Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Jarquin
Hi Andrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Everyone’s story is unique, and mine has been shaped by moments of challenge and growth. Like many, I faced times in my life when things felt overwhelming, and I searched for ways to escape. What started as a means of coping with life’s pressures eventually led me down a path I never expected. I found myself battling substance abuse, something that quickly took hold of my life.
Before long, my dependence on substances turned into something I needed just to make it through the day. Addiction slowly consumed my life. My relationships crumbled, my health deteriorated, and I became disconnected from the people I loved and, most painfully, from myself. Every day felt like a battle between the person I wanted to be and the hold addiction had over me. Eventually, I hit rock bottom, but even in that dark place, I had faith that there was a way out.
At my breaking point, my Christian faith gave me the courage to seek sobriety. Through prayer, I found the strength to believe in a future beyond addiction. My faith helped me reconnect with my body and spirit, and it gave me the discipline to keep moving forward. Both my faith and the practice of yoga taught me how to be still, present, and trust in a greater plan for my life. They helped me find peace amidst the chaos and gave me the tools to heal from within.
As I deepened my sobriety, I realized I wanted to share this powerful combination of faith and yoga with others. That’s when I decided to become a yoga teacher. Today, I offer a range of yoga classes that integrate spiritual faith, mindfulness, and movement. My classes are inclusive, providing a space where anyone regardless of their religious background can reconnect with themselves both spiritually and physically.
I believe that spiritual faith is a deeply personal experience, and in my classes, I encourage students to explore their own sense of connection to something greater. This could be through meditation, intention setting, or mindful movement. Whether someone is seeking strength through high-intensity Yoga Sculpt with weights, or gentle healing through Restorative Yoga, my offerings are designed to guide people toward their own inner transformation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been far from an easy road. Every hurdle I’ve faced has pushed me in unexpected ways, testing my strength and commitment to sobriety, but it’s also driven me to keep moving forward and find purpose in helping others.
The biggest challenge, of course, was overcoming substance abuse. Substance abuse took a toll on every part of my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. There were days when I felt completely disconnected from myself, unsure of who I was or if I could ever find a way out. Hitting rock bottom was terrifying, but it was also the moment I knew I had to make a change. My Christian faith gave me the strength to start that journey, but it wasn’t easy. Recovery is not a linear path, and I faced moments of doubt, fear, and frustration along the way.
Another challenge was healing my mind and body simultaneously. While my faith gave me spiritual strength, yoga helped me rebuild the connection to my physical self. But there was a lot of discomfort in those early days. It wasn’t about perfecting the postures it was about learning to be present in my body again after feeling disconnected for so long. I had to practice patience and self-compassion, especially when I felt like I was starting from scratch.
In addition, overcoming my fear of public speaking was a significant challenge on my path to becoming a yoga teacher. Standing in front of a class and guiding others through their practice felt intimidating at first. While I knew I had the skills to teach, speaking in front of a group and leading them through their practice pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, through the practice of yoga and the strength I found in my faith, I learned to quiet those fears and began trusting myself more fully. Over time, I gained the confidence not just to speak but to connect deeply with my students and create a meaningful experience for them.
Becoming a yoga teacher wasn’t just about guiding others it was about overcoming these personal hurdles and learning how to balance my own healing with helping others. There were moments of self-doubt, but each challenge brought valuable lessons.
Ultimately, every struggle has led to growth. The challenges I’ve faced on this road have deepened my empathy and made me a better teacher. I’m able to connect with my students on a deeper level because I understand what it feels like to struggle, to doubt, and to heal. It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences because they’ve given me the strength, clarity, and purpose I have today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Los Angeles-based yoga instructor, teaching at hot yoga studios across the city, offering non-heated yoga at a private studio, and providing private yoga sessions in the comfort of your own home. My approach blends mindfulness, movement, and faith, helping people reconnect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. I offer a wide range of yoga classes, from the intensity of Yoga Sculpt with weights, which fuses strength training with dynamic movement, to Restorative Yoga, a gentle practice that supports recovery and deep healing. Many of my Restorative Yoga classes are designed to help people experience deep relaxation and release tension, offering a space for true restoration. I believe yoga is ever-evolving, and I don’t conform to one set way of teaching. I love trying new things, and my teachings are authentic to my own journey and experiences.
In my classes, I’m known for bringing vibrant, energizing music to the practice, creating an atmosphere that’s not only uplifting but empowering. Whether people are looking for a physical challenge or a peaceful space for reflection, I meet them where they are, offering something unique each time. My goal is to create an experience where people can explore, grow, and connect in a way that feels true to them.
What makes my work truly unique is that it comes from a place of lived experience. Yoga wasn’t just something I studied it became a lifeline for me during one of the hardest periods of my life. My journey through sobriety required healing on every level physical, mental, and spiritual. It was through the powerful combination of faith and yoga that I found peace, and now I’m committed to sharing that with others. I create an environment where people can reflect, set meaningful intentions, and embrace their own transformations, no matter how big or small.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. My classes go beyond physical movement they’re about personal growth, healing, and rediscovering inner strength. Watching the people I work with rise above their challenges and become stronger versions of themselves is what drives me every day. I feel incredibly blessed to guide them on this journey, blending the intensity of Yoga Sculpt with the calming, restorative energy of Restorative Yoga to offer a holistic approach to healing.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing both personally and professionally. My journey with sobriety, yoga, and faith has taught me that transformation is ongoing, and I’m committed to deepening my own practice while helping others along their own paths of healing and growth.
One of my biggest goals for the future is to expand the reach of my yoga teachings. While I currently teach at yoga studios in Los Angeles, I’m planning to expand to new locations across the city, allowing me to connect with more people in-person. In addition, I’m also planning to create more online classes and programs to make my offerings accessible to a wider audience. I want to be able to reach those who might not have access to in-person classes, whether due to distance or other challenges. My hope is that these programs and new locations will provide a safe and supportive space for people to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves, no matter where they are in the world.
I’m also looking forward to hosting workshops and retreats that combine yoga, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection. These events will allow participants to step away from their daily lives and focus on deep healing, both physically and spiritually. I envision these retreats as spaces where individuals can explore their own faith whatever that might be and find strength in community and stillness.
On a personal level, I’m continuing to work on my own growth. I’ve learned so much through my practice and teaching, and now I’m focused on building even stronger, more authentic connections with the people I guide and support in their own journeys. Staying committed to my sobriety continues to deepen my understanding of this work.
Ultimately, my plan for the future is to keep living with intention both in my teaching and in my personal life. I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with, and my goal is to keep finding new ways to support them in their journeys, while also embracing my own growth and transformation.
Pricing:
- Private At-Home Yoga Sessions: • 1-hour session: $125
- Private At-Home Yoga Sessions: 5-session package: $575 Save ($50) 10-session package: $1,100 Save ($150)
- Group At-Home Yoga Sessions (for small groups up to 4 people): • 1-hour session: $150 • 5-session package: $700 (save $50) • 10-session package: $1,350 (save $150)
- Specialized Sessions: • Restorative Yoga (gentle, recovery-focused): $125 per hour
- Specialized Sessions: • Yoga Sculpt with Weights (high-intensity): $135 per hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: aj_activeliving_
