Meet Stephanie! Our Firefly of the month for January ’21. And what a great way to start the New Year. Stephanie is always a joy to have in class. We love having her as a part of our Firefly community.
1. What was life like before you joined Firefly, what made you reach out?
I participated in yoga at other local yoga studios since moving to Texas 5 years ago, but both yoga studios had closed. I attended the other yoga studios intermittently as their classes were typically only during the day, which I could not attend because of work, and the instructors frequently changed. After the other studios closed, I was on the lookout for a new studio, as I prefer yoga in a yoga studio with an instructor. After several months, I saw Firefly’s ad in the local newspaper and decided to try Firefly because of the variety of classes and the times of the classes. I started with introductory package and was hooked. The instructors are welcoming and personable. The schedule allows me to practice a variety of yoga styles, which allows me to individualize my yoga schedule to work on anything I need to: increase flexibility, reduce stress, increase strength, rehabilitate limitations from old injuries, and quiet a busy mind are the main benefits I experience through yoga practice.
2. Did you have any hesitations?
I was hesitant to join another yoga studio after prior yoga studio experiences, where some of the instructors were aloof and judgmental of anyone who is not doing yoga multiple times a day every day and following strict diets. Firefly, thankfully, had none of that. Firefly is genuinely community-minded and a supportive studio with wonderful instructors who accept and meet students as they are and adjust their instruction to support the students.
3. What has been your biggest breakthrough?
By participating in various yoga programs, and particularly since joining the F.I.R.E. program, I have significantly improved my strength, my flexibility, and my endurance. I have more upper body strength now than I have ever had in my 48 years. I joined the F.I.R.E. program after I was diagnosed with a medical condition, in which fatigue is one of the most problematic symptoms. Through F.I.R.E. my endurance has grown, and I am able to effectively manage the fatigue, allowing me to be more active with my family.
4. What have been some specific results you’ve had since joining?
Since joining Firefly, my F.I.R.E. program allowed me to regain range of motion in a shoulder I previously injured. I more than doubled the amount of time I can hold a forearm plank and can now do a proper chaturanga because of increased upper body and core strength. My endurance has also increased as I can now do 3 hours of yoga in 1 day and still have energy to do anything else I want during the day.
5. Who would you recommend Firefly to?
I strongly recommend Firefly to anyone wanting to try yoga for the first time or experienced yogis looking for a nonjudgmental, supportive studio; anyone wanting to work on any aspect of themselves, with supportive instructors and fellow students; or, anyone looking for an alternative way to manage a physical challenges such a old injuries or medical conditions. Firefly really is a community of diverse people sharing light and life through yoga. Firefly is a haven of positivity in a challenging world.
