Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Froehlich
Hi Mandy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At 16, I had a close call that would change my life forever. I was in a car accident that left me with a broken neck—a hangman’s fracture. The doctors told me that if the bone had shifted even a little more, I could have been a quadriplegic. That near miss, that fragile moment, became the turning point that shaped how I moved forward in life. It gave me a gift—the gift of perspective.
In that moment, I understood how fleeting and fragile life really is. Movement, something I’d always taken for granted, became a treasure. I’d been a dancer throughout high school and college, and now, every step, every stretch, every motion in my body became something to cherish. My body had been given back to me in ways I would never again take for granted.
That experience set me on a path that ultimately led me to where I am today—a 500-hour registered yoga teacher, a seasoned personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, and a Pilates instructor, all driven by a curiosity to understand the science of fitness. My journey began over two decades ago with a master’s degree in exercise science, and since then, I’ve had the honor of working with thousands of clients, all while discovering that feeling great in our bodies is about more than just exercise. It requires a variety of tools, strategies, and a deep connection with ourselves.
No two classes are ever the same, but there are a few constants. One of them is my invitation to my students to connect more deeply with their bodies—through descriptive alignment cues and mindful breath. I believe that being present with the body, listening to it, and respecting its limits is just as important as the physical movement itself. And of course, I throw in the occasional joke to remind us all not to take ourselves too seriously. Life is too short not to have fun, right?
I’ve come to believe that a balance between intentionality and playfulness is key to a sustainable practice. Movement should feel good, and it should bring joy. That’s why I teach a variety of classes for all levels, always encouraging every BODY to embrace the joy of movement. It’s about discovering what your body is capable of, and feeling gratitude for it every single day.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some truly amazing teachers and mentors over the years—Gina Caputo, Sarah Kucera, John Salisbury, Anton Mackey, Liz Klug, Amanda Jesse, and Theresa Hubbard. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and commitment to lighting my path. They’ve shown me the importance of both teaching and learning, of sharing wisdom and seeking knowledge, and of approaching every day with gratitude.
It’s this gratitude that I hope to pass on to my students, and that I believe helps me connect with them in a unique way. I’ve had moments with clients where they’ve shared their own struggles or setbacks, and I can’t help but remember my own experience. It’s in those moments, when I see their resilience and their willingness to move forward, that I realize how much my story—my gift—can inspire others to find strength, joy, and purpose in their own bodies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The broken neck, some personal struggles and losing my dad to suicide a few years ago set me on a path to appreciate physical and mental health. It opened my heart to those that struggle within their body and mind and a passion to help and truly understand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The blend of movements from personal training to yoga to Pilates and a blend of mind-body (somatic work) is my unique art. From my online platforms where I share unique and beneficial movements everyday to the classes I get to teach to students in person, I absolutely love helping people feel amazing in their body.
My instagram and facebook platforms have nearly 1 million followers and are growing everyday. It’s fun to meet and interact with so many people looking for ways to stay active.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how many unique places we have right here at our fingertips. Meeting new people and trying new unique experiences is my favorite part. My yoga journey started in the crossroads at a yoga studio called Kansas Siddha yoga. There’s so many people willing to take a chance and open up a place for people to come and learn. Its wonderful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepractice-studio.com
- Instagram: @mandyfroehlich_
