Blog

We love what we do at Breathe because we get to chat with all of the interesting people that walk through our doors. When it comes right down to it, what makes this studio exceptional are the people that live our mantra and embrace our community.You’ve met members of our “official” team, but now we’re giving you a sneak peak into the lives of the Real Yogis of Breathe Hot Yoga.

Our second featured yogi is Miss Ashley Bart. This dedicated yogi has a hobby you would never expect! She is calm and tranquil in the our studio, but spends her spare time burning rubber on race tracks around the world! 

 

Tell us about you.

My name is Ashley and I'm addicted to yoga!!

 

When did you start practicing hot yoga and what made you start? 

I started practicing hot yoga four years ago because I have a back injury and I had heard that you sweat like crazy, so I was curious and I figured I would give it a try! Not only has yoga helped with my back, it has taught me to be more accepting with myself and I have learned to "just let it be". My practice brought me to Breathe just over a year ago because I drove by the studio all the time and wanted to try something new. Needless to say I fell in love with Breathe right away! It is incomparable to other studios within the city of Calgary.

 

What changes have you noticed in yourself since you started practicing yoga?

I noticed a significant change in how I interpret or understand certain situations. I used to get very irritated before I started practicing and now I feel like I am more calm and accepting.  Yoga has helped significantly with my back injuries, and I find I take notice of the small important things in life that we take for granted. I've also lost some weight and built up some muscle mass which is a bonus!

 

What is your favourite aspect of Breathe? 

My favorite aspect of Breathe is the instructors, they are all very unique and bring a different aspect to each of their classes! It allows you to see how others interpret yoga and what it means to them! It's inspiring! My favorite class would have to be a Shaima or Lacey Baptiste class. I also enjoy classes where we can play around with our poses and try new things!!

 

What is your favourite posture?

My favorite poses would be crane (aka. crow, bakasana), because I love the kick out. I also enjoy extended hand to big toe! 

 

What do you do for fun (besides yoga)? 

In my spare time I have a very unique hobby that most people would never guess! I am Canada's only female professionally licensed to drag race in the top alcohol category! Currently, I am the fastest women in Canada and I can't get enough of it! I am a third generation racer in my family, my grandmother raced, my dad raced and now me. It is something I am very passionate about! Currently my fastest time is 5.35 seconds @ 264MPH (that's for 427km/h). It's very stressful at times and nerve racking but through yoga, I have learned to just breathe and whatever happens, happens! My goal right now is to make it to Top Fuel and just drag race for the rest of my life!

What is your mantra in life? 

My mantra is stay positive, see the good in life and love unconditionally. "For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth" - Sanskrit Proverb

 

How do you live the Breathe mantra; breathe life, breathe love, breathe peace, breathe yoga? 

I breathe peace, through surrendering myself to my Mat.

I breathe love, unconditionally.

I breathe yoga, everyday whether it be at the studio or at home or the race track.

 

What makes you feel at home in the Breathe community?

I always feel at home at Breathe, probably because I'm always there but because I can be me. No ego, no judging.  Just me, my Mat and my breath! 

 

If you want to see more of Ashley in action, just type "Ashley Bart" into Youtube and see her fly!