Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Hunter.
Jenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“When I learned, at age 20, that the pain and swelling I was experiencing for about a year was Rheumatoid Arthritis, I set out on a journey to wellness. I wasn’t willing to risk the side effects of medications, so I learned to manage my health through nutrition. Though I was able to manage the disease enough to stay mobile, after 17 years, I had lost most of the strength and range of motion I once had. My joints were disfigured and achy.
In 2007 I was raising my young children and had a small painting business that kept me active and creative. One project was for a fitness center that was redesigning their kid’s area. My friend was part owner in the space and had me consult on the design and update the look. Part of the payment was access to the fitness center for the year. I had been very active in high school and university, winning many awards for track and cross country, but had to set it all aside at 19 when my body hurt too much to endure the training.
It had been years since I had access to a fitness facility or proper training so, thrilled at the opportunity, I accepted my “free fitness assessment” with one of the trainers. He took measurements and asked questions. I explained to him my limited range of motion and severe inflammation and how I was managing it. He gave me advice on what I should be eating, most of which was not beneficial for me, except for beginning my day with more protein. Then it was time to assess my strength with some “basics” like sit ups and push-ups. I laughed and asked what else he had in mind because I couldn’t get up and down from the ground to be on my hands and knees to even set up a modified push-up. My hands were like knobby claws of an 80 year old woman.
I remember it was February and I was extra achy from the cold and often my fingers would go white and completely numb due to Raynaud’s Syndrome a chronic circulation condition that often plagues those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. When the blood does finally return, the fingers are very sensitive and even painful – like they’ve been burned. This is where I was. Fire claw hands, achy knees and a heap of embarrassment. And sit-ups? Did I mention I had just had a baby? There were no abs.
We moved to the free weight area. You know, where all the beefy body builders are and a wall of mirrors reminding me that I hadn’t seen a defined muscle in over a decade. I struggled to make my left and right arm lift at the same rate with the staggerine weight of my two-pound dumbbells. After that I received my assessment.
“Well, ma’am. (Ma’am?! That was for old people!) At your age, I don’t know if you can expect to build any muscle. We’ll just try to tone what you’ve got. And don’t do any cardio. Your metabolism is too high.
I fired him. And went to the yoga room to pick up a schedule. I didn’t know if it would be any better, but the teacher looked nicer than this brute.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest part was launching a new career while still learning how to maintain my progress. I honed my skills over the years while sorting out major life events like divorce, moving (twice) to get kids in the best schools, and managing three young children. It seemed silly if I said it out loud, “I support myself and three kids…teaching yoga.” But I was determined and saw the possibilities.
Several years into teaching, I saw an opportunity for a space that helped those who thought they couldn’t approach yoga. Whether it was injury, sickness, limited capacity, or they didn’t feel like they belonged, I wanted to create a community that was different. I opened the yoga movement five years ago and it’s been amazing to see people heal, become stronger and shift their lives for the better! Owning a business is incredibly rewarding, but of course, takes work. Among the obstacles were the rumors and neigh-sayers – as you succeed, it challenges others. Not everyone is as excited about your success as you are, but we were determined to protect the space from a negativity.
Our second year was off to a challenging start when I suffered a severely broken leg and complicated surgery that left me unable to stand for four months. It was then that I realized what a beautiful community we had cultivated. I was completely supported by staff, students, friends and family. The studio still was growing and thriving – and has been ever since – and I again proved to myself that I could begin again.
One of our students (now a teacher herself) suggested a mural that represented the transformation that happens inside our walls. I dug out my paint clothes and got to work! It’s so fun to see people pose with the wings of possibility outside our studio just off the Katy Trail!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Yoga Movement – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I teach Iyengar Yoga, a classical method that focuses on the details – precision, alignment and a mindful approach – that improve stability, flexibility and overall well-being. I have lived through a variety of seasons where I’ve been very limited, very strong, broken, healed again, and mentally strong and a hot mess.
Years and years of painful and crippling effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis, severely broken leg, major life changes, raising three children… It was refreshing to find a yoga that met me where I was.
BKS Iyengar said, “Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” This spoke to me. I felt that yoga should be accessible to all – not just the young and capable.
When I decided to open a studio, I wanted to provide a space where the 80% that didn’t already have a movement practice felt that there was a place for them to heal, grow stronger and find connection.
I have been known to say, bring me your broken body parts and your broken hearts. I will show you a yoga that heals you. My students range from pre-teen to 87 years old and everything in between. Some have practiced yoga a long time and are looking for a more discerning practice as they mature, others are just beginning and are ready for a new possibility. I feel very lucky to hold space for them to explore, succeed, even fail and find their way back up again in a safe, accepting community.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas has changed so much in the last 10 years! It’s been very exciting to see the city come to life with more green space downtown. We have an impressive arts district and I love that it is more accessible than ever. There seems to be an explosion of new fitness options in the last several years, also! I love seeing more people be more active. I hope to offer a practice that helps them be more capable and present through of all of life’s adventures!
Pricing:
- New Student Class Pass – $50 for 10 classes (regularly $150)
- Drop in – $20
- Monthly Membership – $112
Contact Info:
- Address: 4931 Airline Ste 102
- Website: yogamovementdallas.com
- Phone: 9726389922
- Email: jenny@yogamovementdallas.com
- Instagram: jenny.yogamovement
- Facebook: Jenny Hunter
Image Credit:
Brian Chatlain
Matthew Freed
Lucas Zee
Ashlie Wood
Connie Meinhardt
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
