FEBRUARY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOYCE NEWMAN

We recently sat down with one of our most loyal members, Joyce Newman, to ask her a few questions. We were excited to learn why she has had made Yoga, and FLow, such an important part of her life.

Q: What got your started on your yoga journey?
A: My yoga journey started around the time I was turning 50.  I knew that I needed to incorporate a regular exercise routine in my life so I took an online test that was designed to help you determine the best exercise and Yoga was the answer. 

Q: Why FLow?
A: After completing her online test, she began her quest to find a yoga class in Peabody.  I noticed that the Peabody Rec Dept was offering Yoga with Beth Manning as the teacher.  Eventually Beth moved the yoga class from the Brown School to her brand new studio in downtown Peabody.  Beth was both informative and welcoming to me.  I never felt out of place or too old to practice.  She made me feel confident and encouraged me every step of the way.  I learned that I could practice yoga no matter what age you are.

Q: How did you feel about starting a new fitness regime at this point in your life?
A: I was terrified to do this. I was afraid that I would fall, or make a fool of myself.  I was 50 yrs old afterall, what made me think I could do a Downward Dog or a Warrior 2.   But I signed up and made a commitment, and so I stepped into FLow yoga studio for a beginners yoga class. The minute I arrived at the studio I knew I had found the home of my new fitness quest.  
 
Q: What encourages you to stay a member at FLow?
A:  I have come to learn and internalize that Yoga is not a group challenge, but rather an individual challenge and practice. Yoga allows me to push myself when I want to or just be more relaxed if I need to.  I love the teachers at FLow Yoga Studio.  Each person is unique and what I particularly love about Yoga is that no two classes are alike. Each time I step on the mat it is different.  I love the variety of teaching styles and classes.  That is what keeps me coming back.  I am not good in classes where I know what is going to happen.
 
Q: What do you love most about the FLow community?
A: I love the sense of community the studio has.  Everyone supports one another and the teachers are all good at what they do.  I don't feel inferior if I can't do a side crow.  I watch in awe and support those in class who can do it.  It's not a competition.  When you walk in the door you are made to feel welcomed no matter what your age or sex.  The studio is not pretentious or stuffy.
 
Q: What are some of your favorite classes?
A: I have enjoyed the addition of Barre, Pilates and Pound classes to the weekly schedule. The additional classes have allowed me to explore fitness classes that I would never have tried before. Besides Fluid Flow Yoga  I am a particular fan of Pound classes.  When taking a Pound class I get to be my own rock star while exercising.  It is such a fun and upbeat class.  I also love Barre class. It is good for helping you tone and define your body.  It lets me be a bit of a ballerina as well.  
 
With Beth at the helm of FLow Yoga I have seen this studio grow into the supportive community it is today and I can't imagine going anywhere else.  I am proud to say I have been there since the beginning and can't wait to see what will happen next.

Joyce, you are part of our foundation and could not imagine being where we are today without you. Thank you for taking the time to sit with us and give us candid insight to your fitness experience and journey with FLow. 

Xo
Beth & the team at FLow