From Studio Owner to Online Yoga Guide

For 18 years, Tonya Russell balanced running her yoga studio with a full-time role as a lecturer. But when the pandemic mandates made in-person business nearly impossible, she had a choice: wait it out or adapt.

Inspired by an idea from Claire, she took her yoga classes online—and discovered something unexpected - "I love it so much!! I LOVE getting to see everyone, I LOVE the movement, the wins, and watching people commit to themselves and their self-care."

Now, with 48 members and growing, Online Yoga with Tonya isn’t just a business—it’s a thriving, supportive community that helps people move, breathe, and live with strength, flexibility, and balance.

What’s Inside Online Yoga with Tonya?

Unlike traditional yoga studios that require rigid schedules and travel time, Tonya’s online membership offers flexibility and accessibility:

• Live Online Yoga Classes Every Day – Practice in real-time with Tonya.
  On-Demand Yoga Library – Pre-recorded sessions available anytime, anywhere.
  A Supportive Online Community – A space for encouragement, connection, and shared wins.

It’s more than just yoga—it’s a commitment to self-care, movement, and daily intention.

And the impact goes far beyond the mat.

“Each session you attend is a promise you kept to yourself. We celebrate that. Our belief is 'I am a woman who keeps the promises she makes to herself.' That’s powerful.”

Overcoming the Biggest Challenge—Herself

While setting up the tech, payments, and filming setup was relatively straightforward, Tonya’s biggest challenge was internal:

"How do I go from being a lecturer to a 50-year-old woman filming herself doing yoga at home? The mind monkeys had a dance party while I showed up and did it anyway."

Through inner work and lots of self-belief, she embraced her new role—and built a membership that now brings in $2,000 per month, while creating real transformation for her members.

Life-Changing Stories (That Start with the Smallest Wins)

There’s no shortage of inspiring stories from Tonya’s community:

💫 One woman who works at a computer all day used to say, “I’ve got bad posture. I’ve always had bad posture.” After just a few months of Tonya’s online yoga, people started telling her she had great posture. That one shift changed how she saw herself—it transformed her identity.

💫 Another member in her 70s couldn’t fasten her own bra strap. After a month of yoga, she could. It might seem like a small thing, but it gave her more independence, confidence, and even the ability to have a relaxing bath without worrying about her balance. Her world is expanding, not shrinking.

💫 Others report being able to clean the shower, reach low kitchen cupboards, and confidently get up off the floor when playing with grandkids.

"They are little things—but they make such a difference."

What’s the Biggest Misconception About Online Yoga?

"That you need to be flexible to start. You don’t!"

Flexibility, strength, and balance are results of the practice—not requirements.

Another common myth? “I don’t have time.”

"Online yoga saves you time. No travel. No need to get dressed up. You can leave your screen off, show up in PJs, messy hair, no makeup—whatever works for you. Because this is your time."

How Tonya Keeps Members Engaged

• Pre-class chats to build connection and community

• A culture of celebration and encouragement

• Facebook group with bonus content and the chance to check in using #replay

• Weekly reminders to help members book and stay consistent

"Every time someone uses #replay, I’m right there cheering them on."

Not Sure If Online Yoga Is for You?

Tonya’s advice:

"Imagine how you’ll feel in 5, 10, or 15 years if nothing changes. Our bodies don’t stay the same—they either get stronger and more flexible, or they get stiffer and weaker."

Her membership isn’t about extreme poses. It’s about staying mobile, confident, and strong as you age.

"When we stop trying new things, we stop growing. That’s why I offer a free two-week trial—so you can try it out, no pressure. Because the cost of not starting is years of stiffness and missed opportunities."

What’s Next? More Growth, More Impact

For a while, Tonya was content with simply maintaining the membership. But recently, she’s had a shift:

"Until this week, my only plan was to keep it going. But now I’m thinking about sharing it more. I’m sitting a lot at the moment, and I can FEEL the difference daily yoga makes. Imagine people not having that and not knowing their body could feel different."

With that realisation, she’s ready to start growing—so more people can feel the difference, too.

Final Thoughts

Online Yoga with Tonya is more than just a class—it’s a life-changing habit, as her members say. A space where women show up for themselves, keep the promises they make, and gain strength, balance, and confidence in every area of their lives.

"That makes my heart swell with pride."

Want to experience it for yourself? Visit www.yogacircle.co.nz to join or start your free trial. And follow Tonya on Facebook, she’s fabulous!