How did you get started at Dfly?
Back during the pandemic, I developed some really bad back/hip/SI joint pain. After a couple years of chiro, PT, stretching, etc., it had improved, but I just couldn’t fully get over it. Finally, in December of 2024, I decided that I was going to make it my top priority. I signed up for a Dragonfly membership and started going every day. It quickly made me realize how weak my core and back muscles had gotten. I could feel them getting stronger with every class, and my back pain soon started to lessen. As time went on, it just continued to get better. Fast forward to now, and I barely notice it. And on the days where I do wake up with some discomfort, I’ll go to class, and by the time I leave I don’t even feel it anymore.
What was your yoga/barre experience before Dfly?
I started practicing yoga back in 2013 after moving to Denver (shoutout Kindness Yoga). I had played sports all my life, including baseball in college, so I spent A LOT of time in the gym/weight room all those years. After that phase of my life was over, I realized that I was pretty burnt out on lifting weights and just going to the gym in general. I wanted something different. So I decided to try yoga, and I immediately fell in love with it. It was different and challenging, and I started going every day. After a while, I remember thinking that it was the best my body had ever felt. I eventually moved back to Madison, but between the move, a new job, and just life in general, my yoga practice unfortunately fell by the wayside for a few years.
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
All of the studio spaces are really welcoming, and so are the staff. The instructors are all great and provide their own unique experience. There’s also plenty of offerings to choose from – truly something for everyone. Also, once I step into the studio, I feel like I can disconnect and just focus on the present – no phone, no screens, no emails. It’s my time to set aside whatever might be going on that day and just be in the present.
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
Yes, definitely – both physical and mental. From a physical standpoint, in addition to helping finally cure my back pain, I immediately noticed that I had started sleeping better. And because of the heated room and sweating so much, I’ve made drinking a lot of water a daily habit. I also realized that I went the entire winter/spring without getting sick at all – not even so much as a sniffle or a head cold, which I don’t think has ever happened. Mentally, I just feel like I’m in a much better mood when I leave class. I’m more calm and grounded, and just ready to take on the rest of my day.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I go basically every day – either Flow, Power Flow, or Flow/Yin, but I also like to mix in 1-2 days/week of just Yin. I’m a morning person, so I really like that Dragonfly offers early classes most days. I’m lucky enough to work from home, and I live less than 10 minutes from both the Verona and Fitchburg studios, so that really helps as well. But I also make it a priority and part of my daily routine. It’s now just something that I plan for and build into my schedule each day. I don’t have a favorite class, I really enjoy them all. Every teacher has their own unique style and creates their own experience. However, I am a regular at a few of the weekday morning Flow/Power Flow classes, so thank you to Kim, Kyle & Krista for always showing up with energy and enthusiasm on those early mornings.
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:
My two favorite things are baseball and Phish. If you ever want to nerd out over either one, I’m your guy. Besides yoga, I enjoy being outside, reading, walking/hiking, skiing, travelling, live music, watching sports, volunteering, and spending time with my wife and our senior dog, Nooch. I’m also passionate about animal advocacy, and have been plant-based (vegan) for almost 13 years now. Thank you to all of the Dragonfly teachers and staff! And to everyone else that makes this place a great community to be a part of!
Instructor Krista B.: “”It is wonderful to have Joe in class each week. Joe’s dedication to his practice is admirable. His consistency and willingness to explore new poses remind us that the yoga practice isn’t about being perfect. Instead, it’s about showing up and being present with ourselves on the mat. Thank you, Joe, for sharing your practice with the Dragonfly community!”
