If I had to sum up my yoga story in just one sentence, it would be this: Inner Fire Yoga is my “second” home. 

I have always been an avid athlete: a devoted tennis player in my younger age, a runner in my 20’s, a Mad Power junkie in my 30’s, and a Peloton bike addict during Covid. But over all these years, I always go back to practicing yoga and feel it is my home base. 

I fondly remember my first yoga class over 20 years ago at IFY located on University Ave with the only one yoga room. I fell in love immediately; the heat, the teachers, the community, and the benefit it provided for my mind, body, and soul. 

I originally thought that running and high impact workouts were what my body needed. I was wrong. Yoga challenges me in a unique way. Staying in one position for what sometimes feels like hours in intense heat, sweat profusely dripping down to my mat, and my heart throbbing is bold. I cannot run from the pose, pound more weights, or pedal faster, but rather just breathe deeply through the resistance. Breathing is the most important practice on the mat, and as I have recently realized, off the mat.

Both breathing exercises and hot yoga have offered me powerful mental health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus, emotional regulation, and overall mental resilience. Because of hot yoga, I am a better mom, wife, friend, daughter, and colleague.

When I am not on the mat or working, you will find me at a hockey rink somewhere in the Midwest. My youngest son is a devout hockey player year-round, and I am his biggest supporter, and taxicab driver!