September Member Spotlight
How do you make fitness a priority, and how does GVO fit into your routine?
I make classes at GVO a priority so I can be the mom and teacher I want to be! The night classes are a welcome end to my busy days - a time to feel strong, reflective, and so grateful to be able to move my body. It has become such a needed priority for me that I have just built my family’s night time routine around the classes I want to go to. As all moms know, weekends don’t slow down, so starting my day with Libby’s hot fusion sets me up for an energized day of running my kids to activities and being present with my family. It is also so nice that if my husband isn’t home to be with the kids, they will eagerly jump in the car with me to get a little extra screen time on the GVO couch. The best part about my kids being there is learning that movement is a priority and just so fun - I hope I’m setting them up to prioritize movement in their lives.
What keeps you coming back so consistently, even during busy school and family weeks?
What keeps me coming back is definitely the instructors. Each of them is just so incredibly dedicated to giving you the best 45-60 minutes in their own special way: from Libby’s incredible play list and movement progression to Kerri’s challenging encouragement to try something new to Cassie’s beautiful words to inspire and grow your life experiences (to just name a special few)! And of course I come back for the heat and the cool lavender towels at the end of class!
What are your favorite classes at GVO?
I LOVE hot fusion and hot power yoga. Feeling that heat on your body as you walk in to set up your mat instantly makes you so happy to be there. After three c-sections, I had no core strength at all. I’m so happy that I have gained that back and can go through my day feeling strong in all that I’m doing!
What made you want to share GVO with others?
When I talk about GVO to others, it is out of a true love for the positive feelings I have from taking classes and being part of the community. I feel like I am becoming my best self (a never ending project). I think the additional energy and peace I have since starting there has spoken for itself! I want others to feel that same joy and empowerment that I have gotten. Working out with friends is also such a bonus and it is truly a more rewarding time when you are both committed to growth through movement together.
What does having this time to work out and recharge at GVO do for you?
Having this time to work out and recharge is the elusive “self-care” that everyone says we need more of and it’s a lot of “bang for my buck”: in one workout session I am taking care of my mental health, my nervous system, and my body while hanging out with friends. While having my clothes fit better is awesome, I am so much more inspired by living an inspirational and long life for my kids! At almost 50 (next month!) and having a 10, 7, and 5 year old, I need a body that is going to be keeping up with them for a long time! I want my kids to feel the same empowerment I do when you move, change your body, and become strong. I love seeing my little two “play yoga” and that always includes both their yoga mats and weights (“Mom you always use weights during yoga so I need some.”) Committing to that time at the studio allows me to be fully present and connect with all of the important people in my life outside of the studio- it lets me keep on taking care of others and doing it on a full tank.
What advice would you give to others?
Since becoming a member I have truly felt a full system reset. A class is like medicine for me. I may walk in feeling stressed from something in my day but when I leave, I feel strong, clear, empowered and grounded. If it feels intimidating, grab a friend to go with you or if you want to do it alone, you can be assured that you will be welcomed by the entire community. There are so many fitness levels in class and instructors always give so many options! The hardest part is getting to that first class - once you do, you will be hooked and wonder why you didn’t go sooner!