Member Spotlight: Samantha A

Member Spotlight: Samantha A.

1. What drew you to SPENGA?: 

I had been practicing yoga since late 2018, in preparation of the stress that goes along with planning my own wedding in June 2019. I started out practicing in a small section of my finished basement, but then decided in November 2020 to finally re-do my spare bedroom. I turned my spare bedroom into a "Zen Den" and started using this space to meditate, practice yoga, do some HIIT, read, listen to music or podcasts and to do my arts & crafts. The app that I downloaded on my phone to practice my yoga and do HIIT, started to get boring and I found myself wanting more. I wanted to challenge myself and mentioned it to my grandmother during a visit with her. She said that I should just "go for it" and look online for any yoga classes. Later that same day, I started looking online for yoga classes and came across the name SPENGA. I recognized that name! A friend of mine mentioned it to me awhile back and said that I would love it, because she did. At that moment, I did not even hesitate and sent SPENGA Bloomingdale a message. Carrie called me minutes later and I signed up for my first free session to try it out. That was January 25th, 2021 and I've been a member ever since!

2. Can you describe a specific moment at SPENGA that stays with you?:

I have a few specific moments at SPENGA that stick with me. The first moment was my very first day. I remember feeling really nervous, anxious and intimidated. After that first session, all of those feelings melted away and turned into relief, excitement and a sense of accomplishment. I was proud of myself to step out of my comfort zone and just "go for it" like my grandmother suggested. Another moment was being a part of HELLth Week in October. I love to push myself and completed a lot of the challenges that week. I even got my name on the board for doing as many "undertakers" as I could in 60 seconds. Last but not least, my other specific moment at SPENGA was completing 100 sessions! I woke up that day feeling super excited, ready to celebrate and very proud of myself. I love feeling that sense of accomplishment. It is definitely a confidence and self-esteem booster!

3. What surprised you about SPENGA?:

What surprised me about SPENGA? -- It is ADDICTING! At SPENGA Bloomingdale, I feel a sense of belonging and love being a part of this family/community. I enjoy taking on new challenges in the studio and learning new things - such as TRX and foam rolling. 

4. How has SPENGA impacted your life outside of the studio?:

SPENGA has impacted my life in so many ways! I have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. Since becoming a member, I find myself less anxious and experiencing less depressive episodes. My self-esteem and confidence has improved quite a bit as well. I listen to my body more and know that when I feel good, I look good too! My body has more shape/definition and I have gained muscle. I talk about SPENGA to my friends, family, coworkers and post on social media all the time. Whenever I go on vacation, I always bring my SPENGA tank tops with to make sure I am always representing a place I love. I am so appreciative of my SPENGA family and so thankful for joining SPENA Bloomingdale.