Meet the Crew: Channing

In the newest installment of the Meet the Crew series, we are thrilled to introduce one of our newest Athletes, yoga teacher Channing Hixon. Read on to learn more about her.

How did you get into yoga?

It’s actually a pretty funny story, I found it by accident via P90X. I was not in good shape and felt like I wanted to improve my health, but had some trouble getting going. While avoiding my P90X plan, I tried to “cheat” my workout by turning on the yoga DVD. Turns out it was far from a cheat day and it was the hardest workout that I had ever done. 

At first, I couldn’t figure out why it was so challenging -- but that challenge intrigued me and then continued to inspire me. Before discovering the possibilities of yoga, I had a very limited view of what it was. But, with patience and practice, it helped me discover not only who I was but who I wanted to be. Yoga helped pinpoint the parts of myself that I was neglecting and encouraged me to become whole with my past, present and future. 

How would you describe your workout style? 

My workout style is definitely on the lighthearted and playful side (be prepared for some corny jokes). The vivacious energy that I bring to each workout is meant to encourage you to trust the process and the possibilities of what you can get out of each day. I’m a fierce advocate for principles of proper form and action to keep your muscles rightfully engaged and safe, but I do my best to take away the intimidation of the practice. Yoga should be approachable, and I aim to open it up for everyone. 

What drew you to Hydrow? 

Honestly, outside of what I had seen in movies, I knew nothing about the rowing community. But, when I met the Hydrow team, it was this wonderful and instant synergy. I was immediately drawn to the moral compass of the company and felt that the ethics aligned with my viewpoints. These humans know how to encourage and support each other’s goals and I am so thankful to be on Team Hydrow now. 

Why is it critical to incorporate On the Mat workouts into your fitness regimen? 

There’s this saying, “you can’t be strong without being flexible, and you can’t be flexible without being strong.” This really resonates with me and how I practice yoga because balance is as important as it is crucial to strike the perfect flow of movement. On the Mat workouts cater to the multifacetedness of the body, mind and emotions by practicing different disciplines. They also help you continue to rediscover yourself -- finding new weaknesses and new strengths with every workout. 

What are some other ways that you stay fit? 

I’m very excited to continue on my rowing journey considering I am brand spanking new to the craft. I also enjoy roller skating or climbing stairs (I know, random) as forms of daily cardio, because to be honest, I am not a fan of running. So, I have to trick myself into getting my cardio through other forms, like a dance class. I also enjoy mobility training and incorporate it into my practice regularly. 

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

Well if I tell you, won’t too many people know? Just kidding. Everyone knows I have a problem with eating chocolate chip cookies (I don’t want help for this, by the way) and telling corny jokes, but not many people know that I enjoy the craft of origami. It’s something I picked up during quarantine this year. 

What would be your go-to playlist? Which artists? 

It’s almost impossible to answer this question because on different days different genres of music call out to me. I can go to bed jammin’ old school Outkast and Missy Elliot, then wake up to Duke Ellington and Melody Gardot. I can start a random 80s dance party listening to Eurythmics, Michael Jackson and Simple Minds, then switch it to good ole Motown (The Temptations, Four Tops, CHIC, The S.O.S. Band, etc.) and funk (Parliament, Commodores, Kool & the Gang, etc.) vibes while cooking dinner. I can roll my car windows down and have Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Windhand, Blackwater Holylight and The Runaways helping me through traffic. I can be in the grocery store while Portishead, Massive Attack and Little Dragon play in my headphones. Or, I can be in the mirror lip singing Maxwell, Solange, Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges and Michael Kiwanuka.

It might’ve been quicker to say I listen to almost everything except for country music. Sorry, country fans, but you probably won’t be listening to much country during my workouts! 

Be sure to stay up to date with all things Hydrow on our social media channels.