How did you get started at Dfly?
I actually “reluctantly” got started at Dragonfly 3 ½ years ago under the constant nagging of my doctor to “try yoga” to alleviate my back pain. I was hit by a drunk driver and had spinal surgery to try to correct the damage to my lumbar spine (herniated and bulging discs). Before the accident and surgery I was a competitive bodybuilder and played women’s semi-pro full tackle football. I like lifting heavy and hitting hard but the surgery failed and I was unable to do those things anymore. My options came down to a spinal fusion or trying a combination of injections, chiropractic care, massage and yoga to ease the pain. I opted to try everything I could before getting on the operating table again. Yoga was the last of the items I added to my regimen and to my surprise not only did it help ease my back pain, I actually enjoyed it and was challenged by it and I’ve been hooked ever since!
What do you enjoy most from attending Dfly classes?
I love the community that Dragonfly cultivates! Everyone is so nice and welcoming it feels like a home away from home. I have met so many wonderful people at the studio, some have even become what I consider close friends! I also love the variety of classes that Dragonfly offers. I never thought I would enjoy Yin but I love it and it is a necessary part of my practice to counter the more challenging classes.
Have you experienced any changes in your total well-being since taking classes?
Yes! Both physically and mentally I have noticed great changes! My back does not flair up nearly as bad as it had before yoga and I find myself feeling less stressed and tense. Over the summer I did the 99 Days of Summer Challenge and backed that up with my own 60 Day Challenge and lost 40lbs. After my surgery I gained about 120lbs and have been struggling to take it back off but staying focused during the challenges seemed to really help. Now I need to carry that focus into 2020.
How often do you attend classes? Favorite class?
Honestly, some days I’ve crammed in 5 classes in one day to catch up on a challenge (yes, I’m a little crazy) and then there are times where I go missing for a week or so. I try to get to the studio 3-4 times a week but I’m sure as many of you know sometimes life just gets in the way. It’s really hard to pick just one favorite class because there are so many I enjoy! I absolutely love Power Up with Erica on Saturday mornings and Yoga Up 45 with Brooklyn on Wednesday nights and when I can squeeze it in Jorie’s Friday morning Power Up is a good way to kick off my weekend! My favorite classes are probably the Power Ups and Yoga Ups due to my weight lifting background but Autumn’s Core Flow really has helped strengthen my core muscles which eases my back pain. Then we have my beloved Yin classes; Becca’s Sunday night Yin has always been a favorite and if you’re downtown on a Friday evening Jessica’s Yin class is very relaxing and she always gives out feet towels which I love! There really are so many wonderful options and instructors at Dragonfly it’s hard to highlight them all!
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.
Dragonfly is really so much more than just a yoga studio! It is a community. It is definitely easier to make it to class when you know you are going to see so many instructors and students that have turned into friends. It’s an encouraging and welcoming environment and really could you ask for any more than that!?
