Meet April Fort: Yoga Teacher, Homeschooler, Always Learning

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Fort and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance is a funny thing. I’ve had years where I worked 7 days a week for 6 months straight and didn’t necessarily feel out of balance. At the same time I’ve had years where I only worked 15 hours a week and felt like I had no time for myself or my family. What I’ve realized over time is, number one, to schedule my family and myself first. I love a good paper calendar, and I block off time to meditate, practice yoga just for me, take the kids out for ice cream, have a date night with my husband- the little things. Number two is to continually create a life I don’t need or want a vacation from. As a society, to many of us get caught in the cycle of slaving away at jobs we don’t like, let alone enjoy. The average person spends 13 years at work (give or take) in their life time (accumulative). That’s a lot of time to dedicate to something that doesn’t make you excited to wake up in the morning. So my idea of balance isn’t work for a certain amount and play for a certain amount of time, it’s not a see saw- it’s more fill your cup. Be aware and willing to “do less” if you feel depleted, but don’t associated “doing more” with being off balance. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a yoga teacher and the Yoga Boutique Manager at Life Time Cypress. I feel like my career has unfolded organically. I don’t believe in going against my heart- so if something feels off then I pass on it. At the same time if something feels right, I’m also a strong believer in “you don’t stop when you’re tired, you stop when you’re done.” I love teaching teachers- so I spend a lot of time running 200 hour trainings and I’m running my first 300 hour next spring! Next stop for me personally is Ayurveda- I’m finishing up my Yoga Ayurvedic Specilist Cert and super pumped to begin integrating it with the other stuff I do. I want to help people re-learn to listen. Listen to what their body is telling them, their heart is whispering- and then have the confidence to act. We are all capable of escaping the limitations we place on ourselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely need to do margaritas at Ambriza, whether is was Vintage Park or Town Lake. A class or two or three or twelve at Life Time (regardless of the club). Cupcakes at Sweets in City Centre (strawberry and coconut are my favorites), you have to go. And a lot of time outside, Houston has beautiful parks- too many to name.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Big shout out to my husband, Henry Fort, who always supports my dreams (regardless of how many yoga certificates I want to get). He doesn’t practice, meditate or do any of the traditional yoga things- but could probably teach a whole class because he has been listening to me ramble at home for the past 15 plus years. He is my inspiration, my support, and my sounding board. xoxo

Website: http://www.aprilfort.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilfort/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.fort.77
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhmmK1TSRMPCB4QY0B7YFg