Strong Women are Stronger Together series - Sondra Vogel edition

A while ago I wrote a blog about why I think asking for help is the gateway to living your best life. That blog was inspired by all of the incredible women I’m surrounded by daily and I decided I would feature some of them in a new series called “Strong Women are Stronger Together.”

Sondra Vogel is the second inspiring woman that I am featuring and the timing might be on purpose since we’re co-hosting an event together in a few weeks on September 23rd (P.S. In case you missed the first women I featured, check out how awesome Jenn Bartlett is here). Sondra is the owner of Fight 2 Get Fit, a gym located on the NW side of Grand Rapids. She and her instructors offer a wide range of classes including boot camp, boxing, cardio kickboxing, toning, WERQ, and yoga.

I’ve been teaching a class or two per week at her gym and have loved becoming involved in the incredible community that she’s created between her and her members. Fight 2 Get Fit offers classes for all ages, including kid’s classes. There is a wide age range at most of the adult classes but modifications are offered and everyone roots each other on.

I first met Sondra in grade school. She’s a couple years younger than me and was good friends with my younger cousin. We often did random jobs together and I drove her to high school for the two years that our time at West Catholic overlapped.

We lost touch for several years but at the beginning of 2018 our paths crossed again. I posted on Instagram that I had completed yoga teacher training and needed willing students to practice on. She graciously volunteered and offered to let me teach at Fight 2 Get Fit whenever I wanted to keep practicing. So nice, right? She’s not only incredibly kind, she’s also one of the most laid back and flexible people that I know. I’ve been lucky to partner with her on multiple events since we share some similar values. We share the desire to help others; encouraging them to believe in themselves and create more self-love along the way.

If money were no object, what would you spend most of your time doing?

Sondra: I would spend most of my time on doing anything that makes me feel truly alive! I know that's a very broad spectrum, ha. Accomplishing things that push myself to the limit, facing fears, seeing & witnessing spectacular & magical things, experiencing all life has to offer without the worry of money. Whether it be backpacking around Europe, learning to surf in New Zeland, learning piano/guitar & singing & dancing on stage with a band or group, etc. But it includes experiences/adventures, trying new things, learning new skills, exploring the world and all it has to offer, seeing beautiful things that remind you of how small you are & take your breath away. Meeting & learning from every person I meet along the way & hopefully leaving them with some positivity & leave a little bit better of a person too. So, things that revolve around traveling, any kind of sport/physical activity/anything active (basketball, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, etc.), dancing, music, singing, being in nature, good times with good people & laughing a lot & helping me grow & learn & help push me towards being the best version of myself. Just living.

What inspires you?

Sondra: I am inspired mostly by anything that brings Postive Vibes. :) My purpose in life is to help others in positive ways. I try to live up to that as best as possible by trying to just be a positive light in someone else's life whenever I can. Whether it's spreading love, compassion, empathy, understanding, trust, etc.  The people I am constantly around inspire me to keep striving to do better for them. When I hear stories of people accomplishing something that they or no one thought possible, it drives me to work harder & keep working towards my goals & to never give up. When I go out & just experience life, I'm inspired by people, events, nature, all kinds of things that remind me of how awesome the world & life can be and anything is possible as long as you give love & gratitude every day. 

In just a few weeks, Sondra and I will be hosting a Body & Mind Workshop. This unique experience will offer something a little different than your typical yoga class. We will lead you through a 30 minute WERQ class, followed by 45 minutes of yoga and meditation and then discuss the tendencies of the mind and help you create goals for every part of your life so that you can finish 2018 strong. Price is $5 for members and $10 for non-members on September 23rd from 5:30-7:30 pm at Fight 2 Get Fit. I encourage you to RSVP to the event and follow Wandering Roots on Facebook to stay up to date with upcoming events.

I really hope you will joins us!

My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.

I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.

My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.

Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Trip Planning Wizard