Meet Our Instructors: Get to Know the Faces Behind Your Yoga Practice
Maybe you have had a chance to take class with every one of our instructors, but there is a good chance that you have a few classes that work well with your schedule that you stick with on a weekly basis. In this blog we’ll introduce you to all our instructors and tell you a thing or two about their specialties and styles!
We know everyone has their favorites, but depending on your specific needs at each time in your life, a different style or pace might be exactly what you need! Sometimes you just need to hear one different cue for a familiar pose for your whole practice to change. Don’t short yourself the opportunity to connect to your practice and body in a deeper way.
Instructor Bios
Introduction to the Team:
FlowFit is all about teaching you instead of telling you what to do. This subtle shift in verbiage and style is what allows you to learn about your body on a deeper level, and use your musculature to it’s fullest potential. We truly believe this is how to create a long term practice and lifelong relationship with your body. Your needs will change with injuries, age and the seasons. Understanding the unique requirements of your body on a day-to-day basis gives you power beyond your wildest imagination.
Instructor Profiles:
Alex Johnson
Background and Experience:
Alex has been instructing yoga and fitness for 9 years, and worked at over 15 different studios in the Twin Cities. She is now founder and owner of FlowFit (going on 4 years!)
Teaching Philosophy:
Alignment based flows heavily focused on muscle activation and creating bodily awareness.
Creating a fun and energetic “can-do” atmosphere. Alex believes you are capable of things beyond your wildest imagination, and is going to teach you how to achieve those things!
Personal Yoga Journey:
“I sought out yoga initially as a means to change up my workout routine. What I found was an instant connection with a form of movement that made my body happy, but also helped me deal with my anxiety and eventually became my passion and main focus in life!”
What to Expect in Alex’s Classes:
Fun music, funky movements and clever sequences. In general her classes will lead up to a peak pose or transition. On top of the hard work, you’ll likely get a few bad jokes or puns thrown in to make you laugh and not take yourself too seriously :)
Maria Rangel
Background and Experience:
Maria has been teaching for almost 14 years and is certified to teach over 11 different formats of yoga and fitness. She is also an incredible massage therapist and brings her knowledge of the body into her classes.
Teaching Philosophy:
Maria’s philosophy as an instructor is all about helping students discover the profound connection between body, mind & spirit. “I began my personal yoga practice for the physical benefits, but ended up finding so much more. I hope that as an instructor I can help others make the same discovery.”
Personal Yoga Journey:
“My passion for yoga started in 2010 when I took my first heated vinyasa class. I was drawn to the flowing rhythm of poses, as well as the mental clarity I got after a good Hot class. I felt most centered at the studio, thus decided to take teacher training. I’ve been a passionate instructor ever since!”
What to Expect in Maria’s Classes:
Postures and movements you have never done before, but all made accessible or challenging depending on your level.
Alignment based flows, focused on taking several weeks to build onto a sequence and deepen your bodily proprioception. These week to month long progressive sequences often build up to a peak posture or challenge. You’ll be amazed at what you will be able to do after dedicating a few weeks to these intelligently focused classes!
Jenni Dunning
Background and Experience:
Jenni’s yoga instructor journey began just shortly after becomming a member at FlowFit! Two years ago she finished her 200 hour training in Tulum, Mexico in the Aligned Flow Method
Teaching Philosophy:
Jenni doesn’t just teach a class, she creates a yoga experience. As an instructor who practice what she preaches, she wants you to feel 10x better walking out than when you walked into class.
Personal Yoga Journey:
“I sought out yoga initially as a means to change up my workout routine. What I found was an instant connection with a form of movement that made my body happy, but also helped me deal with my anxiety and eventually became my passion and main focus in life!”
What to Expect in Jenni’s Classes:
Creative movements, or long slow holds.
Jenni often focuses on traditional sound healing instruments and if you can make it to her Saturday morning Yin class, she’ll treat you with a singing bowl experience each and every time! It is an absolute treat.
Jess Meuwissen
Background and Experience:
If you had asked Jess a few years ago if she would ever be a fitness instructor, she would have laughed at you and said “Absolutely NOT!” However, there are a lot of things Jess does these days that she thought she never would do. Growing up she was never athletic but in 2014 she decided to make a change. She did an overhaul on her eating habits and started working out regularly. She started losing weight, building stamina and got addicted to the results she was seeing! Jess lost over 50lbs eating right and pushing herself to new goals! After a year of training Jess became a coach at TITLE Boxing Club, and then took an in-depth 1:1 training with Alex in the ways of Yoga Sculpt. Now she teaches several strength classes on FlowFit’s schedule!
Teaching Philosophy:
Jess’s philosophy is “the answer is always yes!” because she knows you are stronger than you think you are.
Personal Yoga Journey:
Though Jess is newer to yoga, she has been on her own fitness journey since 2014. Her love of movement came from a lot of work and a huge lifestyle overhaul. She knows you are capable, because she has put in the work herself to change her habits and her life!
What to Expect in Jess’s Classes:
Jess will push you to your edge and beyond, but she’ll probably do it while belting out the song playing and dancing :)
Stephanie Kimble
Background and Experience:
Steph has been teaching many formats of yoga and movements for over a decade and brings her immense experience to the table to offer up an experience that is unique for each practitioner.
