Student Spotlight: Jan Karttunen
When did you start coming to Yen Yoga & Fitness?
Although my yoga practice had begun around 2 years prior to Yen opening, my very first class at Yen was November 2010. (Kate Evan's 90 min Hot Yoga. It was pure bliss!) The interesting part was prior to Yen becoming such an integral part of our community and my life...my yoga practice was predominately at home via dvds, so I've been accustomed to working out at home for a while (pre-pandemic). Otherwise my fitness included going to the gym for self guided cardio & strength training, as well as enjoying a wide variety of outdoor hobbies with my wonderful husband, Jason. I had a handful of Vinyasa and Ashtanga videos I'd rotate through, and although they provided a great workout, I was really searching for more variety and sense of community, so I began exploring studio options in TC to see what was out there. I tried several studios, and although they were nice....I still hadn't found quite what I was looking for....that is.....until that fateful day in November 2010. Not only was Yen's studio space amazing and so tranquil, but everyone was SO nice. It truly felt like coming home for Christmas.....I knew right away I had stumbled upon something very special and wanted to be a part of it. After purchasing punch cards for about 5 years and enjoying classes a couple times a week, I was lucky to win a photo contest Yen hosted winning the 3 month unlimited membership. After having the luxury of unlimited access to Yen, there was no way I could go back to just a couple times a week and decided to invest in the annual membership in February of 2015 - a decision that has proven to be worth every penny ever since!
What was your reason for starting? (Mind, Body, Health, etc)
I've always been into fitness since very early on in my life. I was involved in a wide variety of sports all through elementary and high school, as well as on an intramural level in college. In addition to sports - my hobbies have always been geared toward movement and outdoors activities. Besides the fitness aspect of it - I just prefer to be outside whenever possible. Nature has always provided such soul food and serenity for me. Most of my activity early on was based on strength with a warrior mentality to push and drive to be the best I could be. My grandpa had a saying that is one of my personal mantras to this day: "Good, better, best....never let it rest until the good is better and the better is best." In addition to the physical/health benefits of having a fitness routine, I had also always realized the stress relief benefits from working out. Although my activities provided relief during and a little while after...I frequently found stress returning and never felt completely free from it. That's where yoga came in....not only did I love exploring a new fitness facet, but the mind relief and clean up that immediately came along with it - I was blown away. It pushed a button I didn't even know existed and very quickly became a necessity in my life. And then after finding Yen....I felt transported by the amazing classes and wizard-like instructors. In addition to finding my fitness elevating, my body being less sore and more toned, I felt free....I started seeing the world and even my body in a different light. I started hearing things my body was telling me and most importantly....I started listening . I began to approach things with a new found quiet kindness of letting things be what they were in the moment..still pushing boundaries and trying to grow, but with a forgiving softness if things were different from the day or week prior. The noise of life began to quiet.....I began developing a strong stress management skill set that to this day protects me like armor in high stress work meetings, demanding deadlines, and life situations. A transformation had started and for me...there is no going back. Yen became a beacon...a sacred temple to help me learn more about myself, my body, and the world. Being a people pleaser for decades (still am)...I began to realize the value of self care and listening to that inner voice and started doing a much better job of finding balance. The term "community" also took on a whole new meaning at Yen. Not only was there so much love to be found from the instructors and amazing Yen crew, but my fellow strength seekers and yogis became constant sources of encouragement, inspiration, and joy. Connections became strong and I felt like I had found a place that understood me and accepted me for who I was, as I was - random enthusiastic woo's and all! Yen truly is so much more than a space.
Have your reasons changed since the stay-at-home order was issued and how do virtual classes fit into that vision?
To say COVID-19 was an unexpected part of 2020 would be a vast understatement. The unknowns of the virus, as well as what's going to happen (I'm a planner) definitely brought to the surface stress and anxiety of what's to come. The ability to practice became even more essential to provide that outlet and maintain both the physical wellness and mindful reassurance that although we're in unprecedented times...we are still together, we are still one, and we can make a difference.
