YOGIS OF THE MONTH

November 2021 - Michelle & Tom Wolf

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

We first found yoga about 19 years ago when our gym at home first offered yoga classes. After the first couple of classes there was just something that clicked with us. It started out with one or two classes a week. We now practice four times a week regularly. 

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

Michelle: To stay healthy and strong.

Tom: To continue to build and improve my practice and learn new things from different instructors. 

What is your favorite pose and why?

Michelle: Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon). It feels good to be open and balanced.

Tom: Ardha Chandra Chapasana (Half Moon Holding Lifted Foot) to Pavritta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon). It’s a balance and strength challenge taught to me by our instructor at our home gym. 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

Michelle: Every class of Susan’s I have attended.

Tom: Vinyasa Flow 

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Michelle: It keeps me flexible and balanced and I believe the practice of deep breathing is protective to my health.

Tom: I don’t know where I would be physically without yoga. The combination of balance, strength, and flexibility are so important as we age. 

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Michelle: Start yoga yesterday.

Tom: Don’t quit, respect your body, and practice consistently. You don’t “master” anything in one or two tries. It takes more than one or two blocks to build a wall; you have to build your practice. 

What is your occupation?

Michelle: I’m happily retired from customer service jobs.

Tom: Retired, now travelling yogi. 

What activities do you enjoy?

Michelle: Camping, hiking, being close to nature

Tom: Travelling in our RV, genealogy, yoga, working outdoors 

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

Michelle: This is our “yoga home” when we travel to this part of the country whenever possible.

Tom: While we don’t live in your area, we always enjoy returning here as it’s a beautiful part of the country, rich in history. 

Is there anything you want to add?

Michelle: We love this studio and the people who always make us feel at home.

Tom: We are so happy to have found Susan many years ago. She’s amazing! Although we don’t get there very often, we always look forward to practicing there.