Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Jennifer Klawiter | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Jennifer Klawiter

My very first class was on New Year’s Eve 2017 with Cassie. I loved everything about it… so much so that when I woke up the next morning, I made the decision to take care of myself and become a member of Dfly. I’ve only missed a handful of days since I’ve started and I can’t imagine my life without Dfly! My prior experience was definitely minimal. I attended yoga classes after school once/twice a week, which were taught by Cassie in our library or gym.

I love connecting with all of the yoga teachers. I truly see them as my mentors and friends. I appreciate how I am given the opportunity to take what I need from each class. Most often I take the physical challenge to increase my strength and flexibility, and to improve my balance. However, I am noticing yoga is so much more than that. I often find myself equally working on the mental challenges class provides me… using positive self-talk, staying in the moment, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to try new poses, listening to my body and noticing how it feels. Putting all of that together is what I truly love, the best of both worlds!

Overall, I am just so grateful for Dfly. My whole perspective on life is different. I can now see the greatness in myself more easily. I’m more confident, brave, patient, giving, grateful, and joyful. I now carry this positive energy with me throughout the day, which inspires others to see their greatness. Physically, I am much stronger and my balance has improved tremendously. I personally love using my upper body strength (bring on those push-ups!) and my lower body strength (getting deeper into those crescent lunges) I’m working on my core strength so I can achieve the more challenging balance poses. I keep reminding myself that I can’t do them… YET! I try not to set limits on myself because when I do it seems like I have given up before I have even tried. Thanks to Elizabeth for always pushing me and encouraging me to fall in her classes! Finally, I so appreciate the mindfulness training I receive during class. The encouraging words, poems, and quotes spoken are sinking in. I always take away something from every spoken message, something that inspires me to be the best version of ME!

I attend classes daily, usually attending 7-9 classes a week. My favorite class is Dragonfly Fusion on Sundays at 10 with Kelly. There is something about that class that just gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s mentally and physically challenging, but rewarding, since I can easily gauge my progress from week to week due to the scripted class. I also LOVE core flow and the aroma classes. I’m looking forward to the expanded Fitchburg studio so I can add Barre classes into my weekly schedule.

As a teacher of young children, I feel passionate about sharing how yoga has changed my life. My students love to hear my stories about my yoga classes, my goals, and my challenges. I am sure they hear daily from me, “My yoga teacher told me…” So now yoga is a part of our school day. My students are learning how to do different yoga poses, how to take chances, how to fall and get right back up, how to stay in the moment, how to be grateful for what they have and what they can do with their bodies, how to set goals and achieve them, how to talk positively to themselves, and so much more. I feel so empowered to help others, all due to what Dfly gives me each and every day. Let’s keep the positive energy flowing Dfly community! A special thank you to my yogi mentors: Anna, Bekah, Carrie, Cassie, Claire, Elizabeth, Joe, Jodi, Kelly, Kim, Sam, Shawn, Suki, and Tiffany. You COMPLETE me!

Instructor Elizabeth Di Salvo: “Jennifer is a joy to have in the studio. Her commitment to her personal yoga practice has been beautiful to see unfold and grow. This summer especially, when she hit the 100 class mark during the summer challenge. What I find also spectacular about Jennifer is the way she integrates yoga and breath work into her classroom with the young souls that she guides during the school year. Thank you Jennifer for continuing to spread the benefits of yoga through your personal and professional life.”