From Desperation to Dedication - A Healing Journey of Yoga

Severe lower back issues made Marc a desperate man. Years of dealing with a herniated disc, and multiple relapses had humbled him. Daily pain made the physical exercise he'd always enjoyed no longer a possibility. Not only was traditional exercise out of the question, but so were most normal daily activities.

 

"Everything I took for granted I struggled to do," says Marc of his back pain, which started about 5 years ago. After his first episode, Marc pursued conventional remedies which culminated in months of  physical therapy.  Marc quickly returned to his prior exercise routine which included biking, hiking, tennis, golf and daily treks on the treadmill. Marc relapsed 5 months post-recovery. As someone who had always been active and enjoyed exercise, Marc saw elements of a normal healthy life slipping away from him.

 

[Click to read Marc's journey to heal]

It's officially summer and time to put serious thought into your daily hydration routine. Proper hydration is extremely important in dry climates like Arizona and especially during the hottest months of the year.

 

On a daily basis, it is recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water to stay properly hydrated. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, then you should drink 75 ounces of water each day. Add any kind of physical activity to the mix and you will need to drink more than the recommended daily amount to stay hydrated. 

 

For most people, especially in Arizona, drinking just water is not sufficient to stay properly hydrated, especially during the intense heat of summer. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headaches, cramping and fatigue.

 

Perspiration is designed to eliminate waste from the body; it also eliminates important minerals called electrolytes. Electrolytes are salts and minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that may be lost from the body in very hot and dry climates as well as during physical activity. When you're feeling the symptoms of dehydration, you're body is telling you that it is deficient in electrolytes.

 

You can find electrolyte enhanced water in most stores and electrolytes are also contained in most sports drinks. Some sports drinks however are high in sugar, making electrolyte enhanced water more desirable. Emergen-C and other electrolyte supplements in packet form can be kept handy to add to your filtered water. Coconut water is growing in popularity due to its many health benefits, it also has no added sugar and is fat and cholesterol free.

 

Tip: You can make your own electrolyte enhanced water by mixing a pinch of Sea Salt into filtered water. For added flavor, squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice. Sea Salt contains a variety of minerals that play a role in keeping the body's electrolytes in balance.

 

Coconut water is loaded with the five key electrolytes: potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and calcium and contains 15 times more potassium than that found in other sport drinks. It is readily absorbed by the body converting into energy immediately. In Arizona, it's what you need to stay hydrated.

 

Fact: In cases of emergency, coconut water has been used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid because its makeup is almost identical blood plasma. During World War II, many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water when blood plasma was not available.

 

Stay healthy and hydrated this summer; drink plenty of water combined with electrolyte enhanced drinks.

Practice Hot Yoga 5 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks. (Half Challenge, 4-week option, is also available.) Note: All classes count towards The Challenge, including Warm Yin!
 
A consistent practice enables you to deepen your practice and reveal your true potential. Develop a stronger and more flexible body, strengthen your mind and control your thoughts, manage stress with grace, sleep deeply, and so much more. Click for a full list of benefits.
 
Each person will receive incentives along the way to reward your progress and keep you motivated.
 
Register at studio reception. Your Challenge begins when you take your first class in June and July. Click for more information.