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April 2022

Build a Stronger, Safer Backward Bend in April Workshop

By Events

BOOK YOUR CLASS BELOW

Backbending Essentials

with Michelle Ryan

Saturday April 30 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Backward bends are essential in any yoga practice, as they provide a counter-stretch from forward folds. But think of the MANY forward folds you do every day, from cooking to driving to working over a computer to texting. Not only does backward bending provide an important counter movement to these activities, but also it helps you maintain a strong, healthy spine and improved posture. This month you can learn to build a stronger, safer backbend with Michelle Ryan on Saturday, April 30 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Michelle will break down postures in the original hot yoga sequence (and their complements in vinyasa) and discuss ways to help you deepen your practice. During the workshop, she will present various stretches and tips to help you open your shoulders, hamstrings and hips to improve your backward bend. Expect a lively discussion and individual feedback on your postures as time allows. The room will be heated, but not quite as hot as the original hot yoga class. You are welcome to bring a notebook and pen as well. Reserve your spot for $35. We look forward to hosting this workshop for you. Look for more helpful workshops in the months to come!

Congratulations to All Our Healthy Habits Challengers!

By News

Our 21-Day Health Habits Challenge just ended, but the power of establishing a healthy habit lasts!

We’re proud of everyone who signed up and make the effort toward reaching this goal. 

But we’re especially proud of these nine students who consistently showed up and made time for at least 21 classes this month!

Madison Brooks, 34
Angela Norris, 23
Mendy Bornfleth, 22
Alfie Fowler, 21
Bridget Wells Duke, 21
Danny Miller, 21
Nancy Taylor, 21
Tricia DeVaughn, 21
Windy Hocutt, 21

We’ll celebrate everyone this Friday, April 8 after the 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour hot yoga class.

Everyone who completed the challenge will be entered to win a drawing for these prizes: a one-hour private lesson with the teacher of your choice; gift cards to Taco Mama, Coffee Monster and more!

Of course everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special T-shirt and have the opportunity to sign the challenge wall.

Plus we’ll enjoy food provided by Ollie’s Mediterranean Grill.

Congratulations to everyone who made the effort to create healthy habits in 2022!

Nicole Purdie’s First Love Is Fitness, But She’s Married to Yoga

By Testimonial

Nicole Purdie loves a good Pilates, CrossFit or HIIT workout, and it shows. Though strong and muscular as a result, she struggled with pain from a car accident and needed to make a change.

“I had my first car accident, went to the chiropractor and was told I’d have to have surgery on my back if things didn’t change by the time I hit my 50s,” she said, “so I searched for a non-surgical solution.”

That change led her to Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness in 2018. Though she’d never practiced yoga until she joined the studio, she’s found exactly what she was looking for and more.

“Practicing yoga has significantly impacted my mental focus/clarity, mobility, stress management and overall physical health,” Nicole said.

She chose Sterling primarily for the heat, which may help the body to feel more flexible and also reduce the risk of injury.

“The key was the heat,” Nicole said. “I normally work out alone, so I attempted it and the pain was unbearable without the heat.”

The improvements she began to notice were important, but she said the reason she keeps coming back to Sterling is because of the teachers. 

“The atmosphere of the studio and the knowledge of the teachers keeps me coming back,” she said. “Listening to the dialogue of each teacher, I realized that each of them brought something unique and beneficial to each class. I listened intently and I got better with each class.”

Starting something new isn’t always easy, but being met with encouragement goes a long way in sticking with it.

“My first class was with Danni. She made me feel comfortable and OK with my inability to execute the postures,” Nicole said. “She even mailed a postcard to my residence full of encouragement. I still have that postcard which further reiterates the awesomeness of the teachers.” 

True to her first love in fitness, Nicole envisioned doing more Pilates classes at Sterling when she started, but she found an even better solution. 

“I had read the book by Joseph Pilates Contrology,” she said. “His story of healing the spinal issues he faced was phenomenal!

“But the true medicine for me was and still is in the yoga classes. Although Pilates, CrossFit and HIIT workouts have always been my first love when it comes to fitness, metaphorically speaking I am married to yoga! I will be doing yoga in my 80s if I am still able to do so.”

Nicole knows firsthand that everyone begins their fitness or yoga journey at a different place, but the beginning isn’t what’s important.

“It’s not how you start, but how you finish,” she said. “If you put in the effort you will improve and become a healthier version of yourself.”

There’s only one way to get started, exactly where you are today! Join Nicole and others in our Sterling community with our new member special. It’s just $39 for one month of unlimited classes.