Brooke Smith makes yoga accessible for everyone

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BROOKE SMITH

Brooke Smith spent more than 13 years in TV news media and has been practicing yoga for the past 7 years.

Finding Sanctuary

Brooke Smith found yoga when she needed it most. Along the way, her faith and fitness collided—now it’s her passion and her purpose.

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

You are probably familiar with the name Brooke Smith—after all, she spent many years on-air, brightening mornings with her cheerful personality and reporting. And though she says she’ll always be a journalist, lately it’s something else that drives her days—which no longer begin in the wee hours of the morning.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I am from Albertville, and I graduated from the University of Alabama. In 2002, I was runnerup on “The Bachelor.” My mom watched the first season and loved it. Back then, the show was different—a lot more innocent. My mom watched the first season—it aired on Wednesday nights after church! I was single, 22, and my sweet mom thought it looked like so much fun and a chance for her baby girl to see the world and possibly fall in love, so she dared me to submit a video. Back then it was a VHS recorder; I had to prop it up on stacks of college books to the perfect height, hit play, and run to my seat. My mom was right (as moms usually are), and it was an amazing experience. Season 2 of “The Bachelor” was the highest rated in the show’s history. The director called me to come back and do another show, but it was too late—I had already met the love of my life. He said, “Are you sure? Do you know what you are missing?” Actually, I knew what I’d be missing if I said yes to another show: Scott Weaver. We have been married for 14 years and have two beautiful daughters: Gracie (12) and Gwen (9). Gwen is actually named after my friend

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who was on the show with me. I keep in touch with several of the girls from my season.

I joined NBC13 in early 2013 and spent more than 16 years in TV news. I woke up at 2 a.m., but I loved what I did. I loved waking up with my TV sisters and enjoyed telling the stories of people in my community. But over time, it changed. I was a journalist who believed in telling the story accurately, instead of sensationally. I believed there should be a work-life balance, but family was always the priority. I was devastated when I was shown the door, because I absolutely loved journalism and the ladies I worked with in the mornings. But sometimes God takes you out of a situation that is not good for you when you won’t leave yourself. During the past two years, I’ve seen God reveal His plan for my life, and it’s been so humbling. I’ve been able to focus on my health, faith, and family. And I get to sleep much later than 2 a.m.! Even before the pandemic hit, we made the decision to homeschool, so I am now in my second year as a teacher, plus I own my own business and started a ministry.

Q: How did you get interested in yoga?

A: I started training with Danny Haralson with Run University back in 2005. I want to run a marathon in every state, plus D.C., before I turn 50. I only have 14 states left! I also did my first 100-miler this year and plan to do it again in 2022. I know it sounds crazy, but I loved it. However, I was a distance runner who stayed injured because I never stretched. I had tried yoga many years before; I wandered into a class and left feeling like yoga was just not for me. I had no idea that there were several different styles. One year, I ran Mercedes and felt so tight and sore afterward. I saw a local athletic retailer was offering a free “Yoga for Runners” class, and I was so tight that I gave it one more try. Well, it was amazing! It helped my muscles, and it also helped me relax—and it was fun. I was hooked. I was a running coach and thought it would be beneficial for me to get my teaching certification so I could help other runners.

Q: How long have you been practicing?

A: I’ve been practicing almost 7 years. I’ve been a certified yoga instructor for more than 6 years. I am a 500-hour E-RYT.

Q: When did you start teaching classes, and what classes do you offer?

A: More than 6 years ago. I teach Flow and Restore, Beginner’s Yoga, Parent-Child Yoga, Fun Flow, and Yoga Burn.

Q: How is your approach to yoga different?

A: I teach Christian yoga. You can teach/take Christian yoga anywhere, but my classes are in a sanctuary with Christ’s cross directly in front of you, reminding you of His love for you. The music is hymns, contemporary worship songs, and clean secular music.

Q: Tell us more about the parent-child classes.

A: My daughters lead the parent-child class with me on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Sometimes I’ll incorporate a fun Bible story in class and design the movement around telling the story. We’ve done the Creation Story, Noah’s Ark, and David and Goliath. During the holidays, classes are themed—we had some fun dressing up for Halloween. I have kids ages 5 through 12 in class but would welcome older and younger participants. During the pandemic, the girls helped me lead a Zoom kids’ class to help parents with a PE option, and it was great! It is so important for our children to see us make health and fitness a priority. Plus, it’s fun to do together, which is why it’s a parent-child class, not just a kids’ class.

Q: How did you end up teaching at St. Stephen’s?

A: It was totally God! My friend Annie Damsky decided that she was going to close the physical studio for Villager Yoga, so the teachers would need to find new homes for classes. There was not going to be a yoga studio in the area, and it had always been my dream to open a Christian yoga studio. After Covid, I decided it may not make sense for me to have a brick-and-mortar space, but rather let my studio be me and wherever God led me to teach. I was discussing this with a friend of mine during a long run on a Saturday morning last winter, and Father John of St. Stephen’s Episcopal happened to be running in the same group and overheard us. He said, “I may have a space for you!” Talk about God putting you in the right place at the right time! From the moment I saw the church, I felt God’s hand in this, and it was clear that I wanted to not just have a small business but—even

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better—a ministry.

Q: What sets your classes apart?

A: Before class, I pray for you. I pray God will send through the church doors the people who need to be there. Sometimes that’s 10 people. Sometimes it’s one—or even none. In those times, I look at it as a chance for God to have a conversation with just me. Participants have the opportunity to worship with their bodies, move in a healthy way in a safe, beautiful space, and draw closer to Him. During Savasana, the final resting pose, you are being prayed for. I don’t preach. I’m not a preacher. But I will remind you how strong, beautiful, smart, wonderfully made, and loved you are by the One who made you. It’s my hope to create an environment that will allow you to draw closer to Him.

Q: What can participants expect?

A: God’s love and acceptance. I pray they feel safe and that they leave feeling better physically, emotionally, and spiritually than they did when they walked in the doors. And if they can’t afford the suggested donation, they don’t have to pay. I don’t ever want money to be a reason someone can’t come to yoga. I even have extra mats and props available.

Q: Do you have to be a Christian to attend?

A: Absolutely not. God loves us all. All are welcome. Namaste means “the light in me sees the light in you.” As Christians, we know Who that light is. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to help others grow stronger, draw closer to You, and worship with our bodies.

Q: How do you hope your ministry grows?

A: Right now, I only teach a few classes, but I pray that I can add more at the church and also continue to teach in other locations.

Q: What are some of your favorite songs off your yoga playlist?

A: “Church Clap” by KB and Lecrae and “You Say” by Lauren Daigle

For more information about Brooke Smith Yoga, visit facebook.com/brookesmithyoga. Email Brooke at brookesmith80@yahoo.com to subscribe to her mailing list.

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