YOGI OF THE MONTH

February 2024 - Nicole Leona

What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?

I started practicing in my mid to late 30s, to counterbalance my running with stretching and building muscle beyond my legs.  I immediately found benefits well beyond the physical.  After many years of practice (including some intense yoga like Bikram), I was yoga’d out.  I’m so thankful to have returned just months ago, and I hope to never take a break again. 

What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?

While I’ve never stopped running, my lack of other movement during the pandemic really took its toll.  What once again started as an intent to get stronger and more flexible has had a much larger impact on my overall well-being.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Warrior Two.  I feel an intense combination of peace, challenge and focus in this pose.  I’m also a huge fan of Pigeon, because I don’t stretch as well as I should after my runs, and it feels fantastic.  

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

I love them all, but the Saturday Yin Yang Flow is my favorite.  The balance of hard work and rewarding stretching with soothing music is just right.  And Susan, can you please bring back the Beastie Boys song? I miss it!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I love that Susan constantly reminds us that how we handle challenges on the mat helps us do the same off the mat.  It is so true, and her reminders keep me conscious of that. Plus, my flexibility and muscle tone improve with every class. 

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

I’ve known people afraid to try yoga because they aren’t sure what they are doing and don’t want to look silly.  But our IOY community is welcoming and non-judgmental.  So come join us, and when you look around the classroom, don’t compare; instead, be inspired!   

What is your occupation?

For the majority of my career, I’ve worked for companies that provide information technology solutions to our Federal Government.  For the past year and a half, I’ve worked with the United States Army. It’s an honor (and quite humbling) to support people who serve and protect us.

What activities do you enjoy?

I’m a huge foodie who loves to cook (especially with Tony, my husband and BFF) and try new flavors over cocktails with family and friends.  I’m an outdoor and adrenaline junkie, so I love hunting (only what will be eaten), fishing, shooting trap, and scuba diving.  Yet I get just as much enjoyment playing piano, reading a good book, sewing, and gardening.  I’ve also got the travel bug and will be crossing Alaska off my bucket list this summer.  It may sound like quite the mish-mash, but you’d be surprised how many times my hobbies overlap.  For example, we often travel to hunt, then make that quail or venison into a delicious meal served with herbs and veggies from our garden. 

What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?

The community!  I love the friendly waves from people I don’t know, the surprise run-in with a friend at the grocery store or local watering hole, and knowing help is just a phone call away.  This truly is a special place, and we are so blessed to live here.