Meet Tami Woodbury: Leading with Heart, Moving with Purpose

Essentrics with Tami

At LuxaDaisy, we believe in celebrating women who are not only strong and inspiring but who lift others up in the process. That’s exactly why we’re thrilled to shine a light on Tami, a woman whose life story is a beautiful mix of personal transformation, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. Tami is the kind of person who makes you feel better just being around her. She’s warm, real, and fiercely dedicated to helping others feel good in their own bodies.

You might find her teaching a class in the park, surrounded by chirping birds and smiling faces, or guiding a group class through gentle movements with patience and grace. Either way, she’s on a mission to stretch, strengthen, and connect.

From Dental Assistant to Wellness Guide

Before she began leading Essentrics classes across Orange County, Tami spent over four decades as a registered dental assistant. “I did that for about 42 years,” she shared. But the toll on her body, especially her back, was undeniable after years of bending over patients. When a brochure from the Yorba Linda Community Center arrived in her mailbox, it featured a class called Essentrics Stretching and Strengthening. She felt curious, and even hopeful. The program promised improved flexibility, balance, posture, and energy. It was everything her body was asking for.

She joined a class. And then another. Over time, the practice changed her body and her mindset.

Taking the Leap: Becoming a Certified Instructor

Inspired by the benefits she experienced firsthand, Tami decided to become certified to teach Essentrics herself. It wasn’t an easy road, especially during a global pandemic. “It took me a couple of years to get certified,” she explained. “I had to teach over 40 classes and get signatures for each one, all while we were in lockdown.” Without pay or recognition, Tami volunteered her time and energy, keeping herself and her community active, grounded, and hopeful. “It gave me focus,” she said. “It kept my brain sharp and my body healthy during Covid.”

After earning her certification, Tami began teaching classes through Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation as well as Anaheim Hills Community Services. She now leads up to seven classes a week, offering a variety of Essentrics formats from gentle stretching sessions to a more dynamic fusion of body core strength and Essentrics.

Tami works with people of all ages and skill levels. She encourages modifications to meet individual needs such as using chairs for balance, shortening sessions to 45 minutes, and skipping sit-ups. Her goal is to help students build endurance, improve balance and posture and support overall mobility. “I want people to feel capable, even if they can’t get on the floor just yet,” Tami says. “We use chairs to simulate the movements, and I’m even teaching some how to get down to the yoga mat safely, because being able to get up and down is a key skill for longevity.”

What is Essentrics, Anyway?

If you’re not familiar with Essentrics, think of it as a blend of tai chi, ballet, and physiotherapy, all rooted in gentle but highly effective movement. It targets 650 muscles in the body with a focus on flexibility, strength, posture, and mobility. “It’s low impact,” Tami emphasized, “which makes it accessible to all ages and fitness levels. We modify every move to meet people where they are.”

Her classes incorporate breathing techniques, mindfulness, and core awareness, so students don’t just move better, they live better. “I want to age with my spine tall and my body feeling energized,” she said. “This practice keeps the discs in my spine 'fluffy,'” she laughed, “which is my way of saying healthy and hydrated.”

Building Connection Through Movement

What really sets Tami apart isn’t just her knowledge or experience; it’s her ability to foster connection. Whether she’s teaching in a classroom or out in a local park beneath the trees, Tami creates a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported.

“There’s a lot of laughter and bonding in our classes,” she said. “You walk in as strangers, and over time, you become friends. Essentrics has really built a beautiful community.”

Passion That Inspires

At 61, Tami says she feels more energized than she did in her 40s. “This has changed my life,” she said. “I only wish I had started it sooner.”

Tami’s long-term dream is to continue teaching as long as her body allows. “If my 97-year-old students can do this, so can I,” she smiled.

Interested in Trying a Class?

Tami’s Essentrics classes are available in Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills. She teaches:

• Mondays and Fridays (10–10:45 AM) – Gentle Stretch for Seniors in Yorba Linda

• Tuesdays and Thursdays (8:30–10 AM) – Body Core + Essentrics in Yorba Linda

• Wednesdays (8:30–10 AM) – Body Core + Essentrics in Anaheim Hills

• Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (5:30–7 PM) – Anaheim Hills

You can sign up through the Yorba Linda or Anaheim Parks and Recreation departments.

Tami is also open to private or small group sessions in Orange County. Interested? You can reach her at jortami@gmail.com.

Tami’s story is a reminder to pursue something new, invest in your health, and build a community that feels like home.

At LuxaDaisy, we’re so honored to feature Tami in our Women Who Shine series. Her energy is contagious, her work is meaningful, and her journey is a beautiful reflection of how passion, movement, and kindness can transform the lives of many.