Student Spotlight: Ashley Lewandowski
1. When did you start coming to Yen Yoga & Fitness?
I timidly attended my first yoga/Yen class 3 years ago. I avoided Yen (and yoga in general) for years prior due to preconceived notions that I wasn’t flexible enough, strong enough, hip enough, or comfortable enough in my own skin to attend such a niche community.
2. What was your reason for starting?
My initial reason for starting is far from my reason for staying. I was tired of feeling terrible: neuro-fatigued, lazy, bored, wishing there were more to my everyday existence. I attended with a friend in hopes of softening whatever blows this novel social experience would surely provide. To my surprise, however, there were no blows... during that first class, every time I found myself feeling like a fool internally, I was met with grace and verbal/physical guidance externally. I felt held and supported. I started because I was desperate to step outside of my comfort zone; I stayed because it helped me discover how deeply life can be lived outside of that zone. My entire life outlook improved class by class, teacher by teacher, pose by pose.
3. What has your experience with classes been like since Yen reopened?
Pre-pandemic, Yen was my main hobby and my main avenue for mental, physical, emotional wellness. Since re-opening post-pandemic, it’s become that and more; a bit of a safe-haven for me to practice and flow and fall and re-balance in a safe, warm, loving environment. I was welcomed back with (figurative) open arms and a gentle smile reminding me why we come together as community in the first place: we all require a space where we can explore the natures of our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual bodies without being judged or excluded as our bodies change over time. Yen studio, its teachers, its front desk staff have all been that for me.
4. What are some of your favorite classes?
As an unlimited member I enjoyed a mixture of Hot, Inspire, Vinyasa, Cardio, HIIT, AAA, and Detox classes. Post-pandemic, however, I’ve stuck strictly to any class offered in the heated studio in hopes of melting off this “Quarantine 15”. Hot classes offer me a more physical challenge and allows me to kick my own butt for having not followed through with a personal practice or the umpteen virtual classes offered by Yen during quarantine.
5. What advice or words of encouragement would you like to pass along to people who haven't visited Yen?
DO IT. Even if only once! Step into the unknown before you write it off as unattainable, unavailable, or unworthy of your time/earnings. I guarantee you, you’ll find it’s quite the opposite.