Aerobics

Yoga

Barre

Anonymous

IP location

“I feel that we are all here to lift each other up. My mission is to affect as many people's lives as I can in a positive way, so they can lift up others’.” Heather, who lives in Fairfax with her husband, three children and a house full of rescue pets, walked into her first yoga class in 1999 as a means to cope with personal trauma, eating disorders, depression, running injuries and significant weight gain. Though her practice started primarily as a way to lose weight, she discovered very quickly how much it helped her in every aspect of her life. After one year of almost-daily practice, she had lost over 40 pounds, healed her ankles and knees and transformed herself physically and emotionally. Her gratitude inspired her to be a yoga instructor so she could help others find “joy” through a yoga practice. “My deepest intention is to help students find their healthiest, happiest selves,” she said. “If we can cultivate a strong, flexible body, a calm mind, and a joyful, lighthearted attitude in our practice, we can bring these qualities to our lives off the mat and into our relationships as well.” While her third child was in kindergarten, Heather began training to become a yoga teacher. She graduated from Yoga Works 200-hour teacher training with Nikki Estrada, Erika Trice & Melanie Salvatore-August and continued with advance teacher training and practice with some of yoga’s leading teachers. What to expect from one of Heather’s classes? In her own words, be prepared for “a moving meditation” -- a strong Vinyasa flow with great emphasis on breath connection led with Heather’s unique mix of natural spunk and gentleness. She encourages students to customize their practice daily, to truly be where they are and meet challenges with a calm, smooth breath. “I feel like the yoga evangelist,” she said. “I want to share my love for yoga and the joyful life yoga had opened me up to.”

Heather Sotnick

Instructor at Red Dragon Yoga