Downtown Yogi of the Month: Allyson Pulvermacher | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Downtown Yogi of the Month: Allyson Pulvermacher

How did you get started at Dfly?
After leaving my previous studio and not practicing yoga for a while, I decided to get back into yoga and try Dfly because of the variety of classes offered and abundance of different class times that would work with my schedule. I quickly picked up my practice again after falling in love with the classes, the instructors, and the studio itself!

What is/was your yoga experience before Dfly?
As a three-sport athlete in high school, I was always interested in new ways to stay active but had struggled in college to find ways to stay active that I both enjoyed and that fit into my schedule. I had always doubted that I would be the “type” of individual that would enjoy yoga, but I was at wit’s end with trying to find the motivation to go the gym on my own. After spontaneously trying a class with a friend, I fell in love and continued doing yoga for about a year until the following summer, when my studio’s class times became limited and my schedule was less flexible. I had tried staying active by running, hiking, kayaking, etc., but I always felt that it wasn’t the same total mind and body experience that I had in a yoga class. After a few months, I decided to begin my practice again and I have now been doing it ever since!

What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
I think what I like most about attending Dfly classes is the atmosphere of the studio and the passion that each of the instructors has for what they do. The staff is always willing to offer any advice on improving your practice and answer any questions that may arise along the way. Dfly is accommodating to all types of practice and skill levels, which makes it a great place to begin and build upon the practice and mindset of yoga. The Dfly instructors/classes have provided me with the knowledge and guidance to challenge myself to be a better yogi!

Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
After finishing my master’s and entering medical school, I have found that making the time to be both mentally and physically healthy is challenging amidst the responsibilities and stressors of student life. Fortunately for me, yoga has been able to act as both the mental sanctuary and physical reset that I need. During each class that I attend, I am forced to divert energy away from any preoccupations or worries that I may be facing and focus solely on myself. By making the time to care for myself, I can look past the daily trivialities we all encounter, and remain focused on the big picture – taking advantage of every opportunity and embracing each new experience.

How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I try to attend class about five times a week, mostly on weekdays to break up my schedule and give myself some time away from my work and on weekends when I have extra energy. The type of class I like is usually dependent upon my mood and energy level for the day, but I always scope out the schedule for Ashley’s Yoga Up, Autumn’s Power Flow, and Anna/Cassie’s Core Flow.

Instructor Natalie Koberstein: “Allyson prioritizes her practice, she chooses self care on a regular basis, even with a demanding schedule! Her persistence, patience and warm smile are all abundant, and are the building blocks of her practice. She has an incredibly exciting future ahead of her, and we are sure that her commitment to remaining healthy and happy will help make that future shine!”