Ingrid Martin and I met in a Gold’s Gym Body Flow class in 2008. Shortly after, she insisted that I get certified to teach Body Flow. She hasn’t stopped talking me into things since. Ingrid has been instrumental on my fitness journey – providing guidance, pushing when I needed to be pushed and providing plenty of opportunities for me to teach. I could not have asked for a better person to be on my team.
Ingrid is the Group Exercise Director for Bethesda Sport and Health. She is certified to teach yoga, weightlifting and spinning – just to name a few. When she is not terrorizing – I mean “motivating” people to be at their best and work a little harder, she is busy taking care of family and friends. I am only one of many people she has encouraged to get into group exercise. Take any one of her classes and you will see why her infectious energy and authenticity can help push you to the next level.
How did you find your way to yoga?
I found my way to yoga thru Body Flow. I began teaching Body Flow at Gold’s Gym and fell in love with it. I wanted to deepen my knowledge base and my own personal practice so I began down the road to complete my 200RYT. I am thrilled to have taken this path, and while I find myself done with the required trainings, I feel that I am just beginning the true journey.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is evolving. When I first began teaching I put a lot of emphasis on the strength benefits of yoga. The longer I teach the more the meditation speaks to me so my classes are beginning to move into a more meditative style. I am looking forward to teaching a Restorative class in the near future.
What is your go-to stress fighting technique?
Breathing. I can completely change my mood by focusing on my breath and the rhythm of my breathing. It sounds so silly, but it truly works. The problem is you have to remember to do it when you are stressed.
Describe your perfect day.
Sleeping in late (I love sleep) and then eating a great breakfast. I would spend the rest of the day lounging by the pool reading magazines. I find the noise of the kids in the pool to be comforting and I just love the feeling of being around lots of people but still off to myself. A late afternoon yoga class followed by a wonderful dinner and a bottle of wine with someone that I love and that loves me would be my perfect day.
Your last meal would be?
What a sad thought. I guess I would say a delicious thick steak covered in crispy thin onion rings, with a fresh green salad, and strawberry shortcake with loads of cool-whip for dessert.
Best advice you can give someone else would be?
Listen to your gut.
Yogitastic 
I ❤ Ingrid!! Who doesn't? Her teaching style is incredibly welcoming AND challenging. She was my first Body Flow instructor, that class truly changed me and saved me at a time when I needed it more than I knew.
Well, that story sure sounds familiar! Got your card, Cara! You rock! I hope recovery is going well! 🙂
I love Ingie! Both Sam and Ingrid have been instrumental in educating me about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They’re funny and full of energy and willing to admit that healthy living is a daily journey that isn’t always fun or pretty – but worth the sacrifice. (Ingie, thank for addicting me to Sports Beans and Sam thank you for picking on me mercilessly about my balance in Body Flow.) As women we invest in so many things, taking care of your body is an investment in you! You’re worth it! Thanks ladies!
I just want to clarify for the audience that by “picking on me” she means directly motivating her to try a little harder. 😉 It was a pleasure having you in class. I miss you!
I can’t even begin to express how much I love this woman! Ingrid inspired me to become certified to teach Spinning classes; she inspired my style of teaching, and she has been a fitness inspiration to me in countless other ways. She introduced me to Body Flow, where I discovered a softer side of the high-energy torture queen I knew from her Spin and Body Pump classes. I was amazed at her ability to turn on a different kind of energy and what appeared on the surface to be a completely different teaching style. Now, more and more, I see that energy and teaching style creeping into her Spin room, her strength classes, and her life. Love you, Ingie!!
Now if only I can get her to stop signing me up for things! 😉
Hmmmmm….wonder why you don’t mention your family at all. Spirituality and integrity extend to your work, home, and social lives. When you start getting out of balance, slowly but surely every aspect of your life is affected. It may not be happening now, but it will happen. Namaste.