Yoga Student Marissa DeLeon

I was diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 21. I had many painful episodes of swollen joints and not being able to walk before my diagnosis, and it was embarrassing and scary to not know what was going on. My body was failing me. It was a relief to have an idea of what was going on with my body, but the different medications and their side effects broke my body down in ways that the Lupus and RA didn't. I put on weight, was constantly tired, and felt despair that my life would always be like this. Winters were especially hard for my arthritis, since the moisture in the air caused my joints to swell out of control. I would have to wake up at 4am most mornings in order to prepare my body (taking meds, positive self talk) to be ready for work at 8am.....it wasn't fun. I decided to try yoga with a friend this past winter, because I didn't want to stay indoors and do nothing, again. The added attraction of The SweatBox was that it was warm! I decided to give it a try...and fell in LOVE! I went to the doctor recently for a follow up. I go quarterly. It was my first visit since starting at SweatBox in December. My Rheumatoid factor is significantly decreased in my blood, my muscle/body mass has risen, and my doctor believes that within a few months, if this keeps up, I can be down to one low-dose maintenance medicine (along with vitamins, etc)...as opposed to the five that are prescribed right now. I don't know how to express to you what a serious deal this is to me. Bikram Yoga has literally changed my life in a major way in such a short time. I am stronger, my body is changing inside and out. This thirty day challenge has inspired me and re-affirmed my decision to make this practice a major part of my life. Thank you to all the teachers for being so helpful, supportive, and inspiring. I learn and take away something different from each teacher. They are amazing. A.MA.ZING. If I don't want to be there when I show up for class, I leave feeling blissful, at peace, and sustained. I am so thankful and excited and ready to go beyond the Thirty Day Challenge!