Student Spotlight: Sherry Kula
A few years ago, life as I had always known it changed. I became an “empty nester,” single, moved, changed jobs and turned 50. I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I knew exercise would improve my diminishing mood and attitude but didn’t feel like doing anything. At the suggestion, more like pressure, of a friend I agreed to try yoga. I wasn’t excited about it and didn’t think it would do much for me.
Since I didn’t want to spend money on something I already knew I wouldn’t like I kept putting it off. Finally my friend sent me a video and made me promise to do it. I kept my promise and tried the 20 minute video. To my surprise it wasn’t bad. I did the video three times that week and found that little workout gave me something to look forward to and seemed to make me feel good.
I did the video for a few months then my daughter encouraged me to try a class at Yen Yoga & Fitness. I have to admit, I was nervous. I was sure I would feel old and out of shape around all the young fit girls at a yoga studio. Reluctantly I joined my daughter for a week of classes at Yen. I was completely wrong in my perception, I didn’t feel out of place at all and that was the start of a whole new life for me!
Over the last 2 years I have regularly attended Yen classes. My favorite is Vinyasa, especially Inspire. In January 2020 I made a commitment to do yoga every day. You might think Covid-19 would hurt that goal but thanks to Yen’s Virtual Studio and off site classes, my practice has been elevated to a whole new level. I have done classes in my backyard, at my campsite and even on the dock at a friend’s cottage! I was able to do a class every day, try new classes like yoga sculpt, and still feel connected to a community.
After 220 consecutive days of yoga I have learned that it truly is your own practice! I have lost weight, toned my body, become more flexible and much stronger not to mention more relaxed and less stressed. If there was ever a year to do yoga I’d have to say it's 2020!