Photo by Geneva Nodland
Why did we pick Allison?
A Fargo native, Allison Grippe has a deep connection to the Fargo-Moorhead area. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that she began practicing yoga. In 2018, Allison suffered through a severe form of food poisoning, losing a ton of weight in the process. Since completing that, she has made a deep impact in her home community through the practice. She worked as an instructor, built an online following and even hosted practices on the roof of the Jasper Hotel in downtown Fargo. Eventually, she opened her own studio, Yuj Yoga.
5 Health Hacks for Fargo
1. Move in the Morning
“While it’s tempting to think of movement solely as a means for fitness or weight loss, it’s really much more about making you feel alive in your own body. Exercise and movement in the morning have a myriad of benefits including improved focus and productivity. I love rolling out my mat first thing in the morning knowing that I’ll receive a boost of happiness.”
One of the more unique options for movement in the metro is FM Aerial & Movement Arts, a pole dancing and aerial silks studio in town that will give you a serious workout.
2. Have A Productive Day
“It feels great to accomplish something first thing in the morning. Any form of exercise can help you de-stress and prepare your mind, body and spirit for a productive day.”
3. Drink Tea
“While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness. I recently started ordering a peach blossom tea at 20 Below Coffee and a matcha latte at Youngblood, and I do not regret that decision.”
“The oat milk matcha latte at Youngblood might be my favorite drink on planet Earth.”
-Brady Drake, Editorial Director
4. Did Someone Say Cider?
“Did you know that Youngblood has hot apple cider on its menu? It’s delicious and I often order it during the middle of the day when coffee isn’t as appealing.”
5. Yoga Nidra
“Yoga Nidra literally means yogic sleep. It is a systematic practice of moving awareness from our external world to the inner world. I don’t teach these classes but I enjoy taking them for the restorative benefits at my studio and Downtown Yoga.”
Downtown Yoga recently came under new ownership. You can checkout an exclusive interview with Fargo’s newest favorite Kim Hobbs in the January issue of Fargo Monthly.
Allison’s Places to Go
1. Belle Ame
Belle Ame offers customized skin care solutions for each client. Their services include microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, MicroCurrent and lash services.
“Skin plays such an important role in protecting your body. Maggie and her team at Belle Ame know exactly what services and products I need to stay radiant.”
2. Fly Fitness
“There are so many ways to stay active in Fargo. Fly Fitness is my favorite place to cycle and work on my endurance.”
3. Power Plate Meals
Power Plate Meals offers healthy, convenient cuisine that can be picked up or delivered. They even offer subscription plans.
“Power Plate Meals are nutritious and convenient. I can preview the menu online and decide what I want to pick up or order.”
4. Niche Salon
I have a love/hate relationship with my hot yoga bun. That is why I visit Niche Salon Studios in West Fargo. They offer deep conditioning services and are an inclusive salon that has a chair for everyone.”
5. Scribble Lady Co.
Founded by TikTok famous artist Hannah Stelter, Scribble Lady Co. sells a ton of her fantastic creations as well as the best glass pen kit on the market.
“Scribble Lady Co. screams body positivity. The art, the products and the staff all radiate good vibes. I make it a priority to visit the store every time I’m in Downtown Fargo.
Allison Approved
1. Bernbaum’s (Local Food)
“My favorite dish in town is Bernbaum’s vegan lox and eggs and I’m not even vegan!”
2. B Yoga Everyday Mat 4mm
“Buying a yoga mat is a big decision. I’ve had my B Yoga Everyday Mat for two years now and use it every day. The grip is great for heated and non-heated classes. I recommend these mats to all of my students.”
3. Eminence Eight Greens Phyto Masque
“A salad for your face. This masque keeps my skin hydrated and glowing all winter long.”
4. Paavani Hydrate Blend Tea
“This is one of the best tea blends I’ve ever had. I love the licorice and cinnamon combo. Plus, I know that this blend helps keep me hydrated after hot yoga or a long winter day.”
