
Meet Thavma Yoga Lwr March Student Of The Month: Riley Hardesty
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I moved from Illinois to Florida in 1992, where I met my husband, Bryan. We have two children together, a son (19) and a daughter (16). I hope to get them in the studio one of these days!
HAVE YOU DONE OTHER STYLES OF YOGA OTHER THAN THAVMA YOGA?
Thavma was my first experience ever trying yoga.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE YOUR FIRST YOGA CLASS?
I was looking for something different, an exercise routine that did not involve competing with others and just focusing on challenging myself in ways I had never tried before.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THAVMA PREMIUM HOT YOGA LWR AS A STUDIO?
The studio is located close to my home, which motivated me to try it out.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE AT THAVMA PREMIUM HOT YOGA LIKE?
I felt welcomed and supported by other students. The instructors were knowledgeable and extremely helpful.
WHAT MAKES YOU COME BACK?
I have worked with children in the child welfare system for the past 28 years. Their stories are traumatic and emotionally draining. Yoga makes me feel “lighter”, more flexible and I have never regretted coming to any class! It is the one thing I set aside time for that is just for me.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING?
I cannot believe it has been at least five years.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN SINCE YOU BEGAN THE PRACTICE?
I have strengthened my ankles, arms, and shoulders. I have toned and developed muscles in my legs and back, which has improved my posture as well.
WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN THAT YOGA HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE?
I pay more attention to what my body is telling me, especially as I get older. I worry less about things I cannot control and focus on the things I can control. I have also introduced yoga to the children I work with.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POSE?
Standing bow. It is a beautiful posture to look at and I am in awe of those who can do it.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE POSE?
Awkward, because it is exactly that!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THAVMA PREMIUM HOT YOGA LWR?
I appreciate the feedback I get from the instructors, which has helped me improve my postures over the past five years. I also like the variety of classes that are offered, which helps me to continue to challenge myself in different ways.
TELL US ANYTHING ELSE INTERESTING THAT YOU FEEL YOU HAVE GAINED OR LEARNED SINCE STARTING YOGA WITH US?
I am raising two teenagers and I get to escape from reality for 60-90 minutes every week. I feel grateful that I can practice and look forward to seeing my yoga family every week.