September Teacher of the Month: Crystal

This September, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Crystal, an extraordinary instructor at Twisted Grit Yoga. Crystal’s journey and dedication to both her students and the practice of yoga make her a true gem in our community.

Why Twisted Grit Yoga is Special to Crystal

For Crystal, Twisted Grit Yoga is more than just a studio; it’s a place where diversity and genuine support for growth are celebrated. “The students!” she says, are what make TGY a special place to teach and practice. It’s the connections she builds with her students and the supportive environment that makes her role here so meaningful.

Crystal’s Yoga Journey

Crystal’s yoga journey began in an unconventional setting—teaching yoga to at-risk adjudicated youth in the mountains of Utah. Living under tarps year-round and working with these young individuals, Crystal implemented weekly yoga practices that became a vital part of their personal growth. This experience not only helped the youth connect with their breath and bodies but also inspired Crystal to deepen her own practice.

During this transformative time in her life, while living out of her truck and embracing an active outdoor lifestyle, Crystal formalized her yoga practice under the guidance of Jonathan Friend’s Anusara Yoga. This connection with her own body, mind, and spirit led her to build a life centered around health, nutrition, and breath. Even through life’s changes, including two pregnancies, yoga remained a constant source of strength and peace for Crystal.

With over two decades of experience as a women’s health nurse, Crystal now merges her yoga background with her medical knowledge to help others strengthen their core, relieve tension, and live their best lives at any age. Her goal is to guide her students toward holistic well-being through a fusion of yoga, nursing wisdom, and an understanding of the body.

Beyond the Mat: Crystal’s Free Time

When she’s not teaching, Crystal loves spending time with her kids, enjoying the shade trees on her beautiful property in Lodi, WI. Adventure calls to her, whether it’s hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, or simply relaxing in a hammock. Crystal is always seeking new experiences, whether near or far, and finds joy in connecting with nature.

Crystal’s Teaching Style and Wisdom

Crystal’s teaching style is centered on making her students feel at ease and welcome. She helps individuals cultivate restorative calm within themselves, teaching them to build peace through posture, breath, and mindset. “I sincerely hope they find a community of support and positive healing energy each time they practice with me,” she says.

Crystal’s classes often begin with myofascial release using a small massage ball, helping students unlock tight muscles and assess their bodies. From there, she guides them through breathwork, warm-ups, and the central part of the class, which varies each time. Whether working toward a specific pose, flowing through a vinyasa sequence, or focusing on core and pelvic floor work, Crystal provides modifications and supportive props to meet each student where they are. The class ends with a cool down and guided relaxation, leaving students with a sense of calm and a challenge to ponder for the week ahead.

What Makes Crystal Unique as an Instructor

For Crystal, being a yoga instructor is the only job where she leaves feeling more fulfilled than when she arrived. Teaching at Twisted Grit Yoga allows her to find her best self, and she’s dedicated to helping her students do the same. Crystal’s unique combination of yoga expertise and women’s health nursing background allows her to carve out a niche for prenatal and postpartum women, offering support, guidance, and a sense of community.

Crystal’s Invitation to Newcomers

To anyone thinking about trying a class at Twisted Grit Yoga, Crystal extends a warm invitation: “Come check it out, hang out in our amazing space just for fun to find a calming, peaceful environment. It’s a great way to catch the feel of what happens inside and around each class. Try a class, meet new people; it’s a space where everyone is welcome no matter what! We can learn and grow together.”

We’re incredibly grateful to have Crystal as part of the Twisted Grit family. Her passion, knowledge, and genuine care for her students make her an invaluable member of our community. Join us in celebrating Crystal this September!