How did you get started at Dfly?
Prior to the pandemic I had a very unbalanced understanding of what it meant to be fit. My father was a body builder and so I thought being fit was being able to lift really heavy weights and build muscle. Just prior to the pandemic I injured my shoulder pretty badly by pushing myself too hard. I still tried to hit the gym and was really doing a number to myself physically. When the pandemic hit no gyms were open and my family and I decided to move to Montreal, and it was there that I started running and hiking outside, and I started to do yoga at home (watching YouTube) and I realized there was a whole new universe of being fit that I had no idea about. Once the pandemic subsided and the world opened up, we moved back to Madison; and this time with a new definition of fitness. My wife recommended I try hot yoga in a class setting and I started attending the Dfly Sunday morning class with her. Marc was the instructor and I absolutely loved the class and made it a habit to attend most Sundays. Eventually I found other amazing instructors at Dfly like Morgan in Middleton and Colleen Downtown and made their classes part of my weekly rhythm.
What was your yoga/barre experience before Dfly?
Before Dfly I would do a bit of cardio and lift really heavy weights. It got to be not only unbalanced physically but also found working out to be really really boring. I also had chronic back issues with problems arising probably every other month, and at times I was bed ridden for as long as a week.
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
My favorite classes give me just enough instruction and really allow me to focus on synching my breath with my movement. I started to see my flexibility, core strength, and balance strengthen and I realized that I had been missing out on an important part of fitness for most of my life. I now have fewer back issues and can’t remember the last time I was relegated to my bed because of a back issue.
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
In addition to my flexibility, balance, and core strength improving I have found myself better equipped to manage my anxiety and emotions. I have also taken up doing breathing and meditation practices almost daily. My wellbeing feels like it has improved holistically.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I attend classes most Tuesdays in Middleton and Fridays downtown; sometimes my wife and I will attend a class in Verona during the week or on the weekend before a date. It is a great way to set the tone for the rest of the day for sure!
I find the Dfly community to also be friendly and encouraging. I have attended other yoga studios in Madison and Chicago and there was a different vibe that seemed more competitive or externally focused. The community at Dfly seems to be on a similar collective journey towards healing and growth as I am on; and although there aren’t a ton of men attending the classes the ones I have met have been friendly and supportive. I can tell my future self is happy with my decision to practice yoga, and I plan to continue this practice for the rest of my life. Thank you to the Dfly community for being full of grace and support; especially during these politically tumultuous times this community and practice has been good medicine for me.
Instructor Morgan H.: “I am nominating Roberto as Yogi of the Month for many reasons. Roberto has been a joy to watch grow in his practice. Over the last few months, he has had significant improvement in his flexibility and dedication to intentional transitions. Most of all, I am impressed by Roberto’s devoted Savasana. I look forward to watching him continue growing.”
