Fit Club

Hi there Fit Clubbers! Most of you already know me, but for those that don’t I’m the resident yoga instructor at Fit Club, and you can call me Kandi. Don’t let the name fool you though, I’m not that sweet—just ask any of my yoga students—I definitely like to give a challenge. Extra pushups anyone?! I for one never thought I’d be doing extra pushups just for the eff of it, that eff meaning *fun* of course ;)

I’ve actually never really been active my whole life, up until about a year and a half ago. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a community based Fight Club that has now morphed into what we all know as Fit Club. I met a whole amazing group of people here that have changed my life for the best! If it wasn’t for them, and one person in particular, Ricardo Wilson, I wouldn’t be where I am today: A fight club lovin, crossfit addicted, dance maniac yoga instructor! :)

I’ll try and keep this short and sweet, but don’t penalize me with burpees if I can’t.

My journey into the active world started quite innocently, my friend needed someone to accompany her to a fight club that she heard about on Craigslist. I thought, sure why not, every girl needs to know how to throw a proper punch and defend herself. Whats the worst that could happen? I could always leave if it wasn’t something I was interested in. So I stayed and found out quickly this was a good way to channel my aggression—it also helped that there was a great community of people involved! After a few weeks of fighting I found yoga on the schedule…yeah, it seemed a little intimidating, more so than fighting, but I was intrigued. Oh my goodness I fell in love after my first sun salutation!! It felt so good to stretch and breathe, I soon made it to every class that I could.

This went on for a few months until one day it was time for class to start, but there was no instructor. I thought ‘ughhh looks like I’m going home to do some youtube yoga.’ But Ricardo wasn’t having that, instead he put me on the spot—in front of about 10-15 people and nominated me to fill in for the night! I’m a shy girl at heart, so every inch of my being was cringing at this. Next thing I know people are chiming in with Ricardo telling me to get up there, so I caved. I still remember that first class very vividly, I led everyone through the warm-up and asked people to call out poses they wanted to do! It was a lot of fun, and one day I’ll have a throwback class ;)

Fast forward to 2010 and now Cross Fit classes were being offered, I thought there was no way in hell that I would be able to do it, but I might was well try; I mean I never thought I’d try fighting or yoga so I might as well check it out. Turns out all that yoga really helped me excel at Cross Fit! I might not be able to lift mass poundage, but I can lift a fair amount and do it properly—that is, once I get the mechanics down. Yoga really *is* good for your snatch! It also helps with recovery after a particularly rough WOD, or any WOD for that matter. I love me some cat/cow after lifting! :)

Yoga has helped give me confidence in a lot of areas of my life (I still have a tough time standing up to my mother, but who doesn’t?!) and I am so grateful to have found such a wonderful community of people! I’m definitely looking forward to see where this journey takes me.

So now you know a bit about me, I hope to see you at the FC!