Meet Leanne. A Canadian living the expat life in the Caribbean. She and Alex went to the same summer camp and met when Alex offered yoga classes on their Facebook alumni group through Zoom during Covid-19 pandemic.Alex also was the mentor and counselor to one of Leanne’s daughters.
Leanne liked the classes so much and decided to join the MLPC. She did her first 30 Day Challenge in August and is on her second one. Immediately She has noticed the benefits reaped from her practice, mentally and physically.
Leanne enjoys classes like Gentle Flow, Mindful Barre, Vin & Yin and Pilates. It’s been a joy having her as part of our community and we’re happy to crown her with the All Stars title. Here’s her answers for the blog questions...
Hi Leanne! Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Leanne?
Leanne: I'm originally from Canada but have been living on a little island in the Caribbean for over 20 years. I work full time, I'm married to a wonderful guy and together we have two kids and 2 dogs.
What inspired you to start practicing yoga?
Leanne: It was a bunch of things. I have tried yoga over the years, but until recently hadn't found a teacher or style that I connected with. I knew that I really should give it an honest try as I figured it would help me with flexibility, back pain and overall wellness.
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
Leanne: Here and there over the years, but nothing committed until this past fall.
I have a friend that did some free classes on the beach which I started joining and then carried on with her via zoom during lockdown. But I wasn't consistent in my attendance!
What’s your connection to the MLPC?
Leanne: Alex and I both went to the same summer camp in Canada (albeit many years apart! ) and she posted an invite to a series of classes on our alumni facebook group. I signed up and arrived for the first class not really knowing what it would be like. After 1 four week series I was hooked.
How did you end up being so committed to yoga?
Leanne: I started to feel so much better - my back pain was immensely improved, I could see my posture improving (and my family was noticing it as well) and I found it also helped me manage stress.This was particularly valuable as I started my regular practice during the pandemic lockdown.
Did you face any challenges during the month of September?
Leanne: September has been a bit harder while I have been travelling and quarantining. I have two days to make up but I will get that sorted soon. The archived on-demand classes are amazing. When I have to make up a class I try to choose a class that I normally wouldn't be able to catch live due to time zone differences.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve reaped from your yoga practice?
Leanne: Definitely an improvement in my flexibility and also an overall change in how I handle stress and anxiety. And it forces me to take an hour (or an hour and 10 minutes with the 21 Community Meditation Challenge to just focus on me. I haven't historically been great at looking after myself and carving out time for self care. On top of all of that, the MLP Community is awesome. Everyone is very welcoming, the teachers are enthusiastic and encouraging and the group chats are always full of support, kindness and humour!
“I started to feel so much better - my back pain was immensely improved, I could see my posture improving (and my family was noticing it as well) and I found it also helped me manage stress.”
Leanne
What’s your favorite posture?
Leanne: Child's pose has always been a favorite but as I improve i'm adding triangle, all of the warriors and pigeon to the list.
What’s your most difficult posture?
Leanne: At first it was downward dog. I didn't understand how everyone seemed to able to do it easily! Now I would say it's yogi squat.
What is your favorite type(s) of yoga? And why?
Leanne: Vin and Yin for sure, with Gentle Flow pretty much tied for top spot. I love 'flowing' and always feel amazing after the class is over. I've recently started enjoying Nidra, especially late in the day when I'm winding down. I hope to get brave enough to try a Power Vinyasa class soon.
“the MLP Community is awesome. Everyone is very welcoming, the teachers are enthusiastic and encouraging and the group chats are always full of support, kindness and humour!”
Leanne
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
Leanne: It's never too late to start! My first class with Alex I probably brought the average age up by 20+ years. At first I thought I wasn't going to be able to keep up. But steady dedication and giving myself a lot of leeway to modify poses when needed helped me to get to where I am today. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish by the end of 2020.
Thank you Leanne for your awesome answers! I hope you all liked this interview with our all star. Make sure to share this post.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below.
See you soon and may you all be safe, happy, healthy, and free.
Yasir
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