Teacher Feature: Nancy Kolbe

Here's a chance to get to know one of your favorite HYNW Instructors!

Nancy Kolbe

Nancy and Rachel on the ferry to YTT!

Nancy has been a long-time member of the HYNW Tribe. First in 2014, as a student! You can read about her first class experience below - it's even better if she tells you the story in person, though. 
Then in 2018, as a teacher. 

Make the time to take her class - they are all wonderful. She leads with Love, and as a student you can feel that throughout your practice!

"Read More" to get to know a little more about Nancy!

First Yin Yoga Class with Teacher Nancy!

How long have you been teaching?
1.5 years

What Teacher Training(s) have you attended?
Yin Yoga ~ Bernie Clark August 2018, Vancouver BC
Original Hot Yoga 26/2 ~ Raja Yoga Academy April 2019, Victoria BC

What classes do you teach at Hot Yoga NorthWest?
Original Hot Yoga, Original Hot Yoga - Beats, Yin Yoga

What do you love most about teaching?
Connection with people. It's fun to watch someone make a "connection" with a posture and it's really a neat experience to watch a room full of experienced practitioners move as one through the 26/2 class...especially Triangle. To hear the flow of the breath. It's exhilarating for me. Student's facial expressions and demeanor when coming out of Yin is also a nice experience.

What inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
I've known since I was a little girl that I wanted to teach. Yoga felt like a good path for me to fulfill my childhood wish. I've always enjoyed helping others.

Nancy and her husband, John.

Tell us a little about your life outside the Studio.
Married for almost 25 year to John, 2 kids, Matt, 23 and Katie, 20. My husband and I are in the trucking industry. I enjoy reading, knitting, yoga, walking our 2 Boxers, meditating, Goddess Time with girlfriends; motorcycle riding ~it's great to be the passenger, taking care of my roses along with other yard work. 

What's your favorite food?
Beets (this is a tough question)

What's your favorite color?
Forest Green

What's your favorite book?
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

What's your favorite movie?
Tootsie (tough one!)

What's your biggest pet peeve?
When people don't clean up after their pet

Nancy and another HYNW Teacher, Derek!

​​How did you discover the Studio?
My husband bought the Groupon! I had driven by many times but never gave the studio much thought. After my first class, I came back within a week or two. That's when my practice began. It's been pretty steady ever since.

Do you remember your first class? Tell us about it.
It was horrible! I was wearing a cotton short sleeve t-shirt and 3/4 length sweat pants. My husband attended the 1st time with me. Pretty sure he was on the floor shortly after Eagle. He did try to leave the room at one point but was asked to stay, he did. I honestly don't recall how many times I sat out or just stood there watching. It was surprising what the people around me were doing with such ease. Thinking the whole time, I can never do that...I don't wanna do that...why is it so F'n hot....why must we lay still, why must my eyes stay open. I thought the class lasted forever. It was irritating to me that the teacher, Mica, didn't come check on my husband who laid down the rest of class. By the time we got to Hazel Dell Ave and 78th, I pretty much knew I'd never go back. That evening I couldn't believe the energy I felt and noticed my toes weren't numb. It had to be the yoga. ​

What is your favorite class?
Original Hot Yoga, Original Hot Yoga - Beats, Yin Yoga

What is your favorite posture?
Savasana

Please describe your 'Why Yoga?'
Mind ~ Body ~ Spirit
Connection with myself.
​The way I feel when class is over, I can't get any other way. I keep showing up. I keep learning. I enjoy reading about the practice as well as participating in clinics!

​What's the biggest benefit / obstacle you've experienced or overcome since practicing at HYNW?
Great energy, no more numbing in my toes and fingertips during the Winter months, the best benefit was meeting Myself on the mat in the mirror. This practice empowers me. I also came off of an anti depressant about 6 months into my practice (with DR knowing). I continue to grow with each class whether I'm on the mat or the podium. Not every day is a good day and that's ok.

Nancy, Craig, Rachel, and Laurie after the Craig Villani Workshop at Hot Yoga NorthWest!

What advice would you give a new student?
Honor how you feel in the moment. Make sure you can see at least a sliver of yourself in the mirror - eyes straight ahead. Stay in the room. Breathe. Come back as soon as you can. Stay hydrated. Electrolytes are great for your body. 

Tell us why you love HYNW?
The people, connect, and community! The teachers!

Anything else!?
For me, as a student the hot room is my Torture Chamber of Self love....if I didn't love myself I wouldn't keep coming back..it's hot and it's hard, but I can't get this feeling any other way, I have to do the work. As a teacher, it's an honor to be your Guide through this 90 min class so you can find out what it does for you with consistent practice as you do the work.

If you want more of Nancy, you can check out her Bio HERE.
You can also find her teaching in the HYNW Virtual Studio so be sure to check out her class from home.

Hot Yoga NorthWest is so lucky to have an awesome teacher like Nancy on the Podium!
WE LOVE YOU, NANCY!