Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Robin Neitzel | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Robin Neitzel

How did you get started at Dfly?
A co-worker who had back trouble and was even more out of shape than I was suggested I try it. He said the heat and stretching helped his back and told me if he could workout in the back row, so could I.

What was your yoga/barreamped experience before Dfly?
I had no yoga experience but had taken boot-camp style classes. I was not aware yoga studios had options beyond the classic pose type classes. That’s what convinced me to try it and continue with it.

What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
Feeding off the energy of all the fit people in class along with the enthusiasm, motivation and smiles of the instructors. Maybe it’s my imagination but I find the more the instructors smile the harder I have to work.

Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
A few years ago on Easter Sunday I experienced chest pain. I had a 95 percent blockage in my “widow-maker” artery and was told I was lucky to be alive. Over the last year with the help of Dragonfly I’ve made big strides improving my fitness. I’m stronger and leaner but I still have a ways to go. The physical changes have boosted my mental spirits and I have reason to worry less about the past.

How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I attend 5 or 6 classes a week. Power Up and Yoga Up are my favorites. They are a great combination of strength and aerobic conditioning which I need to meet my goals. I’ve been adding in some flow and yin classes too. Partly because they are great for stretching and sore muscles but also because they just feel good.

Please feel free to share any other thoughts you have about Dfly, hot yoga, or your life as we would love to know more about you.
Everyone on the Dfly staff is very welcoming but I was worried about fitting in with people much fitter and younger than I am. A couple weeks ago something happened that helped me with that insecurity. A member approached me and said “Robin, I’ve noticed your progress and you look great”. That was a lifetime first for me and all I could do was thank her and give her a big hug. With all the political correctness now days it’s difficult to know if it’s ok to hand out a compliment. But for me personally the acknowledgement was a wonderful gift. It’s the little things in life……

Instructor Carly Schneider: “Robin is a consistent and dedicated Dfly practitioner, especially in the Up classes. It’s a pleasure having him there, motivating those around him and willing to try new things. He comes ready to work and is always up for a chat. Congratulations, Robin!”