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

Fitchburg Yogi of the Month: Amanda Hoppe

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When I moved back to Madison at the end of November 2013 to return to school, I literally had left everything behind: my career, my family, my friends, my house etc. There were many days when I would wake up thinking “What am I doing?” Having practiced yoga for almost eight years, I knew that I needed to find a place to practice and I would feel a bit like myself again.

I originally chose Dragonfly because of the old taboo – I had a Groupon! I was convinced that I would not enjoy it, since in all my years of practicing, I had never been a fan of hot yoga. I remember one week into my trial membership, I took Joe’s Flow 75 on Saturday morning, and as soon as Avicii came on in the playlist, I knew that I was hooked. That was the beginning, and what ultimately evolved to 16 classes a week!

I originally got into yoga after having an accident in the gym that resulted in three broken vertebrae, two in my thoracic spine and one in my lumbar. Having been a dancer and fitness junkie my entire life, I was not even fazed by the doctor telling me that I may never walk again; what was more important to me was that I would never dance again. I was determined to heal my body on my own, and that was when I got introduced to yoga. To this day, no matter how many one-legged wheels I do, I feel absolutely no pain.

As much as I have always loved my yoga practice, it never felt like it really clicked with me until I found Dragonfly. There is an unmatched energy, compassion, and encouragement from each one of the instructors and the belief that there is nothing that I cannot do, no matter what my physical limitations. I have mastered some of the poses that I never imagined possible. The physical strength that I have felt change since practicing at Dragonfly is indescribable. Whether is it giving Amy Sanborn all I have in every Madpower, slowing down my asanas and being aware and in control of each movement and breath in Joe’s Flow 75, or playing with “just what if” in Tiffany’s flows, each class pushes me further and further, helping maintain a sense of strength, power, and peace both on and off my mat.

Not only did I not expect to fall in love with hot yoga, but I really did not expect to become a Madpower junkie. And perhaps the most shocking of all is that I never expected to find the amazing family that I have. I am so blessed to be a part of this community. Each and every one of the teachers, staff, and members keep me motivated to push myself to the edge.

Instructor Amy Sanborn: “From the very first time Amanda tried MadPower she has always brought her A-game. When I say that, I don’t just mean being mentally and physically “on”. I mean that in addition to working very hard I can always count on Amanda to help me and she is always inviting and positive to new people in class. Because MadPower can be intimidating at first, this is a wonderful gift she gives new people and definitely helps them have a positive class experience. I love having Amanda in my MadPower classes.”