YOGI OF THE MONTH

July 2025 - Kelsey English

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

I first practiced yoga back in high school, and at that point yoga was mainly a way to stretch while I was playing sports. In the last 3 years, I have started practicing yoga regularly and have realized that yoga is much more than stretching and that it is a great way to build strength and awareness of my body.

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

My intention is to connect with my body and become more aware of how I am feeling. I typically practice yoga towards the end of the day to wind down and relax my body before bed. I like to challenge myself to try new progressions and to build strength. I always feel better coming off the mat than when I started.

What is your favorite pose and why?

My favorite pose is upward facing dog. It is such a nice, opening stretch in the back but also requires lots of strength coming from the legs.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

So far, the only IOY class I have taken is the Slow Flow in Reedville on Monday afternoons. I would love to try some other classes but have not got around to that yet.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Yoga has taught me that I am capable of things I never thought I could do. Throughout the time I have been practicing, there have been several poses, like Crow, that were challenging at first and I thought “how does anyone’s body move that way?!” but with practice, and lots of failure, I can do those poses with no problem now. It has taught me to be in tune with my body and that the best way to handle uncomfortable moments is to embrace those feelings.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

To anyone who is just starting yoga, I would say to listen to your body and not to give up. It is amazing how much strength you will build and the progress that you will make if you try new things, even if they are challenging. Practicing yoga isn’t about being perfect, it’s about the connection between your mind and body and recognizing your own growth, both physically and mentally.

What is your occupation?

I run the shoreline program at Ransone’s Nursery. If you aren’t from a coastal area or don’t live on the water, my job might be a bit confusing at first. I design, permit, and oversee installation of shoreline solutions to prevent erosion and enhance shoreline stability. I specialize in Living Shorelines, which use a combination of stone, sand, and native wetlands plantings to protect shorelines.

What activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my 2 labrador retrievers, they are my babies. We like to go out on the boat, go fishing, and go to the beach. I also enjoy gardening, cooking a nice meal, and reading a good book.

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

The Northern Neck is such a stunning place to live. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to get out on the water, go fishing, and just enjoy the beauty that is all around. I sometimes take it for granted, but am always reminded. I also live in such a special community of people.