While reading this entry I want you to remember how important it is to trust your own journey.
Sometimes when you know a person as a child, and not as an adult, they stay that ten-year old version of themselves in your mind forever. This is how I thought of Katy Pringle. We met as lil’chicks at the Arts of the Dance Centre’ (yes, the last word is spelled correctly). She was a year younger than me, a little string-bean with straw blonde hair and a 10,000 watt smile. Fluttering around the studio with her bestie Amanda for years. We were awkward N’Sync lovin’ frizzy haired weirdo’s but as for hopes and dreams and a future, I would have never predicted that our paths would be so closely intertwined. Honestly, I had no idea what she was up to after graduating from high school. I knew she was a little smarty pants and went away to college but we never kept in touch. About a year ago, before I became the yoga enthusiast I am today, I shadowed her best friend Amanda, an occupational therapist. I needed volunteer hours to apply to OT school. It didn’t work out as planned…(those who never fail never succeed right?). While hanging with Amanda we would talk about what Katy was up to, and going to one her yoga classes at South wind Vineyard.
PUMP THE BREAKS! I know someone who not only teaches yoga, but it’s at a vineyard….with wine….and delicious cheese. This was every white girls dream. Yoga + wine + cheese, cue the angels singing. I planned on getting white girl wasted, stuffing my face with cheese, and striking a pose with my friend Pinot and Chardonnay.
Amanda and I still haven’t made it out to the Vineyard together, life got in the way. I’m coming for you Amanda!
Fast forward 8 months, insert facebook invite “Center City Yoga” with co-owners Katy Pringle and Tony Zappariello. I squealed like a little piggy. Another ADC woman doing big things! Once I got over the initial envy of knowing someone younger than me owns their own business I gathered up the courage to attend a class. I even shimmied out of work early for the occasion. I attended the 6pm power class on Wednesday evening. Located directly across from city hall on Wood Street, ground level in a business suite I saw her sign “Center City Yoga” with a circle graphic around it that looked like Rafiki thumb swipe across Simba’s head. Then there she was, little Katy was no longer little. Tall, beautiful smile and bright blue eyes ready to welcome me into her studio. On top of all the other things that make her completely incredible she also radiates this positive energy that I fed off of like a leach. Some things in life aren’t fair…you get to be talented, successful and gorgeous? My insecurities made me feel a little out-of-place. That initial anxiety faded as soon as the three of us started chatting. Tony is this wealth of knowledge, we touched on the topic of religion in yoga and then he sent me a webpage so I could look into the history (thank you Tony!). On top of being the co-owner, he is also a teacher at Center City Yoga. I could go on and on about him as well. In the few minutes I spent with him I could tell that he is truly an asset to our local yoga community and I can’t wait to take a class with him (and pick his brain a little).
As many old friends do, we started to catch up. I learned that she attended West Chester University and graduated with her BA in exercise science with the hope of getting in to a Physical Therapy program. But much like myself, life had other plans. While in college she started taking a vinyasa class on campus and again,much like myself, it was true love. One thing we both learned early in life is that life is full of disappointments but it just meant that we were meant for other adventures. She reassessed her direction in life and found her calling as a teacher. She attended the teacher’s training program at Fitness Yoga Studios in Mullica Hill, NJ and began teaching a variety of vinyasa classes around south jersey.
Another philosophy me and Katy have in common is the idea that yoga is for everyone. I find that people can be intimidated to start a yoga class because they fear they aren’t “flexible enough” or they aren’t the “right body type”. I used to take class next to a guy who was an easy 300 lbs and he rocked it! It also gave the teacher an opportunity to learn what works with people of different sizes and body types. THERE ARE NO EGOS IN YOGA. We are all about bettering our own practice. The teacher is there for guidance and support.
Even Katy, who could easily be a prissy princess about her astounding ability is solely focused on improving her student’s practice. During class we laughed about my short arms (disadvantage) and then joked about my lack of hamstrings (advantage). It gave her a chance to figure out how I could use these elements to my benefit. I think one of her major strength as a teacher is her education. She understands how the body is meant to move through space and can give specific directions on improving a student’s technique.
Her physical practice is well versed and ideal for beginners. Think of it this way, a home needs a strong foundation to stand. Same for your practice. In addition to her all levels class she also teaches a power class. What is a power class? A power class focuses on strength building flows that incorporate balances. She tempers the class to the student’s ability in that session. Power class DOES NOT EQUAL crazy yogi pretzel time. It’s meant to shake up your regular routine. Personally, I hope she brings her hot yoga practice to Vineland. There is nothing more gratifying at the end of a work out then being soaked in sweat and smelling like a gym sock. Kinda makes me feel accomplished.
::HINT HINT NUDGE NUDGE::
Katy, you may be a typical yoga hottie but you are also one of the most insightful teachers I’ve taken with. I am so grateful that neither of us ended up in grad school (our bank accounts are even happier that we did not go to graduate school). This is obviously where you are meant to be. In this space, in this time, helping my community experience the benefits of yoga. It’s beautiful. Namaste’.
FYI, even perfect Katy has a pose that she avoids and cringes at the thought of doing. Camel. She hates camel. Then she tells me, it’s probably because she needs that pose the most.
Katy, doing her favorite yogi pose Dancer. ❤ her.
I invite you all to check out Center City Yoga’s class schedule on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CenterCityYoga
P.S. They aren’t just Yoga! CCY offers Pilates and children’s music classes too!
peace, love, & pigeon,
– lil’yoga junkie
lil'yogajunkie 