YOGI OF THE MONTH

January 2025 - Irene Vest

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

I was first introduced to yoga in my early years around 12 years old. My mom’s best friend was a teacher and would take us through child-geared poses. I found it to be fun! I’ve practiced sporadically but have recently started practicing more regularly. Like most things, I find the consistency to be much more beneficial!

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

Generally, my intentions are geared toward quieting my mind and relaxing into the focus. I’m usually hyper-focused and busy upstairs and can find relief through intentional movement.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Do I have to pick just one?! I have two: one speaks to my strength and one to my weakness. Crow is fun for me and allows me to combine balance and upper-body strength. Wheel is very challenging, but I always feel invigorated after back-bending!

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

Susan teaches a challenging Vinyasa Flow, which I love. I recently took her Breathe & Stretch yin-style class at the Y and I walked out of feeling blissful. Both are incredible!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Practicing more regularly has shifted my energy to a more sustained calm frequency. Class practices such as coming to/being present on the mat and letting go of judgement and fears convert to life outside the studio. The last two years have been a sharp learning curve in emotional growth for me, and I’ve found that the thought patterns and behaviors I’ve been working on are reinforced through yoga.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

The advice I would give, I heard from Susan: Listen to what your body is telling you, and don’t force the pose.

What is your occupation?

I’m a mat and reformer Pilates instructor.  

What activities do you enjoy?

Throwing frisbee, playing cribbage (please raise your hand if you play), being active with my 5-year-old, baking, live music shows, teaching, laughter

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

I love how, on windy days, I can smell the slight brine of the river and bay, reminding me to flow like water through life, steady and free. And I love that the pace here allows for me to take that moment and think about how fortunate I am to live in this area with untouched space all around.