Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Johannsen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before opening Oxygen Yoga & Fitness and becoming an area representative, I spent 25 years as a high school science teacher and instructional coach. Fitness has always been a cornerstone of life for my husband and me. In fact, we co-owned a CrossFit gym for five years before diving headfirst into supporting our children’s busy sports schedules—from competitive dance and soccer to football, baseball, and track.
As an active family, we truly understand the value of movement. We chose to open a yoga studio to promote both physical and mental well-being, and incorporating FAR Infrared technology was the perfect fit. We already loved using our infrared sauna at home and occasional yoga sessions, so bringing the two together felt like a natural fit.
Owning this studio and witnessing the physical and mental transformations of our members has been incredibly rewarding—this space is truly my happy place. It is so exciting to bring something so innovative to the Midwest. Best of all, it’s a true family affair: my oldest daughter works the front desk, and my youngest daughter creates content for our social media. I love sharing this journey with them and our incredible community!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Marketing our brand in a cold market is difficult. People don’t know we exist yet! Once they come they love it but we have to get our name out. Hiring and keeping instructors is another challenge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an owner of a yoga studio, I get to do what I love: creating a space where people can transform their bodies, calm their minds, and find a true sense of belonging. At Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Urbandale, we are not your typical yoga studio. We specialize in offering a large variety of FAR Infrared Heat classes. Our schedule bridges the gap between intense fitness and mindful recovery, offering over 12 different class types of yoga, fitness and barre.
Unlike traditional hot yoga studios that pump in hot, humid air our infrared heat warms you from the inside out, mimicking the natural warmth of the sun. Our community loves it because it:
-Promotes a deeper, detoxifying sweat.
-Increases circulation and eases joint stiffness.
-Speeds up muscle recovery, meaning you leave feeling energized rather than depleted.
We are also widely known for our “I Love My Life” mantra. It’s printed on our walls, but more importantly, it’s a mindset we create the second you step onto your mat and you take it with you in your daily life. I am most proud of the community that feels like family and the transformations I witness every single day. I am proud that we have built a place where people feel safe to sweat, cry, laugh, and grow. We aren’t just selling fitness memberships; we are building a support system. When a member tells me that our studio helped them get through a tough divorce, a low point in their life, a stressful career change, or a physical injury—that is when I am most proud to be an Oxygen owner.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up as the daughter of a teacher, football coach, and track coach, I learned the importance of movement and leadership at a very early age. I attended a small school, which gave me the wonderful opportunity to be incredibly active and participate in speech, cross country, basketball, track and field, and cheerleading throughout high school. I also had many leadership roles in high school; such as, president of NHS and vice president of the student body.
I always knew I wanted to be an educator, but it was during my junior year of high school that I completely fell in love with chemistry. That passion led me to earn my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and education from Briar Cliff College, and I later went on to receive my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oxygenyogaandfitness.com/urbandale/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oyfurbandale
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OYFUrbandale/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oxygen-yoga-and-fitness-urbandale-2
