Debra Stefan is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT500) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training in September of 1971 with the Integral Yoga Institute of Los Angeles, a Registered Yoga School (RYS). Her two-year teaching tenure included hosting and teaching retreats from three to ten days in duration.
Debra, aka Poornaji, served a two-year teaching residency at the Institute before relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada in September of 1973. Upon relocation, she started the first traditional yoga classes at the YMCA, Caesar's Palace Spa, and local health clubs. As a showgirl and chorus dancer, she taught yoga classes backstage to cast members.
Since 2008, Debra Stefan Fitness Retreat includes yoga in the daily regimen for weight loss and wellness guests. Her fitness evolution includes expertise and personal training certifications teaching rope jumping, bicycle education, and weight lifting.
Debra Stefan holds four AAU world records and three USPA world records in women's powerlifting, and she is the nationally recognized 2020 Educator of the Year for the League of American Bicyclists.
Find our more about Debra's yoga history spanning over five decades.
Request schedule of weekend retreats at Debra Stefan Fitness Residence.