Anthony Gianino
A very active person, Anthony recovered flexibility of body and mind with his dedicated yoga practice.

Meet Anthony:

Q: How long have you been doing yoga?
A: “2 years”

Q: Why did you start?
A: “I was very interested in the spiritual aspect. Despite being very active I had lost flexibility.”

Q: What is your favorite pose?
A: “Crow and crow to head stand transition.”

Q: What do you like about yoga and how has it changed you both physically and spiritually?
A: “I have gained flexibility, balance and strength especially in my core.

Yoga has helped me live more in the present, to feel gratitude and appreciate what I have. It also facilitates in keeping me on track to live a calm and healthy lifestyle.”

Q: Where do you see your practice taking you in the next 5-10 years?
A: “I would like to continue to improve and perfect my practice and to stay healthy as I move from my mid 50’s to the later years of life.”

Q: What would you say to someone contemplating yoga?
A: ”I would tell them to embrace all aspects of yoga: mind, body, and spirit. It is much more than a form of exercise and you will appreciate it more if you understand this and go into it with an open mind.”

Angela D’Addario
Angela is an inspiration to watch and a pleasure to have in the studio. She puts her all into the practice with humor, consistency and grace. Please read about how she overcame a serious injury and made it back to the mat.

Meet Angela:

“I have been practicing for 6 years. My favorite asana is Dancer because I think it is such a beautiful pose. Even though I struggle wirh balance, I love when this pose is part of a sequence.

Yoga has allowed me to learn so many life lessons and I have definitely had the opportunity to use these lessons in my everyday life. The biggest things I have learned are: It’s the journey, not the destination, and nothing lasts forever. Both the good times and bad are temporary.

I have two words for anyone thinking about yoga- DO IT! Don’t worry about everyone else, just honor where you are and you will be amazed at what you can do.

Recently, I sustained a serious injury to my foot. Although I was unable to practice yoga for several months, the spiritual component of my practice became so important and again, presented me with opportunities to learn additional life lessons. The ability to embrace and love who you are makes each step forward a celebration of your strength, instead of a reminder of your current situation.

When you return to your mat after an extended absence, embracing the various modifications that may be needed, is another challenge that requires patience. Let go of worrying about starting over. Don’t compare your new practice to where you were before your injury. Although this may not be a journey that you would have chosen, it did happen for a reason and as we hear all the time, we are exactly where we are supposed to be!”

We are excited to be featuring a Student of the Month through the year. We will also be featuring a Yoga Pose each month as well. We hope you enjoy our student stories and yoga center offerings.

Student of the Month

Kristin Gallagher
Kristin is such a beautiful person inside and out. Her rocking yoga practice inspires not only myself, but the studio as a whole. Due to low vision Kristen relies on her strength, flexibility and amazing self-awareness for balance on the mat and in life. Her Yogi friends bring her to class and she always walks in with a heartwarming smile, ready to give it all on her mat. We are honored to name Kristin as Ignite’s first student of the month.

Meet Kristin:
1. When did you start practicing yoga?
“I have been practicing yoga for 9 years.”

2. What is your favorite asana?
“One of my favorite poses would be pigeon because I love the stretch and I also love to add a twist. Because of my low vision I find one legged balancing poses such as Dancer very challenging.”

3. What does your practice offer you that you take back into your life off the mat?
“When off the mat my yoga practice helps me to see the best in things and not focus on the negative.”

4. What would you tell someone who’s thinking about beginning a yoga practice?
“I would tell someone who is thinking of starting a yoga practice that yoga is not only great for you physically but mentally and spiritually as well.”