Really? Hot yoga can change your life in 15 days?
I just love happy endings - especially those involving hot yoga and new beginnings.
This is Parul before starting hot yoga (left), then 15 days into her 30 Day Challenge (right). Gorgeous either way, but take particular note of the shape of her face, the light in her eyes...Day 1 of Parul's 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge was Day One of her new life in every way, shape and form.
Chest pains, headaches, high cholesterol, thyroid medication - Parul was famliar with all of this. But one day, she awoke to seriousness of it: her life could be cut short by a heart attack any time now, and she was only 33.
Desperate for a solution, Parul tried hot yoga, and hated it.
She bolted from the room at 91 minutes and swore she'd never return...except that one day, four months later, when she did return.
Something called her back and this time, she melted.
Within a week she signed on for a 30 Day Challenge. When doctors noted her lowered cholesterol and no more need for thyroid medication she'd been taking for 8 years, Parul signed up for a 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge. When colleagues and co-workers noticed her calmer demeanor, easier smile and curvy body, she purchased an Annual Unlimited Hot Yoga Pass.
Was it the hot yoga or this hot yogi? I think it was a hot combination. And there's a lot more to this story and all of it will inspire you. Keep reading and be sure to check out the before and during photos and remind yourself, this is only 15 days after she commited to change her life...
From Headaches, Hypothyroidism and Heart Troubles to One Hot Mama
The day started like any other: wake up, straight to my office, then home after working about 12-13 hours, 6-7 days a week. I suffered from huge amount of work stress everyday but that was normal for me, too.
Then I started having pains in my chest accompanies by severe headaches.
I already knew I had hypothyroidism (lazy thyroid glands), so chest pain or headache did not bother me much. I did not think it was serious until it got worse - much worse. Sometimes I could not breathe for several seconds and I began experiencing severe swelling in my body.
For the first time of my life, I felt I was going to die... at the age of 33.
I visited my family doctor right away. When he ran some tests, he told me that I was just fine. I only had slightly high cholesterol. He had no answers to why I was getting chest pain and severe swelling.
I needed answers; I was not satisfied with my doctor’s diagnosis. There was something about my body that my doctor did not see.
Since Ihad to change my PCP at that point, the new doctor ran a few more tests whose reports indicated that I had high cholesterol (values higher than before) and high blood pressure, which was the main reason for the severe headaches. I began a strict sodium diet (1500mg/day) to help reduce my swelling.
I started going to a gym a few days a week for about an hour/session. In spite of struggling at the gym for two years, there was not much change in my physical health. At this point, I was desperate for anything natural to improve myself mentally and physically.
What scared me the most was my family history of stroke. I DID NOT WANT TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK BEFORE I REACHED 34.
I had heard about hot yoga from my co-worker. I did some research online and found RIVERFLOW YOGA. My friend and I took our first class at Riverflow studio on 04/29/2013, a Monday.
The class was full. Within the first 10 minutes, I wanted to get out of the room. Because we were instructed not to leave the room during the session, I stayed on the floor for almost half of the session. I remember looking at the clock every minute and wondering why the clock wasn’t ticking! I gave up doing those impossible poses and stayed lying down until the class was finished. I ran out and stayed away for 4 months!
Honestly, I was scared to face the reality that my body wasn’t flexible at all. I couldn’t even sit on the floor.
I visited Spain in September for a vacation and when I returned home, I knew it was time to get my health back on track. I attended another hot yoga session after getting some encouragement from my staff.
On that day, I found that the heat relaxed my aching muscles and joints. The teacher, Zach, was very welcoming and this time. I survived the whole first day class even though I could not do 90% of poses!
Fast foward to a half month later and I feel like a hot yoga pro; in fact. I can't get enough of this good feeling I have from hot yoga.
And look at the curves coming back - in just 15 days!
Today, I look at myself on the mirror and see a totally new person. The “New Parul” is more confident, less stressed, and always excited to start a new day filled with fun and energy. Exercising, yoga and healthier diet have been doing wonders.
And my life? My daily to-do lists get completed on time. My colleagues have started noticing my stress is under control. Shopping for new clothes does not scare me anymore. My doctor was amazed: my cholesterol is lower and my blood pressure stabilized. I have yet to reach my weight goal, but I am sure that I will get there. Fully confident—that’s me now.
I feel very strong mentally. I strongly recommend everyone to try out hot yoga at least once and then come back again. When you are ready to change your life, just turn up the heat.
Rhonda Uretzky, E-RYT
Reader Comments (7)
I read this and nearly started crying. Parul, I am so so proud of you! You are a warrior and an inspiration to other women. Congrats to you! You look beautiful!
There is something magical that happens when you commit. The moment you say you are taking on a challenge, things begin to transform. Parul, you already were a strong woman; your 30 Day Hot Yoga Challenge is the start of many more miracles that will continue to show up in your life as you g through more 'finish lines" in your life - and all because you agreed to show up for yourself. Thanks for sharing this with us - please update us on Day 30!
Parul what a moving story. I was so touched to read about your serious challenges, how you took control and changed your life. Thank you for sharing - you are such an inspiration. I am very much looking forward to reading about your progress. Best wishes for an amazing journey!
Parul - your story is just AMAZING! I'm convinced that your body brought you back to the studio...you had encouragement from others, but you went BACK to hot yoga because your body instantly recognized that it was the healing catalyst in your life! Beautiful - and the results are clear! You are transforming into a glowing, powerful hot yogini right before our very eyes! When giving full commitment like you have, there is truly no end to the benefits of this yoga - so enjoy the ride! I can’t wait to celebrate your 30 days at the studio! See you in class!
Hi Parul! I finished a 30 day challenge over a month ago and still feel the benefits. I am so impressed with your resolve. And those results--- pretty cool, right ??!! I can't wait to read more as you move along in your challenge.
Update: Parul completed her 30 Day Challenge with glee, and along way she even upped the ante, trying two hot yoga classes per day on a handful of days. We celebrated her on Day 30 with roses and sweets. Parul is now considering doing 30 classes in 15 days - taking hot yoga in the morning and the evening. She lost 4 inches on her waist and she is still off her meds. "You're not going to stop going to hot yoga, are you?" her mother asked. Not a chance. Parul has already declared her intention to join our Teacher Training and teach hot yoga - I think she has a lot to teach us all about inspiration, intention and being all in.
Update: Parul completed her 30 Day Challenge with glee, and along way she even upped the ante, trying two hot yoga classes per day on a handful of days. We celebrated her on Day 30 with roses and sweets. Parul is now considering doing 30 classes in 15 days - taking hot yoga in the morning and the evening. She lost 4 inches on her waist and she is still off her meds. "You're not going to stop going to hot yoga, are you?" her mother asked. Not a chance. Parul has already declared her intention to join our Teacher Training and teach hot yoga - I think she has a lot to teach us all about inspiration, intention and being all in.