Sep 2021
Two students to be spotlighted this month, because Leslie and Holly go together like peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, and cookies and milk. Fostering and cultivating friendships is a huge part of the culture at the studio.
Students of the Month
Leslie Healey and Holly Bryk
When and Why did you start?
Holly: I started at the current location when it opened, however I have been a student of Zina's for twelve years. I began with her when she came to my place of employment and taught yoga. Honestly, I began because the class was convenient, Zina came to us. I had not tried Yoga before. Then I followed Zina to her studio.
Leslie: About 10 years ago, Zina came to my school and offered floor yoga classes once a week. A group of us started, and Zina's personality hooked us. Stress!!! Also, it was so convenient.
What made you come back and stick with it?
Holly: Zina made me feel comfortable as a beginning student. She was patient and understanding. She differentiated based on students' needs, abilities, and comfort levels. She pushed me out of my comfort zone just enough to make me want to persist and persevere. And Zina is awesome about celebrating her students' successes. Actually, all of the aerial instructors at the studio are knowledgeable and patient. They are awesome at identifying students' strengths and challenges providing options to meet the needs of each individual.
Leslie: I felt stronger right away. I was not very flexible, and had to practice hard to get even simple poses, but it made me feel good.
What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?
Holly: Aerial fitness is a fun and challenging way to work out. Try all of the aerial fitness options to discover your preference. What you like may just surprise you. Some days your body will cooperate and everything will be spot on. Other days your body will have a mind of its own and your workout will not go as planned, and that is okay.
Leslie: Well, it is not about being good at it. It is about the routine of doing it which becomes essential to your happiness and self image.
What have been some of your challenges?
Holly: Fear has been my biggest challenge; fear and trust in my abilities. Fear of flipping, fear of being upside down, and fear of falling. It took me MONTHS to even attempt to flip, but I did it.
Leslie: I am at the top of my game in my profession (Lit teacher), so doing something that I am not a natural at, takes perseverance, so I work on that every day. I now believe that spending time on activities that are not necessarily your natural talent is NECESSARY for mental health and happiness. It also puts me in touch with how it feels to be a student--that helps me in my job.
What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
Holly: I train in the hammock, both low and high. I also train on lyra, and I have participated in cardio drumming and bungee classes. I am looking forward to trying out the dance fitness class.
Leslie: I love low hammock, because I love being upside down. Really. I also do high hammock, a little lyra, and Zina also trains me, so I love the circuit. Deadlifting is awesome. I tried bungee once, and it was was so much fun that I am pretty sure I laughed for the entire hour.
Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Holly: Currently, my favorite poses on the lyra are inside mermaid and outside mermaid, especially outside mermaid because that has been a challenging pose for me, and I am still working to perfect it.
Leslie: Sleeping bear for cool down. All the bat poses!
One word that defines you?
Holly: Persistent
Leslie: Optimistic. Curious.
What path would you like aerial to take for you?
Holly: I would like to continue building my strength, confidence and grace and let go of my fear. Lyra has helped me to do that more than any other apparatus. I hope to continue my aerial journey on lyra.
Leslie: Stronger stronger stronger - that is what I am going for, as getting older is no joke!
