Sponsoring Heidi's Yoga Instructor Training in Bali

Hello friends,

I wanted to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported my yoga teacher training journey! I officially completed my training in January, and I’m so grateful for the generosity that helped make it possible.

Since my training is now finished, I’ll be closing this GoFundMe. However, if you’ve enjoyed my free virtual yoga sessions, blog, or travel content and ever feel like supporting my work, I’ve set up a Ko-Fi page if you want to "buy me a protein shake."

Here's the link: https://ko-fi.com/heidirunsabroad

No pressure at all—just an easy way for anyone who wants to contribute!

Thanks again for being part of my journey!

I’m super excited to share with you that on January 1st of 2025, I will be starting my 200-hour yoga instructor training in Bali !

Fitness has been my passion for over eight years primarily teaching Les Mills classes, but also kickboxing at CKO, and vamping classes together randomly whenever I get an opportunity.

As I transitioned out of my full-time job in Student Affairs and living life in the States, I believe now more than ever that my purpose in life is fueled by continuously building a community through movement.

Over the years, I constantly sought out opportunities to get up in front of others to teach whether that be team teaching with my fellow Les Mills instructor friends, offering morning yoga at my adult travel summer camp, or even teaching a group fitness class to a bunch of high school students in Portugal (since my Couchsurfing host was a gym teacher).

During the pandemic, I even turned my living room into a virtual studio, teaching over 350 classes for free to help others stay active during tough times—all simply because I loved it.

Sincerely, whenever there’s been an opportunity, my ears perk up when I excitedly get to ask someone, “Omg, can I teach? ….pretty please?” But you might already know this or perhaps you’ve specifically been on the receiving end of my excited questions.

Here’s what everyone knows about me: Heidi loves teaching fitness and loves to exercise

If you REALLY know me, you’d also know: This wasn’t always the case.

Growing up, I was overweight and didn’t eat in a very healthy way. I slowly turned that around for myself as I started to run during undergrad. After a running injury, I found group fitness and then my life was changed forever when I became an instructor.

Now, I’m embarking on the next chapter of this journey. After moving to Sofia, Bulgaria, I’ve decided to deepen my practice and become a certified yoga instructor. While I’ve taught yoga-inspired classes like BodyBalance for six years, this certification will allow me to grow personally and professionally, opening up opportunities to teach classes here in Sofia (once I can legally do so) or even virtually.

I’m currently in a period of exciting transition, working to build a business through my travel fitness blog and newsletter . While I’m resourceful and thrifty as I now live in Bulgaria and continue to travel, pursuing this training is a meaningful investment in my future—both as a teacher and in my personal growth.

Due to immigration law, I don’t know exactly when I’ll be able to have my own in-person fitness classes again. It seems certain that I’ll need to wait a little over 5 years until I’m a permanent resident. Perhaps in the meantime this training could help me expand some fitness offerings virtually (though, sadly, it’s not quite the same as in person connection).

I’ve often given freely—teaching countless classes just for the love of fitness and the joy it brings to others. Now, I’m humbly asking if you’d consider sponsoring me on this journey.

Whether I’ve inspired you in a class, cheered you on, or simply been a part of your fitness story, your generosity will help me take this next step.

Every little bit helps, and I’m truly grateful for your kindness.

Thank you for helping me continue doing what I love—spreading movement, mindfulness, and community wherever life takes me.

With love and gratitude,

Heidi