Hey Smarties! This is our last full week of March. Hard to believe that April is just around the bend. I am still enjoying yoga! Honestly, I am really proud of myself for sticking with it. If you had asked me about yoga years ago, I would have told you that it’s boring and that I don’t burn enough calories while doing it. It’s a good thing I’ve gained a whole new perspective and respect for the practice of yoga because there is so much to learn.
First of all, Yoga is anything but easy. I have found that any pose that has me in a lunge of some sort is challenging. Specifically, the high crescent moon pose. I can’t get that deep. . . kind of makes me feel inadequate. . . but it also gives me a reason to continue to work and roll out my mat.
All the years of running, spinning and everything in between has given me tight hamstrings and quads. It’s going to take some time to loosen them up. And while I have far to go, I am so proud of the progress I have made. I get better with each class. I’m getting stronger and my body is enjoying these new movements in my repertoire! My favorite part of class is the Savasana – the final resting pose. It’s a time to quiet my mind and forget about the rest of the day. It’s a time to seek gratitude and for me to thank my body for what it does each and every day.
As of late, lIfe has gotten a little busy with my daughters’ sports schedule so I haven’t been going to yoga as often. The good thing about that is that it has made me realize just how much I miss yoga and need it in my life.
Fitness Worlds Colliding
If you’ve lived in Charlotte long enough, you know that the fitness world is quite small. You never know when you’ll get to reunite with someone you once took class from or taught with back in the day. When I landed on the doorstep of YogaSix, I never imagined that I was in for a reunion of my own!
Rewind to 2004. . . I was attending a certification for indoor cycling at one of the local non-profit gyms in the arena. It was at this certification that I met Lori Kury, the lead instructor at YogaSix. She became a huge source of encouragement and ultimately my indoor cycling mentor. . While there, through an introduction from Lori, I also met Molly Corley (the sales manager and an instructor at YogaSix) who hired me and gave me my first job as an indoor cycling instructor. Now, fast-forward to January of this year. . . and life has come full circle and I’ve been reunited with these two wonderful people.
I sat down with Lori for a little chat. I wanted to know what had brought her to practicing and teaching yoga after being a part of the indoor cycling and group fitness world for so long.
After years of teaching group exercise (strength, indoor cycling, etc.), how did you come to incorporate yoga into your exercise regimen?
After years of running, training for triathlons, and teaching group exercise classes, my body was screaming to STOP the madness. I had bilateral knee replacements in 2019 (done at the same time) and was forced to find a kinder way to treat my body. My job, at the time, was also going to be managing yoga instructors. I felt I needed the knowledge, so I jumped into a 200-hour training program.
What “goodness” has yoga brought into your life? How has it extended beyond just the physical?
Yoga is far more than the physical practice on the mat. Learning how to breathe correctly was crucial during the physical practice. Off the mat, the breath has transformed my body, soul, and mind. Showing up to the studio to practice has instilled discipline, and created small, healthy, habits that have provided me with emotional and physical healing. I am a kinder, softer person with yoga in my life. I am more patient and forgiving with myself and others.
How did you end up at YogaSix?
In the past, I found myself avoiding classes, studios, and teachers in the area because I felt my yoga was not far enough along, or I wasn’t “good enough or thin enough”… the usual lies we tell ourselves. I was seeking a change post-COVID when YogaSix reopened. I took a leap of faith and answered Jerry’s ad on Indeed. I chose YogaSix because it is accessible to everyone, the way we cue and teach classes makes so much sense!
How many days a week do you teach? How many days a week do you take to practice just for you (attend a class, practice at home?)
I am currently teaching between 5-7 classes a week. I have to carve time to practice on my own which is usually 3 times per week in addition to other exercise formats.
What’s your favorite format to teach at YogaSix?
This answer has surprised me the most! It is the Restore class. I LOVE the breath, the mindfulness, and the deep stretches. I feel so much gratitude from our members—it’s my favorite!
When can our readers come and experience a class with you?
I am at the studio Monday, Tuesday and Saturday mornings. All of our instructors bring their special touches to each class, so come anytime!
Smarties, there is so much to love about yoga. If you are feeling intimidated, DON’T! Message me and I’ll meet you for a class with Lori or any of the other amazing instructors! Call the studio 704-684-8222 to get signed up for your first class for FREE! No excuses. Just take the leap of faith like Lori did. You’ll never know what could happen unless you do.
– Smarty Christy Quincannon
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Ballantyne
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Suite 105
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-684-8222
Email: ballantyne@yogasix.com
Cornelius
20619 Torrence Chapel Rd.
Suite 128
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-707-4442
cornelius@yogasix.com
