From Catcher to Character to Cardio Queen
When I was growing up, I hated cardio. Running felt like punishment.
I made the strategic choice of pursuing softball over soccer because there was less running. I chose the position as catcher as my specialty not only because I was good, but because there was less running.
After 13 years, I hung up my cleats and did a 180. You see, the plan was for me to go to a UC on a softball scholarship and become a vet. There were only two problems, I was awful at math and had wanted to focus on my other passion.
I decided to pursue every parent’s worst nightmare—theatre.
Turns out, I wasn’t too shabby, but I had to work. In my first dance class I barely walk in rhythm, by the time I transferred and left UC for Irvine, I could do a double pirouette (those are two fancy spins). Along that journey, I learned that hard work and having fun aren’t autonomous concepts. I brought that philosophy into the chapter of my fitness journey.
When I graduated, naturally the pandemic hit. Forced to pivot yet again, I fell into wellness coaching.
Home workout took off and I wanted to build genuine connection in a time we were starved for it and take a holistic approach to wellness. From fitness programs to mental health training practices, all the way to nutrition consulting, I lead with mindfulness and intention to build up my clientele.
You might wonder, why aren’t you still doing that? I was bamboozled into coaching through an mlm. The work was fulfilling but was a loss leader. The pandemic ended, I moved to San Francisco, and decided to focus on my own practice.
San Francisco led me to Funky Door Yoga, owned by Lynn Whitlow, one of the founding mothers of bringing Bikram to the states. I had taken a few Bikram classes before and enjoyed it, but what Funky Door had, that really enticed me was Inferno Hot Pilates.
I considered myself to be in good shape when I took my first class, and I was immediately humbled. Not only was the class challenging, and I had a blast doing it, but the lack of cartilage in my knees didn’t scream after. My muscles were burning, but my joints were not in pain.
The idea that cardio could be fun, and low impact was revolutionary. I created a consistent practice and noticed other areas of my life improving. My chronic back pain was subsiding, my energy had improved, I slept better, and felt stronger.
Addicted, I took the plunge into teacher training with Gabi Walters, because I wanted to share this modality with more people in my community. Soon after I had completed my certification, my now finance popped the question to get me to move to Dallas while he pursues his PHD.
The first six weeks of the move were brutal and lonely. Going to PURE, building connections with incredible instructors, and students lifted me up, turned my transition around and opened more doors to grow as an instructor. With the variety of experiences through my journey, I teach from the philosophy that fitness does not need to be serious to be effective.
I am so grateful to be at PURE Yoga Dallas, sharing this practice with you all.
