Yoking more than just mind and body

There were two familiar faces in the back of the class, and I spent the entire hour trying to place them. Did I live in the same dorm as one of them during college? Are they friends-of-friends? Did I try to evict one of them in my property management days?

After class concluded, the mystery was solved. The red-head told me she and her friend used to take my Pilates class, which would have been over a year ago. I was flattered they remembered me, and more still when one commented on my music selection.

"I love Band of Horses and Regina Spektor!"

I smiled, because who would have thought my music would blend so well with Kev's for a Yoga playlist? I admitted I couldn't take credit for all of it, and told her I'd pass the compliment on to my husband.

She also told me she originally attended Yoga about a year ago, and absolutely hated it. The instructor was very challenging, and offered no modifications whatsoever. She felt like she sucked at Yoga and would never do it again. But after attending my class, she felt renewed confidence.

"I want Yoga to be for everyone," I told her. "That's why I'mconstantly showing variations. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge the strengths of others, especially if they're different than our own."

I don't know if they'll come back again, but I'm hopeful. It's moments such as those that keep me motivated to teach. When the music reaches someone, when they realize they can do Yoga, that's what makes it worth it for me.

It doesn't matter what you look like; it matters how you feel.

Senior year of high school I started working out for a boy. Into the summer, I listened to Jimmy Eat World on my Walkman and ran my heart out. I hoped that if I could look a certain why, that boy would like me.

Continuing into my Freshman year of college, I kept working out for that boy. I hated running. Hated it. But I still did it to change my body.

For the record, that boy never professed his undying love. Ever. He never even took me on a date.

I kept working out, though. And instead of working out for that boy, I started working out for the numbers on the scale. At one point, my boyfriend in Freshman year actually told me I should gain weight. Bless his heart.

Eventually my obsession with working out dwindled. Honestly, I was so poor in college I couldn't afford to eat much, and in turn couldn't afford to burn extra calories at the gym. I didn't have a car so walking to/from and around campus was sufficient exercise.

Then I found Yoga. Or did Yoga find me? I can't be sure. All I remember is starting my practice twice a week at the University drop-in classes and finding myself in love. Yoga gave me cardio, strength training, and peace of mind. Then I added two academic classes to my regime so I could practice four times a week.

FOUR TIMES A WEEK! I can't imagine having that kind of time again for Yoga.

The point, though, is that once I found Yoga I started working out for me. Not for a boy. Not for a certain number on the scale. For me. So I could feel good about myself.

To this day, I still work out for me. Not for a pair of pants to fit. Not for a curve in my hips to disappear. For me. Too many people I know are stressing about losing the "last few pounds" until they reach a target weight. Then there's frustration when those pounds hang on. Did you ever stop to think that maybe your body is trying to tell you something? Maybe those "last few pounds" actually belong to your body. Instead of trying to lose them to achieve a certain weight, it might be time to embrace them. Tone them. Put them into a pair of pants that fit, regardless of their size.

The journey to accepting my body has been a tough one, especially after having a baby and then finding my flabby self teaching Pilates classes a mere 6 weeks post-partum. It's intimidating to feel so exposed. But here's the thing- if you're not truly working out for yourself then you're never, ever going to be satisfied.

Summer Schedule

Currenly, I am only available to instruct private/group Yoga or Pilates sessions in one studio space:

Farr West Tumblers
3677 N Highway 126 Suite S
Farr West UT 84404

Times are subject to studio availability and can be provided upon request.

I currently teach scheduled, Yoga & Pilates drop-in classes at the same location:
Drop-in at Farr West Tumblers
Monday 10am
Tuesdays 8pm
Pre-pay (24 hrs in advance) = $5
At the door = $10
Childcare = FREE (offered Monday morning ONLY)

Drop-in Yoga classes at Weber State University
Tuesday 6:00am 
Wednesday 8pm
Thursday 8pm (at University Village)
Saturdays 9am Students/Faculty = FREE
Community = $6

We go together like a wink and a smile

I've been loving my 6:30am Pilates class more than I can believe! Attendance is fabulous and early summer mornings are gorgeous.

If you're looking for some great options for working out this summer, check out the WSU schedule, or the Borrowed Earth Emporium, Wasatch Therapy, Yoga Jo's and Farr West Tumblers!

South Ogden Pilates, Yoga and Zumba

Wasatch Therapy in South Ogden is updating its pricing and class availability this spring!

I promise it's really good news, and here's why.

In the past, you bought a 12-punch pass for $100. That let you attend Pilates 12 times, whether you chose to go twice a week, or to stretch out the pass FOREVER. It wasn't a very good system because it didn't motivate participants to work out on a regular schedule, nor did it let them attend other classes like Zumba or Yoga without buying separate passes for another $100.

Starting in May, Wasatch will be offering a flat, monthly rate for attendance in Pilates, Yoga and Zumba classes. That means for $45 per month, you can attend up to 6 classes each week; 2 Pilates, 2 Yoga and 2 Zumba classes. For your $45 monthly payment (no membership required) you can get more bang for your buck!

I'm excited about this change because it'll increase the effectiveness of your workout. Cross-training is key to weight loss, so now having the option of three different types of classes will help you get swimsuit-ready that much faster.

And with no contract required, having a $45 month-to-month fee is a sweet deal. If you know you'll be out of town for most of one month, then you can still attend classes for the $5 or $10 drop-in fee if you'd rather not pay $45 up front.

I don't know what more motivation you need, so I'll see you at Wasatch Therapy soon!

Weber State University Fitness

Ready for summer? Me too.

I'm going to dive right in with parent/child swim classes at Weber State (thanks to Aspen's grandparents!) and if you want to join me with your kids, let me know.

I'm also still teaching Pilates for WSU, and you'll find me there every Wednesday at 6:30am. Pilates will only be offered at Promontory Tower in that time slot, so make sure you get to bed early on Tuesdays!

It'll be a real change for me, getting out of the house by 6am, but it'll be worth it when I'm not embarrassed to be seen in my swim suit at Aspen's swim lessons!

Classes will still be free for participants with active Wildcards, and only $6 for community drop in. See you bright and early starting May 4th!

Pilates at Borrowed Earth Emporium

I'm thrilled to be joining Borrowed Earth Emporium in their quest to satisfy Ogden's need for Yoga, Pilates, Crepes, local music and so much more.

Starting May 10, I'll be offering a Pilates class at 9am Tuesday at BEE, so come on by and kick-start your summer by getting into this habit now!

BEE also offers massage, a co-op, a cafe and just a cool place to hang out and enjoy what local Ogden has to offer. I love the feel in Borrowed Earth and I'm grateful I'm now a part of it.

See you Tuesdays at 9am!