There has been much debate about modern vs traditional yoga, but no matter which team you’re on, one thing is certain: yoga offers immense benefits to the mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts is part of a new generation of yogis with a unique style of yoga. Since beginning yoga as an exercise, the Ohio native has centered her life around time-tested meditation techniques, harnessing the calming effects of yoga alongside poetry, writing, and art to help communities that don’t typically have access to such creative outlets. She runs Red Clay Yoga, a charity she founded with her husband. Peloton Yoga is taking the world by storm with its energetic asana-infused classes. Featuring contemporary hip hop, electronic and R&B beats.
She’s one of Lululemon’s most highly regarded global ambassadors and will be coming to us to host classes at Prudential’s Glow Festival on July 20th and 21st.Lululemon is the festival’s curatorial partner and will host more than 50 sweat sessions, sound bath experiences and thoughtful wellness panel sessions over the three weeks.
Ahead of the session, in an exclusive interview, Roberts shares what practicing yoga means to her, her unique approach, and what to expect at the festival. SG Magazine.
What made you start yoga?
I started doing yoga very early in my adult life, during my first year as a school teacher.
Was there an “aha” moment that made you realize this could be a long-term career in health?
It wasn’t until later in my teaching career that I decided I could fully commit to yoga. Since earning my Doctorate in Education and founding a yoga, literature, and arts camp for teenage girls, there’s no denying that my career path has evolved.
What is your typical day like?
As a full-time Peloton instructor and lululemon Global Ambassador, my days are filled with practicing, teaching and speaking about yoga and meditation. I teach live classes on the Peloton app that are broadcast to millions of people. Additionally, as a lululemon Global Ambassador, I get to share my practice and philosophy for holistic well-being with people all over the world. With so many different opportunities, no two days are the same. On top of that, I’m raising our son, Noble, with my husband, Shane.
Has becoming a mother changed the way you exercise or do yoga?
Yes indeed! Practicing patience, kindness, and generosity with myself in this new role has actually made my practices even more essential to my daily life so that I can now apply those same practices to the people I love.
Your teaching style has been described as “accessible, creative and compassionate” fusing hip hop, electronic and R&B with asana. Can you expand on this and how it translates into people’s more effective wellness journeys?
I truly believe that anyone interested in yoga and meditation should have access to the practice. That being said, it’s essential for beginners to reflect and connect with themselves in some way. When inviting people to the mat for the first time, I like to use music and art as a connecting thread.
Singaporeans are city dwellers and lead busy, stressful lives – how can we apply the principles of yoga on and off the mat to find support and resilience through difficult times?
Yoga reminds us to slow down and listen to our body and the information it is telling us. Through this practice, we sharpen the tools and parts of ourselves that help us make decisions in life. Yoga and meditation create space for reflection so that we can become more conscious, present and connected as we step out into life.
Who is your health hero?
My mom right now is a warrior facing cancer head on, practicing yoga with me every week in an entirely different state on the Peloton app. She reminds me of the strength we have inside us that shows up when we need it most. Her courage right now inspires me deeply.
As a Lululemon Ambassador, you will be hosting a class at Prudential’s Glow Festival in 2024. What can attendees expect?
From the moment you arrive, participants will discover themselves on the mat. We flow, we breathe. We connect as a lululemon community to celebrate 10 years of The Sweat Life in Singapore. Get ready to discover the part of yourself that has always been waiting to feel free.
In addition to classes, I Wellbeing Panel Discussion With a focus on the importance of finding time for wellness, I will share more about my personal experiences and tips for balancing physical, social and emotional wellness. I look forward to meeting everyone in the Singapore community.
Prudential Glow Festival 2024 will take place from 6 to 21 July at Marina Bay Sands. Dr Chelsea Jackson Roberts will host two classes: Yoga and Chill on 20 July at 6.15pm and Soul Flow Yoga on 21 July at 6.15pm. Tickets start from $29. For more class details and other workout schedules and experiences, click here.
Text by Alvin Lim and Nida Seah.
