Meet Sofia Demski | Yoga Instructor, NASM-CPT, Nutrition Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia Demski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Woodbridge, California, a small town right outside of Sacramento. I lived on the golf course surrounded by vineyards with my mom, dad, younger brother, and golden doodle. Growing up on the golf course was an absolute dream. I started playing golf when I was six years old, so to be able to walk out my back door and practice was such a privilege. Watching the sunset from the golf cart, backyard barbecues, and chasing the dog down the fairway are just a few of the small memories I keep close to my heart. All of these elements of my childhood have shaped who I am today. I was raised with love, kindness, acceptance, and my parents constantly motivated me to work hard. I am so grateful to have had these values instilled in me early on, as these are values I will continue to carry with me every single day.

While I loved being with my family and having close relatives all in the same state, I was eager to branch out and move to Arizona. I moved to Arizona in 2019, and I knew from day one that this would be my forever home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a yoga teacher, certified personal trainer, and nutrition coach!

My journey is definitely unique. I moved to Arizona in 2019 to start nursing school at Arizona State University. After one semester of being in clinicals on the oncology floor at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I knew nursing was not the right career for me. I am so grateful for nurses today as they work so hard, but I knew there was a different path for me.

Upon moving to Arizona, I jumped into yoga teacher training with absolutely no intention of being a teacher. I connected with yoga in my first semester of college at Santa Clara University. I was struggling to make the adjustment to college, and going to the local yoga studio felt like an escape. I knew moving to Arizona not knowing anyone would be a challenge, so I decided to sign up for teacher training as it would be a way for me to meet new people and learn more about something I truly enjoyed. I finished my 200-hour right when the pandemic hit.

Two years later, I now teach at The Madison Improvement Club, Radi8 Hot Yoga, I teach large-scale events throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix, and I will soon be on an online platform (top secret)!

Getting to this point did not come easy. Trying to become a yoga teacher during a pandemic was not ideal, but nursing school during a pandemic is a different story. The stress, anxiety, and fatigue that came from nursing school was something I could not handle. It was not easy to know I was leaving a program that was so highly sought after, but I am so grateful I did. I made a complete switch to nutrition/dietetics. Today, I am able to help all types of people with their diet and ways they can improve their well-being through food. It is one of the best things that came from the pandemic. I had to trust my intuition and know that the shift I was making was the right shift for me.

There’s something to say about having no expectations. Teaching yoga was not something I had dreamed of. Transferring out of nursing school was another part of my life I didn’t plan for. But knowing that everything has come from keeping my faith and living every single day one breath at a time has shaped who I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love having friends come visit me in Arizona! There are so many different places to visit, great restaurants, and of course great golf courses.

For restaurants, I would be sure to take them to Buck & Rider for the best seafood and ambiance around. Some of my other favorite places include Maple & Ash, The Henry, Chula Seafood, and of course Flower Child.

For golf, Mountain Shadows Short Course would be the spot for the not so serious golfer. But if it’s a day to play on the competitive side, I would choose TPC Stadium, We-Ko-Pa, or Troon North.

For all things yoga & fitness (my favorites), I would make sure they come to one of my yoga classes! But I love to workout at Glory Gains Gym, Bodi, and F45. I would also make sure they bring their hiking shoes as hiking Camelback Mountain is a great way to get exercise outdoors.

Other cool hang out spots or things to do include The W pool, the spa at Sanctuary, a cooking class at Sur La Table, Spring training games, or a drink at Isabella’s Kitchen with beautiful sunset views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom! My mom, or who I sometimes call my “momager,” inspires me every single day to chase my dreams. She has taught me to go about each day with a grateful heart, be strong- especially in the tough times, stand up for what I believe in, and know that hard work does pay off. I truly don’t know what I would do without her! Her sense of humor, her fabulous style, and our shared love for dogs is unmatched… shoutout to you mom!

Website: https://www.sofiademski.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofidemski/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofia.demski.9/

Image Credits
LY Visuals Nichole Curtin Photography GraphX Design