I feel alignment in mind, body and spirit.
“Even on a “so-so” day, doing a hot yoga class created a great sense of accomplishment and well-being.”
David McCafferty
WHAT FIRST LED YOU TO START HOT YOGA? WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE ALL THIS?
My first Thrive hot yoga class was December 7, 2011 and I remember it well. I was a guest on a Groupon coupon and came with several others. The yoga room was crowded and hot. Jenny was the teacher – a fortuitous beginning to my practice : ) I wore far too many clothes, I remember my attention on Jenny’s voice fading in and out, and then classed ended and I wondered what had hit me!! Fortunately, I was not driving that night. I spent the rest of the evening recovering on my couch at home. The next couple of days, however, I felt great. It marked the beginning of a new health routine which has continued to this day. Looking back, I am so grateful for that first day. If starting a new habit or routine is the hard part – mission accomplished!!
IF YOU ARE RETURNING TO HOT YOGA AFTER SOME TIME AWAY, WHAT BRINGS YOU BACK AND HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOU ARE BACK INTO A HEALTHY ROUTINE?
My brother Brian was the first person to recommend hot yoga to me. I actually did my first Bikram hot yoga class in New York City with him several years before joining Thrive. But the pivotal moment for me came in 2011. I was sitting on the side of my bed putting on my shoes. I bent over to tie my shoes and hello, it was a HUGE struggle! I knew right then I needed to do something about my health – things were trending in the wrong direction! I actually started swimming two weeks before my first class with Jenny. But winter was upon us, and so I opted for the hot yoga room over jumping in a cold pool. So glad I did!
WHAT HEALTH BENEFITS DO YOU PERSONALLY GET FROM HOT YOGA (MENTAL / EMOTIONAL / PHYSICAL ETC)?
I receive so many health benefits from my hot yoga practice. The numerous benefits of hot yoga are a frequent topic of conversation with fellow yogis in this awesome community. Personally, my yoga practice has grown from a focus on exercise to a practice which benefits my mind, body and spirit. I started looking for an “exercise” that worked my whole body, which is why I started swimming. Hot yoga met that “whole body” criteria. I felt so good all over after I practiced. My body became stronger and more flexible which was noticeable in daily activities. As I continued, my mental sense of well-being increased. Even on a “so-so” day, doing a hot yoga class created a great sense of accomplishment and well-being. Now I feel alignment in mind, body and spirit. And I love the balance, sense of calm, and positive energy I feel on a regular basis.
David McCafferty on holiday with his family.
HOW DOES YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE THE YOGA STUDIO BENEFIT YOU (WORK OR FAMILY ETC)?
This balance, sense of calm and positive energy I feel daily has benefited my life outside of yoga too. In addition, to being happier, more settled and energetic, hot yoga has helped me through challenging life changes and a hip joint replacement surgery in the last couple of years. For example, I actually felt confident and grateful (although a bit overwhelmed) facing surgery and rehab. I felt my yoga practice had helped me be as prepared as I could be for surgery, a difficult rehab, and a post-surgery lifestyle that was even better. And with the help of a surgeon, nurses, rehab therapists, and Thrive instructors, it happened! I was back in the hot room 8.5 weeks after surgery, and stronger than I had been within a year! With the mental strength I had developed, the notion of compromising or embracing new physical limitations never entered my mind.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE YOGA AND/OR THE STUDIO COMMUNITY?
It’s hard to name one favorite thing about the Thrive community! So I will list a few – Ian and Jenny are owners that CARE about this community and you can feel it; the pandemic notwithstanding, classes are offered frequently and at convenient times so it’s easy to maintain a strong practice; the instructors and classes are so amazing, consistent and supportive you just want to keep coming; and lastly, I have met so many wonderful people in this community, many of whom are now my friends.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BEGINNERS WHO ARE WORKING UP THE NERVE TO GET STARTED?
My advice to beginners and people who are new to yoga is simple – JUST START! Don’t judge, rationalize, make a long-term commitment, doubt or question! Just take a class and see how you feel! I didn’t have a plan for yoga when I went to my first Thrive class. But I knew how good I felt afterwards, and that I wanted to go one more time, and then again, and again. That was nine years ago. That’s the way it worked for me. And if it worked for me all this time, it can work for you!