My yoga journey started through the door marked “physical.” In 2009, I was training for my first half marathon, and I ended up seeing a sports medicine doctor for severe IT band issues. After several appointments, my doctor gave me a cortisone shot in my hip just so I could overcome the pain and finish my first half marathon. However, my doctor explicitly told me that I had to make a choice: I could continue to mask my pain with cortisone shots, or I could take up yoga, which would strengthen my stability muscles and essentially “fix” my IT band issues.
Shortly after, I went to my first class–power vinyasa–even though the class was recommended for advanced yogis. I told myself, “How hard can stretching be?” Well, my ego got the best of me! How is it that I can run 13 miles, but I cannot touch my toes or balance standing on one leg? This was the start of my love affair with yoga.
To date, I have completed 15 half marathons, one marathon, and two Ragnars–all without the need of cortisone shots. I am also a CrossFit addict. I have definitely put my body to the test, and yoga has helped me stay healthy and happy.
I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Fall 2014. The style that I teach–Hot Freedom Flow–will challenge everyone. Those of us who like to be in control–who need to know what is about to happen next–will have to let that shit go. For those who prefer to let someone else take the lead, it’s time for you to shine and take up space on your mat and be your own guide! Each practice will be different, each sequence will be unique, just like you.
When I am not turning up the heat and music, you can find me on Purdue’s campus as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Technology. You might also catch me downtown spending some quality time with my husband and our three, basset hound-mixes: Moose, Possum, and Duck (all were rescues).