Here’s How to Feel More at Home in Your Body, According to a Philly Yoga Instructor

Photo credit: Yesenia Vargas

Mariel Freeman isn’t just leading a yoga class; she’s creating a community. As founder of Three Queens Yoga in Queen Village, her studio’s philosophy prioritizes connection, consistency, and meeting people where they are in their practice. From those taking their very first class to seasoned yogis fitting it into a hectic schedule, each session is designed to help bring a sense of balance to everyday life—both literally and figuratively.

Lucky for us, her session at Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center will bring that same grounded, approachable energy to attendees in real time. Ahead of the event, we asked Mariel about her work, what keeps her coming back to the mat, and how she helps people feel more at home in their own bodies.

What drew you to work in the wellness space?

I fell in love with yoga in college, and I love hosting. Bringing people together and making them feel genuinely welcome nourishes me. At a certain point, I realized I had to create a space where people could feel like they truly belong, where they could cultivate more comfort, confidence, and courage in their own skin. Opening the studio was a natural expression of that – an opportunity to share my love of yoga while building a meaningful, connected community.

How would you describe the mission behind your business?

Photo credit: Yesenia Vargas

At its core, our mission is belonging. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome and seen. We celebrate diversity as an infinite expression of the divine, and we’re especially interested in supporting householders – the people who are practicing yoga while fully engaged in daily life. We aim to help them expand their capacity to live meaningful, integrated lives and to be in service to something greater than themselves.

What can attendees from your session at this year’s Be Well Philly Fest?

I’ll be leading a “Tension Release Party.” We’ll focus on the areas of the body where tension tends to accumulate and explore simple, effective techniques to release it. The goal is to create more space in the body so that each breath can move through us more freely, and we can feel more open, grounded, and alive.

What do you hope people walk away feeling after your session?

I hope people leave feeling better in their bodies–more aware, more connected, and more engaged. I want them to feel a sense of ease and empowerment with practical tools they can return to again and again on their own.

Be Well Philly Fest brings together so many perspectives on wellness. What part of the event are you most looking forward to?
A: The community, without question. I’m excited to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and share some of the accessible, impactful ways I have found to release tension and feel better in the body.

Photo credit: Yesenia Vargas

This year’s lineup of includes a variety of classes and workshops that bring all corners of the Philly wellness world together. From building strength with Philadelphia Pilates Club to finding connection with Hike + Heal, breathe in the fresh air and discover workouts you’ve never tried before. 

Join Mariel (and a lineup of other wellness leaders) at Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center on Sunday, May 17th at Bok. Tickets are available at phillymag.com/bewellphillyfest.