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Dallas Hot Yoga, Pilates, Barre & Fitness

Dallas Hot Yoga, Pilates, Barre & Fitness

Amy Kelley Amy Kelley May 17, 2017

Live Fit. Live Well. - a lifestyle

Body, Life 0 Comment
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Yoga has been part of my life for a long time. The thing about yoga is, you are always learning, always changing and growing. I have come to understand that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also about growth and change. In the last few years, yoga has helped me heal from surgeries, chemo and side effects.

Unfortunately, when you go through a long illness that permanently changes your body, change isn’t always welcome. I had a hard time looking at my body after a double-mastectomy, chemo and six subsequent surgeries. I had a hard time doing the things I used to do. The meds made me gain 40 pounds. Whoa! Aren’t you supposed to lose weight with chemo?! Equally challenging, the neuropathy in my hands and feet was incredibly painful, inhibiting me from exercising.

Yes, intellectually you know that you need to do these things, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, it changes the way you feel about your body. I decided it was time to try and tackle one of those goals I have had on my list for a long time. I took the opportunity to enroll in yoga teacher training at the Sunstone Academy. It was four weeks of intensive 12-hour days of yoga and deep learning. 

I found it fascinating, from the anatomy and physiology to the history of yoga to the practicums. There were a few moments there where I didn’t think I could make it, but my teachers were there with gentle guiding hands, and pushed me to keep going. I had a really hard time looking in the mirrors. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. But I made it! Now I am a teacher. Funny how things work out sometimes. 

The change in me these days is obvious. My practice is so different. I go to class every day for myself. Even on the days I teach, I now crave the hour that I get to work on me, for me. I take everything to the studio now, be it frustration or gratitude. And a large part of that is being in a community where I feel supported and understood. Even more important for me, is being in a place where I feel safe enough to be challenged, physical limitations and all. 

My teachers believe in me (when I don’t), so what was now yoga has grown to also include the Barre, Pilates and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes. I had no idea HIIT would be so fun (while also being so challenging – and worth it!). It’s great having so many options – Sunstone works hard to meet students where they are, whether that is taking it to the next level or dialing it back. 

I look forward every day to going to SunstoneFIT. They have everything I need, from lockers, towels, mats to smiling faces that are genuinely happy to see me. Every class I take and every class I teach is a victory that I never thought I would see, and I hope to pass that along to my students. One of my teachers told me, “Every day is a fresh start” and I truly believe it. I hope you find a community where you too feel supported, encouraged, challenged and able to grow into your very best self.

--Amy Kelley, Director of Brand Marketing - SunstoneFIT



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