How did you get started at Dfly?
I first learned about hot yoga after I read “Karma” by Sadhguru and eventually, after reading “Mind Illuminated” by John Yates, I found the motivation in me to try it out. I started in July 2022. Rather than spending money on a trip, I decided to subscribe to a one-year membership right away without a trial. I am very glad I trusted my instinct and didn’t go on that trip! Although the physical transformation has been noticeable, my journey into exploring hot yoga has been spiritual and intellectual, first and foremost.
What was your yoga/Barre experience before Dfly?
I was doing PiYo for about a year. I never did hot yoga/barre, nor did I have any friends or family who did either of them.
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
More than anything, the interplay between my mind and my body. You don’t know how much you have been taking your body/mind for granted until you do hot yoga. There’s nothing more humbling than trying to balance around a mat with only your own body and gravity at play. It’s amazing to see the progress and what the body is actually capable of when in harmony with the mind.
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
Mentally, I feel more in tune with my body and my breath. I feel more present daily. Nothing puts you in THE moment more than being in a 95-degree room trying to do a reverse half-moon first thing in the morning! Outside satiating my own spiritual and intellectual curiosities, one of my priorities in the last year has been to improve my cardiovascular fitness in general, and classes at Dragonfly have been an essential part of that even though that was not an intention for me. Physically, I’ve gotten stronger, more agile, and flexible.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
About 4-6 times a week. Not a cop-out answer here, but my favorite classes are the ones that challenge me and push past my perceived limit. As soon as I see myself being comfortable in a class, I move on to the next. So, my favorite classes are any class I sign up for that week. Although various flow (regular/core/power) classes have been a constant in my schedule.
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.
Something about Dragonfly: Great atmosphere, great variety in classes and scented towels! Also, it goes without saying that I’m thankful for all the instructors with whom I’ve taken classes. I’m always learning something new from each one of them.
Something personal: one of my favorite quotes is from Hildegard of Bingen, where she writes, “Music is the sacred sound through which all creation resounds.” For me, music is life and life is music. I compose music in my free time, play piano, violin, and do WERQ and Zumba.
Instructor Lexie Balgeman: “It’s a pleasure to see Amir in my classes. He always shows up on his mat ready for whatever the practice may bring. I’ve watched his practice grow into the confident and strong yogi he is today. He listens to what his body needs and he’s willing to face new challenges. It’s a joy to have him in class and I’m thankful he’s part of our Dragonfly community.”
