Yoga Coach Wendy Hurd

Yoga Coach Wendy Hurd

What inspired you to start practicing yoga?

It is more that yoga found me. ?I was curious and it was the right time, right place. ?A friend invited me to class and it “took”. ?Now I can’t imagine my life without yoga. ?It’s also why taking someone to their first yoga class brings me so much joy–I get to pay it forward.

What inspired you to start ‘yoga peeps’?

I guess in part I am selfish: ?I think the world is a better place when people are doing yoga! ??The more serious side is I have met so many people who are yoga-curious, but there are so many obstacles. ?Cost, time, lack of experience, and being intimidated by a formal yoga studio. Yoga peeps is my way of removing obstacles and making yoga accessible to everyone.

Why do you believe it is important for CrossFitters to do yoga?

First, yoga practice is based on the breath. ?Being in tune with your breath is a key element to being successful with your CrossFit workout. ?Second, yoga helps maintain/improve your mobility, which is paramount to keep the body in balance in face of the muscle development associated with resistance training. ?Finally, yoga helps enhance body awareness which will aide in learning new CrossFit movement elements. ?Being in tune with your body will also help you determine when to push and when to take a step back with your workout intensity.

What do you love most about coaching athletes?

Athletes are motivated, hard working, open to instruction, and can do amazing things with their bodies. ?An individual who shows up for a CrossFit class already believes they have no boundaries. ?That is a tremendous yogic quality.

You’re also a physical therapist, what advice would you give to a newbie CrossFitter about keeping their body healthy?

Keep the ego in check. ?The most important thing is to perform bodyweight movements with correct mechanics before you start adding loads. This can require tremendous patience, especially when those around you are lifting massive weights. ?Faulty movement patterns and failure to be mindful of how your body is feeling will be the most likely factors that lead to injury.

Which types of community work inspire you the most?

Almost anything that involves kids. ?Children have no control over their environment or their life circumstances. ?Helping to improve their quality of life and open the door to opportunity can impact the lives of the individual and the entire community.

What do you like to do outside of the gym?

Ride my bike, go to concerts & museums, and read at coffee shops.