This week’s FIT-Venture took us to a special corner of the DFW metroplex that stirred up a whirlwind of emotions and memories for me. We landed in Cedar Hill, Texas, and while this visit was hosted inside a nationally recognized fitness chain—Crunch Fitness—the real reason we were there had absolutely nothing to do with the brand name on the door.

Instead, we showed up for a bright, youthful, spiritually in-tuned force of nature named Nastasha Brown.

Now here’s the twist… Nastasha isn’t just any yoga instructor. This radiant woman used to be one of my cheerleaders back in the day! That same grace and energy she used to spread on the sidelines with pom-poms and high kicks, she now delivers through mindful movements and powerful breathing as the guide of her signature yoga class called “Splash of Stash.”

And believe it or not, I managed to convince my barbell-loving, heavy-lifting, squat-challenge son to join me on this zen journey. I didn’t expect him to last, but what happened next shocked me.

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The Venue: Crunch Fitness, Cedar Hill

Let’s talk setting. Crunch Fitness Cedar Hill offers a solid, well-maintained multi-purpose room that sets the stage for any type of group class—from kickboxing to cardio funk. But for this session, it was transformed into a sanctuary.

The lights were dimmed just right, with neon strip lighting that added a tranquil yet energizing ambiance. There was no microphone needed—Nastasha’s voice carried with grace, power, and clarity, as if her spirit amplified each word. That’s what I call presence. (And yes, “bars,” as the young people say.)

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The Workout: A True “Stretch” of Strength

Now let me be clear—this was yoga, not bootcamp. I wasn’t expecting to break a sweat. But oh, did I breathe. Deeply. Intentionally. Fully. And that was the whole point.

Nastasha guided us through familiar poses: Warrior 1, 2, and 3. Tree Pose. Downward Dog. But it wasn’t about how hard the movements were. It was about how she made you feel in the pose. Empowered. Grounded. Alive.

Even my son, who’s more accustomed to powerlifting than posing, was stunned. His body was so tight from years of lifting that simply holding some of these positions became a workout in itself. The balance challenges of Warrior 3 and Tree Pose had his ankles, calves, and stabilizers screaming (in a good way).

“Mom,” he said, “when’s the last time I worked out my ankles?”

Exactly.

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The Magic of Stillness

What truly set this experience apart was the ending. Nastasha gently guided us from strength into stillness, so seamlessly that I didn’t even realize we were winding down. One moment we were rooted in Warrior 2, the next I was lying flat, eyes closed, heart open, soaking in gratitude and peace.

No judgment. No pressure. Just stillness. Acceptance. Breath.

This is what makes “Splash of Stash” so unique—it’s not just yoga. It’s soul work disguised as movement. You leave feeling lighter, softer, and more present.

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The Intangibles: The Vibe, the Voice, the Vibes

Let’s talk music, because Nastasha didn’t just hit play on a spa playlist. She created a sonic journey that paired soul-stirring R&B classics with soothing, conscious tunes that held you in space. Think Erykah Badu meets Jhene Aiko meets your favorite deep-cut gospel ballad.

Then, there’s her mastery. The way she executes each pose with such elegance and control is nothing short of art. Where some wavered, she stood still—firm, glowing, balanced.

And as someone who once led her in choreography and routines, watching her now lead with such confidence and wisdom was a full-circle moment I’ll treasure forever.

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Who This Workout is For

Here’s the truth: this yoga class is for YOU, especially if:

• You’ve been running on empty and need a space to refill your cup
• You’re in the thick of it and feel like slowing down is a luxury
• You want a powerful yet calming session to regroup, reset, and recharge
• You’re a beginner curious about yoga or an advanced yogi seeking a soulful guide

Instead of spending hundreds on a weekend getaway to “find yourself,” you could spend 45 minutes with Nastasha and discover more peace than you imagined—with half the time and a fraction of the cost.

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Want to Join the Next FIT-Venture?

You don’t just have to read about our adventures—you can JOIN US! Every week, my son and I (iLivFIT) host Pop-Up Workouts as part of our mission to explore, experience, and share the best of fitness around the country.

We try new gyms. We dive into fresh styles. From bootcamps to barre to boxing—we try it all and want you to come with us.

Follow our FIT-Venture schedule below / Catch us in your city / Bring your mat, your mindset, and your energy

Whether you’re Team Iron like my son or Team Flow like me, there’s a space for you to grow, sweat, laugh, and thrive with us.

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Final Thoughts

I went to Cedar Hill expecting a sweet reunion. What I left with was so much more: a newfound respect for yoga, a deeper appreciation for breath, and a beautiful reminder that your past can bloom in the most unexpected, magical ways.

So if you’re looking for a sign to take a moment for you—this is it.
Go get your “Splash of Stash.”
Tell Nastasha that Shelia and iLivFIT sent you.

Stay moving. Stay blessed. Stay FIT.

– Shelia “Queen Princess” Hicks
iLivFIT | Pop-Up Workouts & Real Fitness Reviews

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