Inspirational Indiyogis: Tom and Gabi DiAngelis

Inspirational Indiyogis in the Spotlight:
Tom and Gabi DiAngelis

Meet Gabi and Tom DiAngelis, our silly and fun loving Indiyogi husband and wife! Tom and Gabi have a pretty badass reputation of just being awesome. Their relationship with each other and their ability to really just have a good time has inspired us. They are always cracking jokes and ready to make everyone laugh… and their positive energy is seriously contagious at Indigo Yoga!

Gabi and Tom always find a way to surprise us with some completely creative way to do all of the Indigo challenges…. like when they submitted 12 photos of their Elf on the Shelf in yoga poses for the "12 Days of Yoga" challenge. And have you seen their Matrix-style video of their peaceful warrior pose for #INDIGOBINGO (it's on Indigo Yoga's Facebook if you want to check it out)!? Maybe some of you have been lucky enough to taste some of Gabi's delicious homemade raw organic snack bars or baked goods (if not, you are missing out!)

We can go on and on about why we find Gabi and Tom an inspiration… so here's just a little bit to let you get to know them a little bit better and to hear about their yoga journey….

Gabi and Tom have been together for 11 years and got married in 2010. Gabi, 29 has dabbled in yoga a bit here and there for about 13 years, but really found her footing at Indigo Yoga. Gabi was about 16 when she watched an Oprah episode on yoga and tried to practice a bit on her own. Her BFF took her to a real class when she was 19 and she really enjoyed it, little did Gabi know how much she would grow to love it years later. Tom started his practice in November 2014 at Indigo, with some forceful encouragement from his loving wife. He started willingly going to yoga soon after, as he almost immediately recognized the benefits (and that Gabi was right all along).

Social media introduced the couple to the studio when it first opened but it took a few months to get their butts in the door. Gabi says, "Despite some of our social anxiety, we could tell that IY had a truly special atmosphere embracing the mind, body and spirit in a very accepting joyous nature that made it easy to keep going back. There’s zero judgement and it’s about YOUR practice-if you don’t make it into a pose today, there’s always tomorrow. It’s a great community."

When we asked them what their focus or personal mantra is when they practice yoga, they said they both try to focus on being a better person than they were yesterday (mind, spirit, body). When Gabi needs to step away from the stresses of life, she breathes in Hakuna and breathes out Matata- it means “no worries” for those who haven’t watched The Lion King. Tom has recently been challenging himself to use his breathing to help free his mind during class and at work.

Gabi claims that yoga has completely changed their lives. "During the natural ups and downs of life, it’s provides for a much needed release." The calmness and focus has bled into their everyday lives. Tom and Gabi love that they can share the amazing physical and spiritual experience yoga has to offer. Tom says he really loves yoga because it allows him to be yelled at less often by Gabi.

We asked Gabi and Tom what their favorite poses are….
Gabi loves wheel because it feels great on the back. She did her very first wheel about 4 months ago; it represents practice, determination and possibilities. Tom enjoys Ardha Matsyendrasana variations because everything cracks and feels good.

The quote that inspires them most:
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

Fun Facts about our Inspirational couple:

- Tom and Gabi met at a goth club in Newark.

- Tom and Gabi had an extended interaction with Bob Saget while he was both on stage and after his show. Bob Saget even gave a shout out to them on his Facebook the next day.