Middleton Yogi of the Month: Paula Toltzien | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Middleton Yogi of the Month: Paula Toltzien

When I first started my yoga journey last November, I had just completed a 12-week “Biggest Losers” boot camp and was looking for a different kind of a workout. My two daughters, Tina and Kelly, went to Dragonfly and recommended it to me. They said that if I tried it I would love it just as much as they did.

I remember being at the front desk and saying that I was looking for a workout that was a little easier and less intense than boot camp had been. Sean was there and he smiled at my remark. I had never done yoga before and did not realize how much energy and strength it would take on my part to really succeed. After my first class with Sean, I was hooked and soon came to look forward to taking classes.

My practice has gone from a couple of days to five or six days each week. My yoga teachers and practice have turned me into a more positive person. I have learned so much from Dragonfly, not just in class but also from the meditation. The few minutes it takes really lifts my spirit and soul from hectic days. I feel totally reenergized.

I have come a long way since my first downward dog. I am a person who has struggled with asthma, depression, and bad knees, which I initially thought would impede me from ever enjoying yoga. Much to my surprise I have never had to use an inhaler and going to yoga has been so restorative to my knees, improved my mood, increased my motivation, given me better body awareness, and strengthened my entire body.

Yoga has become an adopted lifestyle for me both on and off my mat. I have noticed a lot of changes with not just my mind but my body as well. I am getting stronger in my practice and losing not just weight but inches. I have come down from a size 18 to a size 10 pair of jeans! Overall, I just feel better in my body, more secure, and happier. Many people told me at the beginning that I would not lose any weight with yoga alone. They were definitely wrong. I am living proof that it is possible.

My favorite things about Dragonfly are the cheerfulness and positive attitudes of everyone who works there. Whether it is the people at the front desk or my favorite yoga teachers (Katie, Carrie, and Sean) everyone always has a really positive and helpful attitude. They all helped me greatly along the way with my journey.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without their dedication and help. So a big thanks to all my teachers who have helped me so much. I have improved a lot since my first class last November. I continue to work harder because in yoga there is always going to be something that I can improve upon. I feel as though I am always learning new things in every class that I take because they are never the same, they are always changing, and so am I. I am also excited for progressing further in my practice.

I would recommend Dragonfly Hot Yoga to anyone who is looking for a really great workout of both body and spirit. To people who think they are too old or have certain limitations I would say at least try it. At 57 years of age, a mother to 3 adult children, and grandma to (almost) 3 – I didn’t think that I’d be doing hot yoga, but I am and so are many other people in my classes who are years older than I am. So give it a try, you have nothing to lose. My bet is that you will find it just as wonderful as I did. Thanks to everyone at Dragonfly for the honor of being Yogi of the month! Unreal guys…

Thank you for sharing your energy with us Paula! We love your presence…you truly inspire us all.