Middleton Yogi of the Month: Bret Piontek | Dragonfly Hot Yoga Madison WI

Middleton Yogi of the Month: Bret Piontek

I was looking for a new exercise program that I could be more consistent in doing. My friend and co-worker, Ericka Roethe, was working towards her 60 day challenge at the time and highly recommended Dragonfly. She was getting such great results and encouraged me to try it out.


About 11 years ago, I became interested in yoga so I bought a book on Ashtanga yoga. I taught myself some flow sequences and practiced for a couple of years. I stopped practicing yoga when I started getting into martial arts. Several years later, I did the yoga workout that was part of the P90x program. I never took a physical class before Dragonfly.


The instructors are incredible! Each has their own unique style, but every single one is stellar at guiding the classes. I love the combination of guided meditation with the challenging physical focus. Every instructor is welcoming, accepts you where you’re at, but also encourages you to push to your edge.


I noticed the mind calming benefits almost instantly. I was struggling with some anxiety and depression for several months which had pretty much subsided within weeks of starting up at Dragonfly. Physically, I’m far stronger than I ever thought I could be. The increase in flexibility helps me avoid injuries and also keeps my stress levels low. I used to carry knots in my shoulders and upper back, which went away after about a month of yoga practice! I am steadily seeing my personal fitness goals become a reality.

I couldn’t have asked for a better community to join. The environment is amazingly accepting, encouraging, and motivating. Every instructor gives everything they have. Every practitioner is supportive of each other and the collective energy brought to the practice is truly unique.

This experience has been surprisingly transformative for me and far exceeded my expectations. I live better because my mind and body are balanced. I’ve made more progress on my life goals in the last several months than I have in the last several years. I’m very thankful to have my first real yoga experience at Dragonfly. I can’t imagine practicing anywhere else.

Bret, thank you for sharing your amazing energy with us all!