Free Twin Cities Yoga: Tatum Fjerstad
A few weeks ago I attended, at the urging of an ever-beautiful co-worker, Free Twin Cities Yoga in Logan Park.
It's not like I've not done a yoga practice before, but this one was a bit different. I found myself looking around and being tremendously encouraged by the diversity of the yogis around me and mostly, by the curly haired beauty leading the class. I, of course, needed to know this person who caused such enthusiasm within 60 minutes.
After being nosy and reaching out to Tatum, she agreed to sit with me and let me pry into her life (thanks by the way girl). Cue local Minneapolis coffee shop, 90's-movie-style.
Sitting and chatting for maybe 3 minutes made it quite clear why the yoga practice she led felt the way it did - her incredible drive and passion for moving and connecting people was evident to say the least.
Tatum describes her goals for instructing, "Yoga has become a way for people to be active. It's transformed into fitness in the west. My hope is that students are also able to cultivate a sense of mindfulness along the way".
It's a fitness practice yes, and your body will feel that whether you're a novice or a seasoned vet. The attention and mindfulness that she brings however, is nearly tangible.
"I look at it as mindfully leading an hour of fitness" she says to me.
FTCY was inspired after Tatum took several months to travel around and teach at 14 different studios from New Hampshire to Colorado to North Carolina and more. Specifically, inspiration hit right around Baltimore, when she taught for a Free Baltimore Yoga practice started by a friend and inspo, LA Finfinger.
The yogi-turned-instructor worked at yoga and music festival, Wanderlust for a few months before coming on home to good 'ol Minneapolis, where we hope she stays. She, like many, was inspired by Elena Brower whom she met at a yoga conference and started her on her whirlwind yoga life.
I am wildly inspired and grateful that she sat next to me and let me listen to her incredible story. She is one of those wears-many-hats type of people so if you want to be her bff like I do, check out her website or come with me to the next FTCY!