Teaching Philosophy:
Stephanie’s philosophy is “Teaching yoga is about holding space where folks can feel empowered to move, breathe, and be in their body in the most meaningful way to them. Yoga is a practice that is ever-evolving; anytime someone newly finds the practice, returns to the practice after a time away, or interacts with someone new as they practice, the practice changes. I teach with curiosity so that I can learn and grow with Yoga and the practitioners I’m blessed to be in community with.”
What to Expect in Steph’s Classes:
Students can expect lots of choice! She firmly believes in autonomy and consent in practice; whether practitioners choose to do everything she says or choose to take the option that makes the most sense for them, every moment is another invitation to try something. Physically, Steph teaches from an alignment framework to support practitioners who want to build stability in their body.
Carrie Garcia
Background and Experience:
Carrie is an experienced Yoga, meditation teacher, and Wellness Coach. She holds a 500-hour RYT certification. She specializes in Vinyasa, Yin, and Rainbow Yoga
Teaching Philosophy:
Carrie nurtures spaces where individuals can engage in movement, cultivate resilience, embrace mindfulness, and share moments of joy. She draws inspiration from her father's music and her mother's early yoga practices to sequence her classes as well. Her teaching philosophy for yoga centers on nurturing well-being, belonging, and connection, both among individuals and within themselves. Yoga serves as a sanctuary of self-belonging, where profound self-awareness empowers individuals to share their true selves with the world, fully and gracefully.
Personal Yoga Journey:
“Yoga entered my life as a way to enhance my well-being and foster connections with myself and others through movement. Time and again, it was the combination of movement, music, and dharma talks that propelled me along a positive path of self-care and love.“
What to Expect in Carrie’s Classes:
Carrie’s classes offer a space for connection through movement, breath, rest, and meditation. She guides students to overcome challenges, build strength, and enhance their sense of personal power.
Andrea Grabanski
Background and Experience:
Andrea has over 15 years of teaching experience in vinyasa, yoga sculpt and barre.
Teaching Philosophy:
Work hard while having so much fun you don’t ever realize you are working hard!
Personal Yoga Journey:
As a complement to her active style, she began studying and practicing yoga 25 years ago. Andrea completed her 200HR Power Yoga training in 2009 and an additional 100 hours focused on Yoga Sculpt in 2011. In 2013, Andrea received her barre certification. She is grateful for the opportunity to help guide others in making discoveries on their personal fitness and yoga journey.
What to Expect in Andrea’s Classes:
Creative playlists, dancing, and that “sneaky” hard that everyone loves. It’s hard to even notice how challenging her classes are until after they are over, because you’ll have so much fun in the moment!
Brynn Samp
Background and Experience:
Brynn has been a barre teacher for over 20 years and has worked to perfect her craft.
Teaching Philosophy:
With ten years of teaching Pure Barre and two decades of dancing, she brings her past dance knowledge to benefit the masses through effective and focused barre classes.
What to Expect in Brynn’s Classes:
Your booty to burn in places you didn’t know existed!
Student Testimonials
Why our Students Love FlowFit:
“FlowFit has changed my life! I was in a really tough spot in my life and I hadn’t been in touch with my physically wellness in quite some time. I was looking for a place to call my home and develop a healthier relationship with my body and mind. This is my spot ❤️ I’m incredibly grateful for all of the instructors and different options for classes. I would highly recommend trying out a class.” -Lisa F
“Great classes, great instructors and a wonderful, calming atmosphere! Anyone wanting to get healthier through yoga would love this place! I thought I may be too old, however, I found wonderful classes that suit me and my plan for getting more fit.” - Karen R
“The culture is exactly what I am looking for in a studio: very friendly and welcoming. It is a true community. And Alex is a phenomenal teacher: motivating, knowledgeable, and positive. She also sprinkles in her sense of humor! Fantastic all around.” - Matt B
“I came to FlowFit from a bit of an unusual circumstance. I was run over by an SUV while riding a motorcycle about a year ago. I sustained several injuries including a broken back and spinal trauma amongst several other issues involving surgically repaired limbs. Before my accident I practiced yoga for fitness mostly and was not necessarily in tune to its wellness benefits. So when my rehab doctor recommended a restorative and mobility yoga practice to aid in my physical recovery I was skeptical. When I started practicing at FlowFit I could barely stand on my knees. After two weeks I started to regain strength and movement in my body that I was unsure I would ever regain. My care and recovery team of doctors and therapists were amazed with my progress. Alex and her team of instructors take a warm approach that provides every student the support, encouragement, and comfort to move through their practice in a way that is right for them. And in addition to the physical wellness benefits I experienced from practicing at FlowFit, I also experienced a mood boost that was deeply needed as the long road of recovery was taking an emotional toll. FlowFit has something special going on at their studio and I am glad that I found them.” - Alix
Click here to read more on our Testimonials page!
Class Schedule & How to Connect
Click here for our Class Schedule to find out when your instructors are teaching this week! Our class schedule page is always up to date with the most current adjustments and substitutions.
Have a question or want to get a buddy signed up for class? Email is great but you can also always text us at 651-237-7930 for the quickest response!
Sometimes the step to taking a new instructors class is simply meeting them and experiencing their energy. Feel free to pop in before a class just to say hi and get a little more information on what that instructor has been focusing on in class, or shoot a message to our email or text line if you have any specific questions! We are always so happy to make you feel more comfortable and empowered in your practice and are here to support you! If you have made it this far in the blog I have one more challenge for you, book a class with a new instructor right now! Click here to evolve your practice and potentially meet your new favorite!