YOGI OF THE MONTH

May 2020 - Ainslie Hodges

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

I’ve been practicing for two years. I started to have a little bit of time for myself after my daughter started preschool full-time, and really felt that I needed to find something I liked that involved moving my body. I started with just one hatha yoga class a week, gradually added more classes, went to Susan & Ginger’s workshops at IOY, and discovered that I loved pretty much all of it.

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

Generally, it is to just make it to class regularly and do what I’m told (makes it easy to not think too much!).

What is your favorite pose and why?

My favourite pose changes depending on the day! But, if I had to choose just one, it would be legs up the wall. I feel that pose provides me the most benefits, and is usually my choice for savasana. I really love hip openers like pigeon, fire log, bound angle, & more restorative poses like reclined twists, deer, and supported chest openers.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

I love all the ones I can get to.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

The number of days I lose to migraine has greatly reduced which is AMAZING, and I really credit the change to my yoga practice. I’m also someone who gets more done when they have more on their schedule, so having one hour a day spoken for makes me more efficient the rest of the time. An added benefit is that I can do stuff like lift my 45-lb kid easily!

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Don’t waste any time comparing yourself to anyone else in class.

What is your occupation?

I work for a niche heavy highway contractor in accounting/legal and also help manage my family’s marina & boatyard.

What activities do you enjoy?

Travelling, hiking, & crafty stuff like baking, knitting & sewing.

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

No traffic! Such a mundane thing, but I love that I don’t have to deal with that aggravation. Driving across the Norris bridge daily and seeing the gorgeousness of the Rappahannock is a really good reminder of the beauty of the area, particularly when I’m feeling frustrated by small-town life.

Is there anything you want to add?

Is the pandemic over yet?? I really miss seeing everyone at IOY, so I’m crossing my fingers (and toes) that restrictions will end soon and we can all get back to our regular practices!