Revive yourself in the New Year 1-4-26

New Year,Refresh & Renew

Start the month of January in peace.

Set a positive intention.

Forgive those who have hurt you and move on.

Wellness in colder months

As a former gym rat, I proudly used to go to the gym almost daily in search of exercise. Does anybody remember step bench classes? I do and yes, I taught many step bench classes. I also took some type of boxing classes using small weights. Interesting but hard on the joints. And then there was the movie room. How long can a movie captivate you to stay on the treadmill or elliptical bike? I even remember working out at Gold's Gym in Bee Caves when 911 happened. Surreal and sad, but at least I wasn't alone.

Why I used to go to the gym for so many years

The main reasons I thrived in the gym were 1. I could go in between client appointments, all over town, 2. I could shower and return to work, less stressed, and 3. It was quick and dirty. In and out in 1 1/2 hours.

Why I changed paths

Honestly, after so many years of doing the same thing, I was ready for a change. This all happened at the same time I changed careers and went into Yoga Therapy Training. At the same time, I really got sick of the loudness. Even during classes where the instructors had mics--they were yelling at us! Granted, once Certified as a basic yoga instructor with only 200 hours, I taught weekly classes at Gold's and really appreciated the opportunity. And I never yelled into my mic. LOL. Going to a gym lets you be anonymous. For me, after doing sales all day long, I was happy to be someone nobody knew.

When I slowly transitioned to yoga, it wasn't without a fight. I would still go to Gold's, do a quick Elliptical Cycle workout followed by a yoga class. Not until a yoga studio opened up in Lakeway, did my routine take a huge change. First it was Benefit Yoga, where I do Bikram Yoga. Then Balance Yoga opened. There I took hundreds of classes and taught yoga there after my certification hours grew to 500. Covid hit and all bets were off.

When Covid hit, all of us instructors were let go. It was then that I had to quickly learn how to teach online. I had to create a teaching space in my home that served clients safely. We strictly abided by the 12' distance rule. For the virtual classes, we installed a full wall mirror, new lighting, heavy duty microphones and cameras, and a new (very expensive) teaching platform through Mindbody.

None of it was ready for prime time t.v. but my dedicated students stayed with me. Many are still with me to this day.

The Covid Song by Dayna Culwell

Why I learned to have a chat with my body?

When I look back at old photos, I see a different body shape. It was strong and athletic. That is all good. However, I never felt comfortable in my body. I felt too bulky. Standing at only 5'2", my muscular legs were only attractive in high heels. Today we don't even talk about high heel shoes. But here's the thing. Where I used to feel more tomboy than feminine, yoga gave me a longer, leaner, and a body that felt (to me) to be in better proportion.

That's the superficial part of this discussion. I used to make fun of "The Mind Body Connection". Research has proved to me and others that we need to communicate with our bodies in order to stay one step ahead of chaos.

Ignoring small signs and symptoms in our bodies is like ignoring someone you love. Eventually, they will speak louder and louder to you until you pay attention. Rather than get yelled at by my own body, I have learned through research, practice, and patience, that I can learn to pay better attention.

 You know that look that your dog gives you? It doesn't have to say words to communicate with you that it a. needs food, b. needs a walk, or c. needs cuddles.

New Year's Resolution or Setting an Intention?

We celebrate many things during the holidays and it's okay. After a stressful Thanksgiving holiday, my Christmas time with family was a dream. We traveled to see two brothers who are battling prostate cancer. Driving down to South Texas to see them was met with trepidation. Their amazing spunk and gratitude filled Bill and I up with so much joy and appreciation.

Hanging out with family, playing music together, eating good comfort food together, and sharing stories.... And no one got sick! Hallelujah! So, yes, we celebrated. Starting the New Year 2026 is met with hope.

In yoga, we say, you're time on the mat is met with a clean slate. Whether your last days, weeks, or months were a joy or a living hell, 2026 brings a new opportunity for growth.

I plan to clean out some things, replace some things, and get back into a healthy routine.

What do I miss?

Routine, structure, and sleep.

Time with my dedicated students.

Time with my friends, local and distant.

Practicing Spanish and going back to learning chess.

More long walks with Hondo

Family.

BEST QUICK 1 MIN EXERCISE

The Pillsbury

Where ever you may be standing, sitting, or lying down...

In the car, in the grocery store line, in a rolling chair...

Whatever injury you may have....

Do this one move!!

Focus on your belly button. Imagine the big dough about to poke you in the belly.

Bring the belly to your spine. Pull your spine inward and upward towards the wall behind you.

Hold 8 counts.

Rest.

Repeat.

FULL SCHEDULE!!

This week's Yoga and Pilates Schedule

MONDAY, JAN 5TH

9:15 Judy & Andy (V)

10:30 Christine (V)

12 In studio and virtual:

Deep Delicious Stretch

2 pm Angela & Jim (S)

TUESDAY, JAN 6TH

9 am Christina (S)

10:15 am In studio and virtual: Basic Mat Pilates for All Levels

11:30 am Michael (V)

1:00 pm Schatz Method Study (V)

2:30 pm JohnFrank and Kim (S)

(S) At my studio in Hudson Bend

(D) Delivered to your home

(V) Virtual through a Zoom Link

WEDNESDAY, JAN 6TH

9 Carol & Chris (D)

10:30 Jenny (D)

12:15 Judy & Andy (V)

2 pm OPEN FOR YOU!

3:30 pm OPEN FOR YOU!

THURSDAY, JAN 7TH

9 Christina (S)

10:30 am OPEN FOR YOU!

12 Judy & Andy (V)

1:30 OPEN FOR YOU!

FRIDAY, JAN 8TH

9:30 OPEN FOR YOU!

11:00 am Iñes (S)

12:30 Opportunities to help others

Thanks for your confidence in me.

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