includes her teaching. She’s also a writer, dog-walker, and life coach (yep, another surprise). While yoga hasn’t “cured” her depression, it’s certainly become an important tool in her tool box to treat it. And she revels in helping students understand how yoga can help them too.

Join Steph on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. for a Better Backs class both in-person and online. This class is for all students and can be particularly helpful to those seeking relief from the pain of herniated or bulging discs; chronic muscular tension; spasms in the upper back, neck and shoulders; tension headaches; and just general stress.

Checkout a prerecorded class with Steph on our Namaste Yoga YouTube channel.

Stephanie’s Teaching Schedule:

  • Fridays at 9:30 a.m. - Better Backs (studio + virtual)

What our Students Say About Stephanie

  • "Steph is my go-to teacher at Namaste. She always encourages us to make the practice our own while offering many new poses or innovative ways to get into that pose. Steph keeps it interesting and fun while also supporting individuality. Thank you!"

    - Carmen W.

  • "If I could give Stephanie more than 10 rating points I surely would. She is my favorite instructor at Namaste and I always look forward to her classes. First, her instructions are incredibly clear, precise, and thorough. She never leaves you wondering what move to make. Second, every class is different. There are certainly regular poses she includes in her classes but they are intermixed with new variations and always woven into different sequences. Finally, I always enjoy her introductory comments. Her observations are thoughtful and wise. I always feel that I leave my mat inspired, rejuvinated, and peaceful. Stephanie is the best of the best at Namaste."

    - Hilary R.

  • "I always enjoy Stephanie's class! The moves are always interesting and feel good and she has interesting themes."

    - Megan Z.

  • "I am always sooo glad I practiced with Stephanie even if (or maybe especially when) I had a hard time getting to the mat that day. Just by being who she is, she never fails to remind me that I am okay doing what I can and moving in the ways that work for me. By the end of practice I am full of gratitude for her, her energy, and willingness to guide all of us in practice and am equally grateful that Namaste Yoga is part of our community! Thank you!"

    - Kathryn T.

  • "I really enjoyed taking Stephanie's class this morning! Her knowledge of anatomy really shines through seamlessly, coupled with very thoughtful sequencing. Thank you!"

    - Trishna G.

  • "As always, Stephanie taught an interesting and healthful practice in a calming atmosphere! Her classes are never boring."

    - Susan F.

  • "Thank you for a wonderful class. I really enjoyed the way you transitioned from pose to pose. I also found it very helpful to see many of the poses from the side."

    - Nancy T.

  • "Great class! Loved all the different suggestions Stephanie provided for accomidating everyone and their body and how they were feeling."

    - Katie R.

  • "Stephanie is always clear and careful, offering modifications. Her observations about life and her gift of new ideas to ponder when she starts each class is stellar!"

    - Pat J.