By Emmanuelle Hertel
My journey to becoming an Alkalign instructor started from a place of low self-confidence and poor body image.
From early childhood, the notion that I was chubby or “big-boned” was instilled in me by people very close to me, and then reinforced throughout the years by peers, so-called friends, images I saw on TV or in magazines, and, of course, myself. I struggled with an unhealthy relationship with food over the years.
I tried the gamut of workouts: running, kickboxing, gym memberships, Pilates, yoga, barre, etc., but never found the one that stuck – until I entered my first Alkalign class. I was warmly welcomed, never felt judged or in competition with any others, or that I needed to compare myself with anyone; and more than that, I actually enjoyed the class! I felt like I got an excellent workout without the possibility of injury that other workouts bring.
In addition to my lifelong body-image issues, I was now a new mom. I felt like my identity was lost and struggled with finding any time for myself. The ability to leave my son in the daycare at the studio and take an hour to myself saved my life. I found time for me, and everyone was better for it.
Then something else shifted: I stopped hating my body. I wasn’t necessarily skinnier, but somehow that didn’t even occur to me to matter anymore. I felt stronger and more capable, and therefore more confident, and that was – and is – everything.
I felt so strong about the benefits of Alkalign classes that I wanted to become certified to instruct so that I could bring them to even more people. After I moved back to Canada, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit and classes went online that I was given the opportunity to fulfill this dream. My goal for you, is to find the same kind of freedom that I’ve found. To connect with people who maybe have a similar journey as yours, and to leave every class knowing that you too are strong and capable, and to feel better in your mind and body every day.
If you’re interested in joining the Alkalign Blue Crew as an instructor, please reach out to us at help@alkalignstudios.com.
