Meet Natalie, our Monday Night LostAsana Instructor
Natalie Machado, Lost World’s new Yoga instructor
Get ready to slay the week! LostAsana Yoga is moving to Monday nights and we want you to meet our new coach, Natalie Machado. We can’t wait to meet you on your mat and kick off every week with movement and mobility. (Lindsay will still make guest appearances throughout the summer too, so stay tuned.)
Natalie’s no stranger to movement (or adventure!) She grew up a bit of a nomad, living in 12 different states. She hails from Champaign, IL and "grew up" in Harrisonburg, Virginia (go Dukes!). She attended undergrad at Allegheny College for Environmental Science and Art and later received her Masters at University of Illinois at Chicago for Science Education (middle and high school). After living in Chicago she added another 3 moves and 2 more states to her tally, with one constant in her life; soccer. She’s either playing or coaching playing and/or coaching but makes Yoga her primary career choice. She’s an instructor at nearby YogaSix in Cornelius and manages a studio in Colorado remotely, while also assisting her private clients in their practice.
Get to know Natalie here, and be sure to introduce yourself on Monday Nights!
Tell us about your yoga practice…
My first ever yoga class was in college at WVU (I went there my freshman year before transferring to Allegheny) to meet a physical education requirement. I thought it was so cool all the different shapes your body can make and immediately started trying the harder balances etc - it was a new physical challenge! After college, I made my way to Chicago and took my first two trainings there. When I moved to Wyoming then after I began to teach yoga and fitness full time as well as manage a studio. I also added a handful more certifications to my toolbox (Bosu, Pilates, and barre). I moved to Colorado and managed the studio I currently manage remotely - Whole Body Studios. Since moving to North Carolina I have also added a pre and postnatal athletic training certification to my toolbox. When I'm not virtually teaching or managing my studio you can find me teaching a few classes at YogaSix and privates.
How would you describe your teaching/coaching style?
My teaching style is challenging. The goal is to come out of a session/class feeling challenged yet still successful! We grow when we are pushed out of our comfort zone. Without reaching the edge of unknowns we aren't able to tap into the world of possibilities! All of my classes have an athletic tone and endurance base while keeping it so fun that you don't realize where the time went!
As we move our schedule to Monday nights, what motivating words can you offer to our guests to make shift?
#nevermissamonday - start your week off right with some movement to nourish your body after a weekend full of activity and stay hydrated/celebrate with your favorite Lost Worlds beer! Our bodies crave movement and what better way to start a week giving our body a little bit of what it needs, wants, and desires!
Give us an idea of what to expect, as we sip our way to Namaste?
An evening of fun, trying new things and feeling energized for the week ahead! Requests? I'll take 'em! I love to be able to add a little extra of something if someone is craving something in particular. For example, were you traveling and your hips are aching? Perfect, we'll work on more hip mobility! Were you projecting all weekend and your shoulders need some help? What about hamstrings? Core? You name it, you got it!
What are you looking forward to most in this new role?
I love being outside, so an opportunity to teach outside is amazing! A nice casual, fun evening is always a great way to wind down from the weekend so being able to share that is always fun. Making new yogi friends and continuing to build their practice or be a highlight of their week is always a special part of teaching as well :) Cheers to new friends and new adventures!
What's the one thing you do every morning to start the day on the right foot?
My puppy snuggles and love attacks are always the best thing to wake up to :) They are my adventure buddies. I also always chat with my niece and nephew, get the "low down" on fort building, the weather, or what's for breakfast.
What's your personal favorite style of yoga when you have time for yourself?
Time to take class myself!? What a luxury! I really like to take Rocket Yoga (Ashtanga based) or a solid Power.
What's the best adventure you've ever been on?
Aren't all adventures the best because every adventure is an experience of it's own!
US:
Wyoming - everything about it! Yes they have all the winter sports but summer - the animals (moose!), the hikes, camping, water, biking...
Dinosaur National Monument - camping and dinosaurs (of course)
Hawaii - sea turtles, so many different fish, snorkel every day, the sun!, the difference in the islands, volcano
Abroad:
Capetown, South Africa - the hikes, the towns, the penguins
Iceland - ice caves, black sand, geology
Studying abroad in Mexico - sea turtles, whales, tiny town life and research