Circuit Spotlight: Jainee Dial
Many of you may know Jainee Dial as one of our wonderful Circuit Yoga class instructors and a regular at the gym. She also doubles as a freelance graphic designer and filmmaker; so if her charm weren’t enough, there are plenty of other reasons to talk to her. Jainee was kind enough to chat with me about her love of climbing and yoga, and how they’ve helped her become the person she is today.
Circuit Gym: What brought you to Portland?
Jainee Dial: I was born in Utah and had a great childhood exploring in the mountains, camping, hiking, biking, and snowboarding. I moved to Portland to go to college and just ended up staying.
CG: How long have you been climbing?
JD: I was kind of a late-bloomer. I tried climbing about 4 years ago, but have been consistent for the last 2 years.
CG: What originally inspired you to start climbing?
JD: I started climbing with my boyfriend and found it to be incredibly inspiring. Like yoga, it forced me to breathe, trust my body, and quiet the negative mental dialogue in my head.
CG: Where’s your favorite place to climb outdoors?
JD: Squamish blew my mind with its grandeur and scope, but the best climbing days have been with my homies at French’s Dome near Mt. Hood.
CG: How have yoga and climbing helped or hindered one another? Does each passion offer something to your life that the other doesn’t?
JD: Yoga and climbing are so complementary, both physically and mentally. Climbing for me becomes a moving meditation. Just as yoga is a state of heightened consciousness through movement, climbing takes it up a notch and requires a kind of focus and strength that is unrivaled by any other sport I’ve tried.
CG: Do you have any recommendations for fellow climbers looking to make yoga a bigger part of their routine?
JD: A commitment to your health and wellbeing is essential, so if you want to feel liberation in your body and in your mind, you have to put in the effort to find a teacher or class that enhances your wellbeing. If you can’t make time for classes I would recommend simple stretching before climbing. Take 5 minutes to warm up your body and start to become aware of your breath before you get on the wall.
If money is an issue, the Circuit yoga classes are free for members and only $5 to drop-in. I’ll also be teaching a donation class at the new Prana store on NW 23rd every Saturday morning at 9am beginning in December.
CG: What do you love most about the Circuit?
JD: I love the community of like-minded adventure nuts, bike-geeks, and climb-freaks that the Circuit has created. I have made incredible friends through the Circuit and in climbing trips all over the west coast in the last few years, and I’m grateful that we all have an indoor rock sanctuary to escape to in the city.
Thanks to Jainee for her time chatting with me! Next time you see her make sure you say hi, and check out one of her classes when you can. You won’t be disappointed.
