April member spotlight – Tom Sokoly
Tom Sokoly and Wife
How a Doctor’s Advice Sparked a Wellness Journey at Prana
Sometimes, the best life changes come from the simplest advice. That was exactly the case for Tom Sokoly, a longtime yogi-in-the-making, who got started on the mat thanks to a straight-talking recommendation from his medical doctor.
As retirement age approached, priorities began to shift. Climbing the career ladder and chasing workplace incentives were suddenly less important than health, longevity, and meaningful relationships. Wanting a clear picture of overall wellness (and a reality check on some old sports injuries), he went in for a thorough physical assessment. The doctor’s simple recommendation? “Start yoga or Pilates tomorrow.”
According to the doctor, balance and flexibility are key as we age. In fact, he emphasized that falls are one of the biggest risks later in life, often triggering a rapid decline in health. With that motivation in mind, the very next day, Tom visited Prana Yoga Center.
Why Prana? A few reasons: it was nearby, had glowing praise in Fox Valley Magazine as the “Best of the West” for yoga, and just felt like a solid choice. That instinct was confirmed right away. During his first visit, a warm, friendly welcome from Noreen—the ever-encouraging instructor and Member Services Manager—made it crystal clear: this was the place!
“I came to Prana for my health. I stayed for the community, the joy, and the friendships that have made this one of the best chapters of my life.”
A membership was purchased on the spot, a class schedule in hand, and before long, this new yogi was attending four classes a week.
What’s kept the commitment going strong? Prana continues to grow while staying true to its yoga roots. While the studio has long offered a range of classes—from Hatha and Vinyasa to Gentle and Yin—it now includes Pilates too. That means the original doctor’s prescription of “yoga or Pilates” can be fully embraced under one roof.
However, friendships may be even more valuable than physical transformative practices. As many know, relationships matter deeply—especially for those in later stages of life, like Tom. Prana fosters a welcoming, connected community where students don’t just show up for a workout but for the people, too.
To Tom, Prana Yoga Center has become more than a studio. It’s a central part of his vibrant, healthy, joy-filled retirement. Judging by the energy and gratitude this yogi brings to every class, he’s enjoying the best years of his life.
Have you experienced something similar to Tom’s journey? Let us know in the comments!