Welcome to the "Sweat Diaries"; a new FFB feature series uncovering the most transformative training methods with your Broadway buddies. We recently learned from our therapist expert, Dr. Anna Yusim that sweat clears negative energy and emotional blocks on top of making our bodies feel super powerful and fresh. We decided to explore the deeper layers of what it means to sweat, clear, and cleanse every day through training. Today we're exploring the practice of yoga with Sterling Masters. We got to sweat & clear right alongside Sterling at Pure Yoga, an FFB endorsed Sweat Spot 📍

Fun fact: Pure Yoga is where I got my yoga certification a few years ago. Pure is a membership studio that offers tons of variety and a beautiful space to open your heart, shed your layers, and get into your body. We had a zen chat with Sterling before our yoga class about the her journey with yoga.

Anyone else feel at home on their mat? Comment below and let us know what your Weekly Sweat Diary includes! We love hearing from y'all!

How Sterling got HERE.

"During my freshman year at Florida State University as a BFA Music Theatre major, I was also starting to audition in NYC... I was cast in the National Tour of Fosse, so at 19 I started a long career on the road. After Fosse I toured with Thoroughly Modern Mille (Dance Captain), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dance Captain), A Chorus Line (1st National of the Revival), and Wicked's 1st and 2nd National Tours (Witch's Mother and Dance Captain). After 9 years on tour, I finally moved back to NYC!! And joined the Broadway company of Wicked a year later where I have play the Witch's Mother, and have also Dance Captained the Broadway company."

Q: When and why did you start practicing yoga regularly?

A: I started practicing yoga religiously while on tour with the 1st National of Wicked. It became my way of finding normalcy in every city. My constant. Wherever we were, I felt at home.... and then I also started realizing the physical and mental/emotional benefits that yoga was bringing to my life.

Q: You mentioned that you generally do yoga before every show. How does this prepare you for your performance?

A: Yoga has become a part of my warm-up for the show. If I do yoga before going to the theatre, I feel mentally centered, and physically energized and rejuvenated.

Q: What's your absolute favorite type of yoga? Vinyasa? Flow? Hot? Power?

A: HOT!! Whether it's Vinyasa, flow, or power I want to sweat!

Q: What benefits do you get from yoga? 

A: I feel physically strong, my mind feels clearer, and I like feeling held accountable for something other than the show and daily life.

Q: What's your favorite part about being on Broadway? 

A: Other than getting to live out my childhood dream EVERY SINGLE DAY (pinching myself right now!), I have an incredible group of women to share the Ensemble Dressing Room with. We truly are a family in every sense of the word and I can honestly say that we have fun 8 shows a week. That's what it's all about!

Q: Your #BroadwayBestie, Desi (currently starring in the Waitress Tour) also takes classes at Pure Yoga! Does working out with your friend help you stay motivated?

A: Oh my goodness! I love when Desi and I practice together!! I mean, we have a good time no matter where we are :) but having her on the mat beside me pushes me and comforts me at the same time. I feel that our classes together at Pure are a really special aspect of our friendship. It's a quiet respect for ourselves and for each other. (And she's also my Maid of Honor next summer!!)