Erin Jorich Yoga & Movement

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

This past week I was reminded that I have many strong women in my life who are constantly lifting me up and cheering me on in this wacky world.

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To my students and clients, thank you for supporting me on my evolution as a yoga teacher, trainer, and a straight up messy human being.

Thank you to the woman I have the privilege of working for who listens and enthusiastically says, “Let’s do it!” when I have an idea. Your leadership is why people flock to the spaces you have created.

To the female gym manager who literally just met me and advocated for me to get paid what I’m worth. Thank you for believing in me.

Most importantly, my female and gender nonconforming friends, my driven nature and compassion is simply a reflection of all of you. You hold me accountable, ground me, and accept me for who I am. It’s not always easy being a woman, but it’s a little easier with you in my life.

Thank you.

HEY. HI THERE! I’M ERIN.

A new year feels like the right time for a (re)introduction.

I spend my professional life teaching yoga, supporting my personal training clients, and coaching group fitness classes. In my free time I’m usually lifting heavy things, lounging with my pets, listening to house music, and binging garbage reality television.

Things I’m here for:

👏🏻 Building strong muscles, bones, and minds to live a long, independent life.
👏🏻 Communities that lift each other up through thoughtful conversations and actual inclusive practices.
👏🏻 Early mornings. I do not know what happens after 8pm.
👏🏻 Holding myself and those around me to high and achievable expectations so that we can all show up as our best selves.
👏🏻 Finding movement and exercise practices that fit an individual’s lifestyle and abilities that also cultivate joy.

Things I’m NOT here for:

🙅🏻‍♀️ Food shaming. I simply love food and hope everyone has access to food that fuels them and brings a smile to their face.
🙅🏻‍♀️ Mean girl/human behavior in yoga and fitness spaces. Seriously. Just cut it out.
🙅🏻‍♀️ Fitness and exercise hierarchies. Would I love for you to love resistance training as much as I do? YES! But I really just want folks to consistently show up for whatever movement practice supports them best.
🙅🏻‍♀️ Underpaid and undervalued work. As someone who has been in this industry for 15+ years I’ve seen too many talented professionals get taken advantage of and it’s gotta stop.

If you’re in the Twin Cities area, come check out one of my yoga or group fitness classes. Looking for a personal trainer? Hit me up! And if you just want to chat about all things yoga, movement, resistance training, or who you think will be booted off of Survivor send me a DM.

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YOUR STUDENTS ARE LISTENING

One of the more uncomfortable aspects of my job is the realization that I have influence over the people I teach and coach.

It took me a long time to realize I had this influence.

Sure, it’s kind of the nature of the job as a yoga/fitness teacher and personal trainer. People show up, they take your class, maybe learn a few things, and they’re often inspired or moved by the words you share.

Your words have power.

Whether you’re on a mic encouraging folks to pick up heavier weights, quietly guiding a group through meditation, or gabbing with your colleagues behind the studio desk, never forget that others are listening. Even when you think you’re “off”, someone is going to see you as “on” when you’re in your place of work.

Be gentle with that power.

YOU DON’T OWE ANYONE AN EXPLANATION.

I’m a rule follower. I always lean towards asking permission rather than forgiveness. I also feel like I owe everyone an explanation when I make big decisions because I never want to let down those around me.

These traits often prevent me from taking risks or trying something new.

I feel a sense of duty when it comes to my professional endeavors. Stepping away from a class that I’ve been teaching for a while or leaving a studio or gym for a different opportunity is not a decision I take lightly. When I do make a change, I find myself over explaining my decisions and, frankly, it’s unnecessary.

It’s okay to step away from a class, studio, obligation, etc. that is no longer serving you.

It’s okay to explore other opportunities where you feel supported and seen.

It’s okay to cut back on work so that you have time for yourself and your loved ones.

It’s okay to go where the money is because community and “good vibes” don’t pay the bills.

These are all valid explanations AND it’s never a requirement for you to share your reasoning.

Ultimately this is all just a pep talk I needed to give myself. Perhaps it’ll help someone else too.

HOW ARE YOU CARING FOR YOURSELF?

Last week I had a student pull me aside after class. She wanted to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication I put into my teaching, and she wanted to make sure I was taking the time to care for myself.

Teaching and coaching can take a lot out of a person. Lots of pouring into others can quickly lead to burnout. More often than not, I find myself running on fumes. And I’m working on (not very successfully) slowing down, being present for loved ones, and enjoying my own movement practices.

Here’s some highlights so far from this fall:

▪️Time in the woods and on the prairie grouse, woodcock, and pheasant hunting. I have yet to take a shot in the field, and that’s okay! Time with my dog and husband while being outdoors is really what it’s about.

▪️Sharing big feelings and life events with those that I hold close to my heart.

▪️Cuddles and chaos with our rambunctious kitten, senior Setter, perturbed adult cat, and goofy pup.

▪️Lots of hours lifting weights, running, and cycling to help me feel strong and powerful in my body and mind.

I know I didn’t choose an easy career path. Most days I feel like this path chose me. As long as I’m making the time to care for me and fill my cup, I know it’s the right path.

ACCEPTING NEW TRAINING CLIENTS

I’m so excited to share that I will be renting a training space in Northeast Minneapolis beginning in November. It’s my hope to provide smart, no-frills training for more folks in the community.

My training style might resonate with you if:

▪️You’re brand new to strength training and want detailed explanations on how to train in a smart, safe manner.
▪️The typical gym scene doesn’t seem like your place.
▪️ You’re looking for ways to get stronger both physically and mentally.
▪️You are returning to movement after an injury or big life event.
▪️You like learning about different ways to move your body as you age.

Interested? Want to learn more? Let’s connect!
📧: [email protected]

Over the last few months I’ve found myself thinking, “I just don’t want to.” ⁠
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This feeling refers to running aspects of my business. ⁠
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🚫 I don’t want to post on social media.⁠
🚫 I don’t want to create and film a new class for my on demand library.⁠
🚫 I don’t want to get more people to sign up for my newsletter.⁠
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It’s not necessarily that these are things I don’t want to do. It’s just that I don’t want all of my free time outside of the yoga studio and gym to be consumed by all of my “extra” work. ⁠
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So I’ve decided to just not do them anymore. At least for now.⁠
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Once I made that decision I felt incredibly free.⁠
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I’m excited to dedicate more of my professional time to teaching in-person classes and coaching personal training clients. I’m even more excited to dedicate my free time and mental space to things that have absolutely nothing to do with my job. ⁠
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If you want to take a class with me, check out the link for my in-person teaching schedule.⁠
⁠https://www.erinjorich.com/teaching-schedule-1
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