Like so many others, I have spent my life struggling to find a fitness routine that I could adhere to. I used to be the person who would say to someone who was mending an injury from his activity du jour “See, that’s why I don’t work out.” When someone would boast about her runner’s high, I was sure that the only way I would ever get that adrenaline surge was if I was running away from a bear or a mountain lion or an ex-boyfriend at the bar. I’d made up my mind that working out was something I’d have to occasionally do if I wanted to continue to eat cheese curds and drink beer. But after having two babies in less than two years, I made a conscious decision to make a change in my life. I want to be a good role model for my two amazing daughters (Carson 2.5yrs, Charlie 6 mos) and show them how important it is to make healthy choices that will positively impact their bodies and minds. I knew about Dragonfly and had heard the ravings of so many others, so I committed to the practice in September and I haven’t looked back!
Prior to regularly attending yoga classes at Dragonfly, I would catch random classes between or after my veterinary classes. Envision a fluorescent-lit gymnasium separated from intramural basketball players by a plastic curtain. It doesn’t take much imagination to wonder why I didn’t catch the “yoga bug” until I started coming to Dfly!
After exchanging dating horror stories with my husband, he once jokingly said winning me over was a “lay-up.” Not to continue to reference basketball, but if you read about my exposure to yoga prior to coming to Dragonfly, I would’ve been hooked with something as simple as the absence of background dribbling! Everyone who attends classes at Dragonfly knows the studio emanates warmth and positivity. The energy is nearly tangible and after I began attending, I yearned to find a way to regularly bring that light and energy into my world. To say the ownership, staff, instructors and fellow yogis are welcoming, knowledgeable, empowering, and nurturing is truly an understatement. Dfly provides an atmosphere that allows your yoga practice to be whatever you want it to be and gives as much to you as you give to it. Getting on my mat has become a daily craving, if only my cheese curd and beer cravings were as healthful!
Since committing to a regular practice, I have lost 45lbs, 25 of which I had gained during my second pregnancy. I have gained lean muscle and I have noticeable tone. My flexibility and core strength have improved immensely and my sciatica hasn’t flared since I began practicing. My practice has contributed to the amelioration of my post-partum depression and seasonal affective disorder. I have more self-confidence. I’ve become more optimistic and grounded. I have more patience and I’ve found that I am less closed-off to the world around me. I feel like my practice is allowing me to “wake-up,” to remind myself to be less skeptical, and to embrace the idea that it’s never too late to move through a pose I may feel stuck in i.e. a career I don’t like, and to find a new edge. I’ve become so inspired that I’ve decided to take a break from my veterinary career to become certified to teach BarreAmped and I am also enormously proud to say I will be participating in Dragonfly’s Yoga Teacher Training Program in August!
I try to attend Barre 3 times per week and a yoga class 4-5 times per week. I have the “luxury” of being unemployed right now, thus I’ve been treating my membership like an all-you-can-eat buffet, coming back for seconds whenever I have the chance. Besides Barre, I enjoy Flow, Core Flow, Fit and Power. My favorite class is Fusion with Carrie. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel once I’ve completed the Crescent Series, which is the most challenging sequence for me.
I’ve so enjoyed getting on my mat at Dragonfly. I am honored to be chosen as Middleton’s Yogi of the Month, knowing how truly inspiring all of the yogis are who choose to practice here.
Instructor Carrie Johnson: “You know when you see a flower and it is ready to bloom. Then it blossoms with a vibrant color. Well that is Katie. She is radiant and has such a beautiful practice.”
