We're halfway through the month of September; can you believe it's only less than a week away until the official start of Fall? Who else agrees that things need to slow down, at least just a little bit? But of course we can still decorate for Halloween...
Speaking of slowing down, have you given any more thought to National Yoga Month and getting your free week of yoga*?
Plus don't forget about finding out what kind of great yoga-inspired events are around your area this month!
Last week we interviewed Erin of Bad Yogi about her yogi journey but this week I've stuck a little closer to home: Please meet Nancy of Nspired Yoga out of Rockford, Illinois.
1. What first got you in to yoga? How long have you been practicing?
A friend invited me to sign up for a class at Rock Valley (a local community college) more than 20 years ago. I found it to be very relaxing and was attracted to yoga for the stress relief benefits. I practiced on and off for awhile after that and began seriously practicing about 15 years ago.
2. You are the founder and president of Nspired Yoga in Rockford, Illinois. What made you decide you wanted to open a studio?
I became certified to teach yoga in 2005. I was fortunate enough to teach my first class at a very nice facility that provided a calm yoga space. When the facility closed, I taught in many different places around town but none had the atmosphere that was conducive to a peaceful practice. After much thought and a leap of faith, I decided to open my own yoga studio dedicated to offering a calm and peaceful space that I felt a yoga student deserves. I carefully planned every detail with that in mind. I have been told over and over how peaceful and serene my studio feels. People always comment on the warm energy they feel upon entering the studio.
3. There are so many different asanas out there and those who do yoga all have their favorites. What is one/some of your favorites?
I enjoy many poses, of course, but one of my favorites is pigeon pose because of the depth of the stretch, which comes into play very slowly and can be held for quite a long time. I also like balance poses such as King Dancer, which looks very graceful, yet strong.
4. What types of different yoga does Nspired yoga offer? Do you practice and/or teach more than one style or do you stick with one specialty?
Nspired Yoga has several teachers, each bringing their own style to the class. We offer Vinyasa Flow, Gentle Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Men’s Yoga and many specialty workshops. I teach a basic Hatha Yoga multilevel class geared toward a slow to medium pace. I also teach Aerial Yoga, which is a specialty class using silks suspended from the ceiling. This is a fun class that I enjoy immensely.
5. In the bio on your website, it says that you believe yoga is accessible to everyone. Please explain to those who don't believe they can do yoga for one reason or another why that is.
Yoga is accessible to everyone who is willing to try. Yoga can be done from a chair as well as on the floor. There are many forms of yoga that can be modified to fit the needs of an individual. Yoga can be as simple as breath work, gentle stretching and relaxation. Media always shows people with perfect bodies in perfect poses, it looks beautiful but that is not realistic for the average person. Yoga is such an individual practice, unique to the person who is practicing.
6. What is one thing about yoga that inspires you?
I am inspired by the subtle, yet life changing effect of yoga on my life. On a frustrating day or a down time in my life, yoga always grounds me and brings balance back to my life. I also see this in others who practice. My heart leaps with joy when I see a student start yoga with some skepticism and after a few weeks, they begin to light up and a wonderful energy begins to emerge from them.
7. Any special projects you have planned for yourself, the community, or your studio we can be on the lookout for?
I am planning to continue working toward my 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification. I am putting together a Yin Aerial Yoga class for those who prefer not to “fly.” We are hoping to offer some Kid’s Yoga classes and perhaps Tween yoga. Our possibilities are endless and we are always open to suggestions from the community. People can keep up with the latest news and events by visiting our website rockfordyoga.com or liking our Nspired Facebook page.
"Nancy is the founder and president of Nspired Inc. The studio opened in 2013. She is a 200 Hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, (E-RYT.) She has been teaching yoga since 2004 and practicing yoga for 20 years. Nancy believes Yoga is a practice that is accessible to anyone, who desires to find more flexibility through simple movement, while listening to the body. The practice of yoga is designed to bring strength to the body, peace to the mind and joy to the spirit.
Teaching yoga is a passion for Nancy, but her greatest joy is family. She loves spending time with her husband, four married children, their spouses and ten grandchildren. She believes age should never keep you from pursuing your dreams."
Connect with Nspired Yoga:
Website
Facebook
*Free week of yoga is good for new students only and is good from September 1st through October 30th. Make sure to sign up and print off your card before September 30th! You can view the regulations HERE.