We were lucky to catch up with Cathy Duffy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cathy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
In 10th grade, I took my first step aerobics class and instantly fell in love with it. It didn’t take long before my teacher noticed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to become an instructor. At the time, I was a reserved and shy girl — the idea of leading a class filled me with both joy and terror. (mostly terror) I had a strong desire to teach, but standing in front of others felt daunting. My teacher helped me find the courage by letting me lead classes for my peers. My stomach would twist in knots before each session, but once I began teaching, the anxiety melted away. I felt like a completely different person — confident, connected, and alive.
That experience sparked a lifelong passion for teaching fitness. Over the years, I earned certifications in AFAA Group Fitness, BodyPump, TRX, water aerobics, and eventually yoga. Teaching group fitness has always been fulfilling — it allowed me to do what I love, support my family, and build meaningful relationships with my students. Yet, for many years, I wasn’t sure it was my true purpose. I enjoyed it deeply, but I felt like just another instructor.
Everything changed when I discovered yoga. For a long time, I believed yoga wasn’t for me — that I wasn’t flexible enough or capable of doing what I saw in pictures. But when I finally decided to explore yoga more deeply, I realized it was about so much more than touching your toes. Yoga opened the door to mental, spiritual, and emotional growth — dimensions I had never experienced in group fitness before.
Now, after more than 20 years of teaching yoga, I can honestly say I’ve found my purpose. I’m still a mild introvert, and my stomach still flutters with nervousness before every class. But the moment I begin teaching, those feelings are replaced by love, compassion, and gratitude for everyone who shows up on their mat. My goal is to share the joy and benefits of yoga with others and help dispel the common misconceptions about yoga that I once had myself.
The purpose of practicing yoga is to help each of us become the best version of ourselves. I feel deeply blessed to lead others in their practice — to guide them, support them, and hold space for them as they discover their own strength, balance, and peace. My hope is that through yoga, others will discover joy and purpose in life – because we all have one!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi! I’m Cathy. I own and run a destination yoga company here in San Diego that specializes in personalized yoga sessions catered to each individual’s needs, abilities, and preferences.
I offer group and private sessions at beaches, vacation homes, conference centers, and corporate offices — I’ll teach a yoga session anywhere your heart desires in the San Diego region! Some of my favorites sessions are for bachelorettes, and corporate team-building/employee wellness sessions. I love creating yoga experiences that are meaningful, relaxing, and truly memorable.
I bring the yoga session to you. I provide mats for everyone, so can come as you are and just be you. Let’s yoga together!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. I have a BS in Exercise Science, and certifications for group fitness and personal training. My background knowledge of the muscles and how the body works has allowed me to personalize safe and effective yoga sessions for my clients.
2. Empathy – Through my continued study and practice of yoga, I’ve learned to approach others with greater empathy and understanding. I often felt judged and criticized for my height, or lack of it, as I am only 5ft (on a good day!), I try to put myself in other people’s shoes before making any assumptions or judgements. The Golden Rule is my moral principle!
3. Non – intimidating, but welcoming – I am often told that I make people at ease, even amongst newly quaintness. I believe that as an instructor, being welcoming, accepting, and being real is essential to help and teach others. Again, as a mild introvert, my initial reaction would be to stay in the shadows and do my own thing. However, through years of practice and effort, I am able to create a class environment that is safe, nonjudgmental, and welcoming for all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds.
Advice? If its something you truly want to do, go for it. Back in HS, I dreamt of becoming an aerobics instructor. But, the fear of being in the spotlight was terrifying. The fear of being judged made it difficult for me to take the next step to pursue my dreams. Things began falling into place when I took a leap of faith, went out of my comfort zone and believed in myself. Stop dreaming and start doing! Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be owning my own yoga business 25 years later!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Hands down, my amazing husband. My first job audition for a teaching position was an absolute fail. I didn’t get the job, obviously, and I remember coming home and just crying. I felt embarrassed, discouraged, and definitely didn’t want to do another audition, ever. It was my husband who reminded me of my desire to teach and encouraged me to keep learning and practice for my next interview. He has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter, especially during times of self doubt – the eb and flow of believing in myself. I wouldn’t be the person I am today, nor would I have the skills and knowledge that I have today without my husbands help, sacrifice, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yogatrex.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogatrex/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yogatrex-la-jolla-2?osq=yogatrex
- Other: Airbnb Services – https://www.airbnb.com/services/125640
Marriott Bonvoy – https://activities.marriott.com/north-america/usa/california/la-jolla/activities/beach_yoga_in_san_diego-XU4FPI
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
