Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Amanda Forrest | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Amanda Forrest

How did you get started at Dfly?
About three years ago, I started looking for a “gym” membership close to where I started working in Middleton. Over the years, I had tried so many various memberships, but I never really felt like I would find a program that I enjoyed.

My doctor started me on high cholesterol medicine at 27, which I did not even think was possible for someone in their 20’s! I decided to start making some lifestyle changes and one of them was joining Dfly!

I signed up for the 30-day trial, intending to lose some weight and get healthy. I ended up receiving so much more from my membership than I thought possible.

What was your yoga/fitness experience before Dfly?
I had never been to a Yoga or BarreAmped class before Dfly. I was so nervous my first day I almost chickened out. My second class I came early to make sure I kept my spot in the back row; only to find out what was the front for one instructor was the back for another. Class started and I was front and center and I was mortified.

What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
So many things! The variety of classes/instructors and the flexibility to go at your own pace. Being able to take it up or down as needed was a game changer for me.

I had so much anxiety about not being able to keep up with my peers at prior gym memberships. The instructors reiterating to take it up or down as needed and providing alternate poses if something was calling to me really helped me not to compare myself to the person on the mat next to me. I started to shift my focus more on my progress vs getting all the poses “perfect”.

I am currently on a mission to do at least one arm balance pose. It’s a work in progress, and that’s ok. Kudos to those who can do them in the studio, I see you.

Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
Absolutely! In addition to losing about 25 pounds, I am no longer on any medicine for high cholesterol. I also typically saw the chiropractor every 4 weeks for back pain/headaches and now I only see my chiro once every few months for upkeep. Money saver right there! I also feel like I have more control over my anxiety and have learned how to better manage my mental health.

How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
Not enough. I wish I could go more! Currently, I average 2-3x a week. The struggle to balance full time work/home life/dog mom is real.

I really miss the Slow Flow class I use to attend with Alex, she’s great. I love Kati on Friday mornings in Middleton. I don’t know whether it’s the energy from it being the start of the weekend and/or the energy she brings, but if you haven’t been to Kati’s class I highly recommend it.

Sam is great for Barre she really pushes you which I need, and Cassie is awesome for Core Flow.

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.
There are so many inspirational and success stories from Dfly members I feel like I don’t even compare!

I grew up in Whitewater, WI and have bumped around to different cities across Southeastern Wisconsin but have really grown to love the Madison area.

I’ve been with my partner Mark who is an identical twin (always a conversation starter) for 14 years and we are proud parents to a 3 year old Catahoula Leopard Dog named Lady we adopted about a year and a half ago. She is SPOILED and has taken over our cars, bed, couches and overall personal space, but we would not change a thing. If only I could find a way to bring her to class!

I have eight brothers between two families, yes I said eight, and I’m the 9th sibling out of nine, which makes me one lucky girl.

I am so happy I’ve finally found a program I love and am looking forward to seeing how much more progress I can make at Dfly.
Thanks to everyone who makes it so amazing!