No excuses
First of all, I am honored to be chosen for student of the month. I have been practicing at this studio since September of 2001, but am just getting back on track with my mantra of "no excuses." We have a very busy family, and my workout schedule is not flexible, but I've found that if I stick to my routine of Monday, Wednesday, Friday practice, the benefits are incomparable.
Before I started yoga, I had worked out sporadically, frequently changing gyms and workout routines. My husband was doing a boot camp 5 mornings a week, and I needed to engage in something active again to keep up with my two little ones (ages 3 and 1). "Hot yoga" was a buzz word in the neighborhood and I had to give it a try. I negotiated 3 mornings from my husband to get started. Because I had negotiated two days away from his workout schedule, I couldn't miss a morning – if I did, he would want his day back. In a short few months, I developed a consistency with my practice, the key for me to obtain the greatest benefits from this yoga.
Bikram Yoga became a part of me, something I felt I could do for the rest of my life. Yoga gave me more energy and patience than anything I had felt from other exercise routines. I found that I craved healthier foods and only wanted to drink water. I was amazed that with only 4 1/2 hours a week practicing yoga, I was in the best shape that I've ever been. For over 4 years, I was at the studio – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, No Excuses. I loved it!
In 2005 I was pregnant with our 3rd child. I practiced frequently during my pregnancy, but didn't want to be tied to "my rules" and wanted to do what felt best for me at the time. We had our 4th child in 2007. My children are now 10, 8, 3 and 1 1/2 and I feel like I'm finally back! No excuses. I am back to my regular schedule of Mon, Wed, and Fri morning classes. I count on my yoga family to keep me accountable for attending class. I also feed off the positive energy in the room which keeps me motivated throughout the day.
I am so thankful for the 5:30 class, which is the only time slot that works for my crazy schedule. Of course, I'm still hoping for an early morning Saturday class – so I could squeeze in a 4th class for the week – or better yet, my husband could start coming ☺! David/Karen???
(Anyone have any yoga tips to share? There are a few things I do to keep me focused during class… switch my grip for 2nd set, every posture; change direction when getting out of postures – right side first, then left; I try to have a goal each class to focus on 2 or 3 postures. – Any other ideas? )
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