Allison’s Picks
Follow
Instagram: @daniellelaporte
“If you enjoy deep thinking and meditating, Danielle Laporte is the spiritual leader to follow. Discover new ways to keep it real and be loving.”
Shop (Local Store)
“Is gift-giving considered a hobby? I could treat my friends, loved-ones and yoga students to sweet gifts from Unglued every single day. It doesn’t matter if it’s a special occasion or a “just because” gift, I always find the best cards, candles and jewelry at Unglued. I’m excited to visit their new location inside Brewhalla this year.”
Did you know?
Unglued is moving to Brewhalla!
Buy
“B Yoga Cork yoga blocks not only meet you where you are in your practice, they take you beyond where you ever thought you could go. With the support of blocks, we can better understand how to align and engage the body.”
Read
“If you want to take your yoga from just asanas (the poses) to incorporating its principles in your everyday life “Living Your Yoga” by Judith Lasater is a great place to start. I read this book during my 200-hour yoga teacher training and continue to share it with my students in and outside of the studio.”
Listen
“I highly suggest listening to Evolve by Erika. Erika is a kundalini yoga teacher that shares tips on how to get clear on what you want, shift your mindset, and elevate your vibration. “Episode 64: More On Manifestation” is currently my favorite.”
Download
Calm – “Find 3 to 25-minute guided meditations that promote deep rest. You don’t need to be an expert to get started.”
Insight Time – “Create a wellness routine at home. They have a breathwork category full of simple exercises.”
Q&A
What are health, wellness and beauty to you?
My approach to health, wellness and beauty may seem holistic. I believe real beauty comes from nurturing what is inside, and it shows in our mood, vitality and glow.
Why do you believe yoga is an important practice for people to incorporate?
In a world that promotes doing more, yoga reminds us to slow down and do less. I always tell people “we are human beings, not human doings.” I believe everyone can benefit from taking time to rest and be present. It’s in those moments that we can realign with what sets our soul on fire.
People often say things like, “Oh, I wouldn’t be any good at yoga, I’m not flexible.” Why should people reexamine that statement and how can beginners get involved in the practice?
Yoga is so much more than asana (the poses). There are many practices like yoga nidra that only require you to lie comfortably on a mat. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about these practices because yoga is often recognized as a fitness class. Some classes may require strength, but a good teacher will always remind you that you are exactly where you need to be and provide you the tools you need to say “YES” to yoga.
What are some health/beauty options in town that you have utilized that have not already been listed?
I recently had a 60-minute massage inside Inspire’s Salt Cave and it was a magical experience. I appreciated the use of essential oils and mantras.
Now that sounds awesome!
Did you know?
Swanson Health Products, a company with an estimated revenue of over $500 million was founded in Fargo in 1969!
Clean beauty products are hard to find. That is why I buy my shampoo, conditioner and bodywash at Swanson Health Products. They have a brand called Giovanni that is affordable and free of propylene glycol (which I’m sensitive to).
For those out there that don’t know, can you tell us about how you got into yoga? I started practicing yoga in 2014 but it wasn’t until I got sick in 2018 that I decided to learn more and dive deeper. That year I met an amazing teacher who I was able to open up to about my illness. She taught me pranayama (breathwork) and showed me that yoga was much more than a physical practice. She created practices that grew with me as I continued to heal and flourish, but I’m not sure if that would have been possible without her guidance. That year I signed up for a 200 hour yoga teacher training and I’ve never looked back. Yoga changed my life and it continues to help me evolve in the best ways.
Briefly, what is your morning routine?
5 a.m. – I wake up and head to Yuj Yoga.
6 a.m. – I instruct 60-minute heated flows on Thursday and Friday.
7 a.m. – Close up, head home, drink hot lemon water and shower.
8 a.m. – Head to work. I have a hybrid marketing career and most days I work from home.
Around 9 or 10 a.m. – I’ll eat breakfast, listen to a podcast and make myself some tea or coffee.
How to Support Allison
Yuj Yoga Socials
Instagram: @yujyogafargo
Facebook: /yujyogafargo
Instagram: @getagrippe
Website Facebook: /agrippe1gripp
Tiktok: @getagrippe
