How did you get started at Dfly?
I first started taking hot yoga classes at Dragonfly in the fall of 2012, when my children were still very young (they’re now 15 and 18!). At that stage of life, I was a busy working mom with very little time for myself. Hot yoga became my sanctuary—it helped me stay grounded, manage stress, and find balance amid the demands of work and family. I was also dealing with persistent musculoskeletal pain, and I was amazed to discover that practicing yoga in a heated studio significantly reduced my discomfort. It was the first time I truly felt relief. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I paused my membership to focus on family responsibilities. Then, in August 2022, I experienced a life-changing knee injury that shattered my patella. The recovery process was long and challenging, requiring surgery, extensive physical therapy, and a great deal of patience. As I recovered, I realized that regular heat therapy was essential for my body. Traditional, non-heated strength training alone wasn’t enough to help me reach my goals of being pain-free, strong, and active again. I returned to Dragonfly in 2024, and the difference has been extraordinary. The physical progress I’ve made has exceeded my expectations, but the mental and emotional benefits have been just as profound. Returning to my practice has truly been life-changing, restoring not only my strength and mobility but also the sense of balance and well-being that first brought me through Dragonfly’s doors more than a decade ago.
What was your yoga/barre experience before Dfly?
Before joining Dragonfly in 2012, my yoga experience was limited to the occasional workout video at home. As a two-time Ironman triathlete, I was no stranger to physical challenges, but I realized I needed something different—something that would bring more balance, mindfulness, and recovery into my life. That’s when I discovered hot yoga, and it quickly became the perfect complement to my endurance training.
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
The energy at Dragonfly is unmatched, and the sense of community is just as inspiring as the workouts themselves. I love the variety of classes, which allows me to combine yoga, barre, and HIIT depending on what my body needs that day. It offers the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and cardio—truly the best fitness experience and class variety in the Madison area!
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
Absolutely. In fact, my manager at Cisco recently asked me what had changed in my life over the past couple of years because my work performance has reached an all-time high. Without hesitation, I told him that one of the biggest changes has been returning to Dragonfly. I can walk into class carrying the stress and anxiety of a demanding job, but I always leave feeling re-energized, mentally clear, and ready to tackle whatever comes next. The transformation has been incredible. Training at Dragonfly almost every day has not only made me stronger physically, but it has also significantly improved my focus, resilience, and cognitive performance. The impact has extended far beyond the studio—it has made me better in every aspect of my life, including my career.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I attend classes 6–7 days a week, so Dragonfly has truly become a priority and an important part of my daily routine. My favorite classes are honestly all of them! Each format brings something different, and I love the variety and challenge they provide. That said, I definitely miss it when I can’t make Tiffany’s Power Up or Flow & Lift classes, as well as Lauren’s Yoga Up and Power Up classes. I’ve also really enjoyed Lindsey’s Circuit Up classes because they give me the opportunity to focus on heavier strength training without the same level of cardio intensity. And Saturday mornings are always a highlight with Carly’s Circuit Up 60—it’s the perfect way to start the weekend. Every instructor and every class brings something unique, and I truly love them all!
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!
Life is busy for all of us, but I truly believe that making time for yourself is one of the best investments you can make. Adding classes to my work calendar has helped me prioritize my health and well-being, and I’m always grateful that I made the commitment. The physical and mental health benefits have been transformative, and I believe carving out that time for yourself can truly change your life for the better.
