How did you get started at Dfly?
Just over two years ago, I accepted a job offer and relocated back to the Madison area from out of state. Yoga has played a big part of my life, especially for the past five years, so finding a studio to join was only second to finding a place to live in terms of moving priorities. While doing some extensive internet searching, I was drawn to Dfly because of its variety of classes, accessibility of location studios, and its emphasis on inclusion and community. I think I took my first class 2 days after moving in, and the rest is history!
What was your yoga/barre experience before Dfly?
I’ve practiced yoga on and off for the last 20 years. But after sustaining a knee injury that required surgery and intensive physical therapy in 2020, I’ve really leaned on having a steady yoga practice to help with rebuilding the strength and stability I’d lost and to help with just managing my stress better too!
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
I think what I enjoy and appreciate the most is each teacher’s commitment to the “take what you need, leave what you don’t” mentality. It allows me to practice with intention with each and every class, and I usually end up leaving class feeling like I got exactly what I needed. I’ve practiced at other studios where the emphasis is put on challenging yourself every time you step on the mat, and sometimes, the challenge that day is just getting on the mat, let alone being pushed! It’s such a little thing, but this part of Dfly’s culture is a huge part of why I keep showing up week after week.
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
100 percent across the board. I’ve definitely seen increases in my strength, balance and flexibility, but I think I’ve seen the biggest improvement in my overall stress management and mental well-being. My job can get quite stressful and hectic at certain times of the year, and I credit my regular yoga practice for helping me to try to stay calm and in control when I’m feeling stretched thin and juggling to meet multiple deadlines at once. When life does get too busy and I fall out of my yoga routine for even a week, I notice how quickly my stress levels will creep back up. And that’s enough motivation for me to carve out the time for myself and get back on the mat.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
I try to attend class 3-4x/week, and the seasonal challenges are great for holding me accountable to that cadence when life and travel get busy during the summer and fall! Can I shout out a few faves? It’s hard to narrow it down to one because of how incredible the teaching community is at Dfly, but a few of my mainstays are Flow & Yin with Brittany Hanson, Katie Monk’s Friday evening 45 min. Flow, and Brenda Autz’s 75 min. Fire Slow Flow on Saturday mornings in Middleton. For me, this is my Holy Trinity for easing out of the work week and resetting over the weekend.
Instructor Brittany Hanson: “Lindsay is a friend to all at DFly! Lindsay is a kind soul who lights up the studio when she comes in, greeting everyone by name and spreading joy. Lindsay’s practice lovely, graceful, and her dedication to Dragonfly is felt and appreciated by all.”
