How did you get started at DFly?
My daughter Erin is an avid yogi in Milwaukee and was home for Thanksgiving. She convinced me to attend a class on Thanksgiving Day, so my four daughters (Katelyn, Erin, Lauren, and Morgan), my wife (Nicki), and I all attended together. I’ll admit I was reluctant at first, but I’m so glad I went. What started as a supportive gesture has now become something I genuinely look forward to—and miss when I can’t attend.
What was your yoga experience before DFly?
I had absolutely no prior experience with yoga or barre.
What do you enjoy most about attending DFly classes?
- The Community: I’ve made meaningful friendships, and classmates like Adam were so welcoming that I quickly felt at home.
- The Teachers: The instructors are truly amazing. Brenda, David, Colin, Ian, Lena, Mariana, and Kim have all taken time to answer questions, make my family feel welcome, and encourage me to progress at my own pace. As a perfectionist, it was tough at first not to be “good” right away, but they’ve helped me find steady, patient progress.
- Physical & Mental Benefits: Beyond fitness, DFly has been an outlet for balance in my stressful career. My blood pressure is down by 10 points, and I may soon be able to come off medication.
Have you experienced changes in your overall well-being?
Yes! I’ve lost about 15 pounds and steadily replaced fat with muscle. My flexibility has improved dramatically, and my back pain is essentially gone. My sleep—both quality and quantity—is much better. The progress may be gradual, but it’s real and sustainable.
How often do you attend class?
I began with 2–3 classes per week and now attend 4–5 times weekly. My goal is 200 classes in my first year, and I’m on track. I’ve moved from entry-level classes to more challenging ones, and I enjoy pushing myself at my own pace. Favorites include Brenda’s Slow Flow, Ian’s Monday Flow, Lena’s Sunday class, David’s Wednesday class, and Mariana’s Friday evening session. Each one is unique and rewarding.
Any final thoughts about DFly, hot yoga, or your life?
DFly has literally helped save my life. I’m transforming from an out-of-shape, stressed-out workaholic into someone committed to physical and mental well-being. I’m deeply grateful to my daughters for introducing me to hot yoga and to the DFly community for supporting my journey. A little about me—I’ve lived in Waunakee, WI for 10 years with my wife, Nicki, and our four daughters. Two of our girls now live in Milwaukee, and two are still at home. We’re also big animal lovers with two pups: Brandy (Vizsla) and Teddy (Pomsky).
Instructor Brenda A.: Fred’s commitment to consistent practice is admirable. He generally arrives early, cheerfully greets staff and clients before pausing on his mat to prepare for practice. Fred embraces the benefits of breath work, as well as the balance of effort (Vinyasa Flow) and ease (Yin). It is wonderful to see Fred sharing his love of yoga with his daughters ❤️ Our Dragonfly community benefits from the positive, upbeat energy Fred brings into the studio.”
