Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Terry Eckmann

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible board members and Yoga Above the Magic instructor, Terry Eckmann, Ph.D.!

Dr. Eckmann is an award-winning presenter, researcher, and author with a passion for healthy aging, brain wellness, and the power of movement. She’s spent over 25 years teaching yoga to people of all ages and stages of life, coauthored “101 Mindfulness and Meditation Practices” with her daughter Katie, and wrote two other nationally recognized books: “101 Brain Boosters” and “101 Ways to Age Gracefully.”

A familiar face to many in the Minot area, Terry hosted “Eye on Fitness” for over 25 years — a local favorite offering easy-to-follow exercises for home, from chair yoga to balance and core work.

Q&A with Dr. Eckmann:

Q: What are some of the biggest benefits of practicing yoga, both physically and mentally?

A: Increased balance, strength, and flexibility — plus it boosts chemicals in the brain, like GABA, that help calm the mind. Yoga is a wonderful tool to reduce stress and ease anxiety.

Q: How does practicing yoga outdoors, like on a rooftop, enhance the experience?

A: Nature is good for the mind and body. The MCDC rooftop view of Minot is absolutely breathtaking and sets such a positive, uplifting tone for the practice.

Q: How did you get started in your yoga journey?

A: I picked up classes at seminars years ago and loved them. That sparked my desire to start teaching yoga and building my education, eventually completing over 500 hours of training through YogaFit. And I still take classes today, it’s a lifelong journey of learning and growth.

Q: What’s your favorite part about teaching yoga to groups?

A: Creating an experience that both strengthens and calms the body and mind. There’s nothing better than watching people leave class feeling better than when they arrived.

Q: Do you have a personal mantra or quote you live by when it comes to wellness?

A: “It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know that matters.”

Q: What can participants expect from the Above the Magic Yoga Series?

A: An experience that blends yoga, tai chi, and pilates — all with that breathtaking rooftop view. It’s designed to meet you exactly where you are in both your fitness level and yoga experience.

Q: Do people need previous yoga experience to join the class?

A: Not at all! There will be options for beginners through advanced participants. Everyone is welcome.

Q: If you could do yoga anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: At the top of MCDC, of course… and then maybe any beautiful beach. With yoga, you can step out of your world and into yourself, no matter where you are.

Join us for Yoga Above the Magic and experience the magic for yourself! 

Classes are open to ages 16+, all experience levels, and fitness abilities — everyone is welcome to flow with us on the beautiful MCDC rooftop. Classes are held on Mondays from June 9th to 30th at 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM. Sign up now at https://www.magiccitydiscoverycenter.com/camps — we’ll see you on the rooftop!