Jason and I are happy to see things reopening, however, at this time, we are still being very cautious. Even though Yen is doing an outstanding job to ensure in-studio safety with even more additional cleanliness measures that would make Martha Stewart weak in the knees, we are beyond thankful for the virtual platform. It has been a blessing and truly the next best thing to being at the studio with so many familiar faces and voices and of course the same amazing class options throughout the day! The virtual platform is SO EASY to use, and we still feel 100% connected, seeing fellow yogis and receiving a shout out and hello from beloved instructors. Don't think for a moment that some of the shorter duration classes won't still provide challenging sessions and great workouts - (Anna, Ellen, Becky, Amanda, Leslie - I'm looking at you little firecrackers - keep it coming baby!) Or that the wonderful vinyasa flows, gentle stretching, mobility, and meditative sessions aren't completely on point even across the world wide web...(namaste Naomi, Heather, Leslie, Ellen, Amanda, Stephanie.) The on demand library that comes with the virtual membership has also been an amazing gift that has been very helpful to ensure yoga every day is always just a click away! (BIG thanks for the variety and quantity of uploads to choose from!)
We were so lucky to have a small space in our basement to be able to transform into a home studio. After some elbow grease to patch some walls, apply a water barrier, paint, and add some ceiling lights....my husband and I were very happy to create a neat little sanctuary to practice in. We also take our mats outside and practice when the weather allows, which is super fun too if you haven't tried it. Beyond the social distancing preservation - another HUGE perk for me is I find Jason joining me for even more classes. Not only does this enhance our bond to be able to grow our practices together with Yen's amazing instruction, but it helps to keep us grounded and defuse worry and even negative energy that's easy to attach to these days.
One thing we've both been SO IMPRESSED with is the creativity, constant variety and new class additions, and EXTREMELY well guided/thorough instruction that is provided virtually. Yen's instructors have always been top notch professionals - but the virtual platform showcases their adaptability and amazing training they have to offer corrections and friendly reminders to tuck hips, align your body, and always so many options for beginners and advanced to make the most out of the time on the mat within any given comfort level.
What are some of your favorite classes?
This is like asking someone to pick a single favorite ice cream....lol....They're ALL great!!!
Our schedules keep us accessing morning and evening classes mostly. Body Sculpt, Slow Burn, Inspire, Vinyasa Flow, and Yoga Sculpt....all wonderful! My next Monday off I hope to try Flow & Glow, and can't wait to get going on the new Arms, Abs, and Assets Friday class!
What advice or words of encouragement would you like to pass along to people who haven't tried virtual classes from home?
You won't regret it! Even if you've never taken a single yoga or fitness class before....even if you have no idea what the "moves" are, or what namaste means.....I promise you won't be disappointed. There are so many options for online classes, but what truly sets Yen apart is the interactive platform, very detailed instruction, great variety, and a beautiful sense of community - even from afar....look no further! As always - Yen has you covered! Not only is it a very affordable price, but to still have the ability to formally etch out a time for you to grow with a sweet sense of accountability by booking a class....to sweat and leave it all on the mat with instructors who will quickly steal your heart and inspire you to keep coming back......it's priceless! It doesn't matter if you're outside, inside, in a designated "gym/studio" or a broom closet - you don't even need a mat or weights....all you need to do is show up and log on! With all our world has going on right now we need healthy outlets to preserve sanity and stay connected. Rise above the constraints 2020 has presented - don't put your fitness goals on hold...instead explore a new way to achieve your objectives. If you're intimidated to take that first step - find me on instagram and let's take a class together - I'll be your wingman on this incredible journey! You truly are just a click away from changing your life.
Hugs and so much gratitude and love to the Yen team for the continued creativity, caringness, and spark you bring to our community. You are the crown jewel of Traverse City and I adore each and every one of you!