YOGI OF THE MONTH

October 2026 - Michelle Grubb

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

I first started practicing yoga about eight years ago. I was a gymnast growing up, so when I began practicing yoga, it felt like a natural fit. I loved the combination of strength, flexibility, balance, and movement. Over time, yoga became much more than a physical practice for me. I spent a few seasons in Southern California exploring different forms of yoga, and my practice began to deepen into something that connected my mind, body, and breath.

What are your intentions for your yoga practice?

For me, it’s the connection between mind, body, and breath. When all three come together, it creates a sense of balance. Balance is really important to me, both physically and in life. I also love the challenge of balancing poses that test my strength and focus.

What is your favorite pose and why?

My favorite pose has always been Savasana. I love the stillness at the end of a practice—the chance to let everything settle, quiet my mind, and simply breathe. It reminds me that sometimes the most important part of the practice is simply being still.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

My favorite class is the Vinyasa Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Susan’s instructions are always spot on. She notices the little details and makes simple adjustments that can completely change a pose—how it feels, how you hold it, and how you move through it. I love that those small shifts stay with me and continue to improve my practice.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

At the end of 2024, my life changed profoundly. I lost my oldest daughter, Rylee, and three weeks later I lost my dad. Around the same time, our successful family business was sold, and with it, the career and life I had known changed too. It felt like a life quake.

Yoga became a place I could return to when so much around me had changed. It has helped me reconnect with myself, quiet my mind, and, most importantly, find my breath again.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Keep at it. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or whether anyone is watching you—they’re not! We’re all pretty wrapped up in our own practice. Yoga is your own journey, so give yourself the freedom to learn, grow, and enjoy it at your own pace.

What is your occupation?

I spent more than 30 years in the crane industry and, at one point, employed over 400 union tradesmen, including operating engineers, Teamsters, ironworkers, and boilermakers. It was a fun ride and a huge part of my life.

Today, life looks very different. My brother and I inherited our family farm in New Kent County, and since he lives in Kentucky, I’ve taken on the role of farm manager, overseeing a small crew and caring for the property. Life is much quieter and more peaceful now—and I’m enjoying this chapter.

What activities do you enjoy?

Yoga would definitely be my first pick, but I love anything that gets me outside. Hiking and paddleboarding are two of my favorites. Being outdoors, especially near the water, is where I feel most at peace.

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

My favorite part about living in the Northern Neck is the natural beauty—the water, the wildlife, and all the animals around us. I also love that there are so many different activities and things to do, much more than you might expect from such a quiet area. It’s a beautiful place to slow down, get outside, and enjoy nature.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I’m really grateful to have found InsideOut Yoga. Susan Johnson is an excellent instructor, and I’m thankful to have a place to go that both challenges and centers me. I look forward to continuing to grow in my practice and am just grateful to be part of the InsideOut Yoga community.