*Living an unhealthy life style leads to depression, anger, dissappointment and eventualy disease.
*Without good health, we limit our possibilities. Like valuable time with our love ones.
*Living unhealthy kills confidence, self appreciation and many times we become a burden on love ones.
The trade off is not worth it. Come see us and lets us help you get back on track. We will provide you with the space and the skills to do just that. We will teach you about yoga and how it will help get your health back in order. We are skilled and passionate about what we do. Our goal is to help as many people as possible to become healthy both physically and mentally. Don't wait any longer. Come in and see us.
Thank you,
Pura Vida
Always walk with confidence.
Over a decade ago, I made a decision to step out on my own into the yoga circuit. And let me tell you, I was both scared & nervous. I was intimidated by those who had been in the game for much longer. I was afraid of those who had established a name for themselves. I was fearful that I didn't know enough. Have you heard of "fake it till you make it?" Well, I did just that while I learned. But I focused, held my chin up and walked with confidence. You can too. If a promotion is coming up, jump on it. If you're faced with some challenges, take them on. Don't look down & call it a day. Be strong & believe in yourself. It's fine to celebrate others achievements, but create your own & celebrate them just the same. This is why your yoga practice is so powerful. You get to focus on your abilities & talents. You get to mold them & make them uselful to their fullest. Don't settle for just getting by. Don't decide to be average. Be who you know is the best you can be. Be fearless. Show your confidence without being errogant. Always show up to do your best. Best wishes, Marco
Are you sitting for more than 6-hours per. day
at work or on your couch?
Ways to counter this problem at work:
1. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to stand up and stretch or walk every hour.
2. Walk to the bathroom, but take a longer route than directly to it.
3. Walk in place for a few minutes and stretch.
4. Walk over to talk to your co-worker instead of texting them.
5. Stand up and perhaps clean your desk. Find an excuse to stand.
6. Park your car a little further then usual.
Ways to counter this problem at home:
1. Get up during commercials and stretch.
2. Walk around during commercials.
3. Step outside and get some fresh air.
4. Pick up around the house.
5. Find ways to keep your body moving for ten minutes or more every hour.
Find your Drive.
Marco's recent photo for Lululemon's product promo.
Cool info. on Yoga & it's benefits.....
4-things to do when you practice hot yoga.
3 Misconceptions about Hot Yoga...
7 things to do when practicing Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga & Your Immune System?
Your immune system is comprised of organs, glands and nodes that help protect the body from harmful organisms such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. Our challenges come from poor dieting, toxins in the environment, stress, and a lack of exercise. You see, the immune system requires constant supply of oxygen, energy and nutrients for it to function at its best. A low supply of these components and your immune system begins to shut down and the body can easily become ill and give you health problems.
Our Hot Yoga classes incorporate yoga poses that twist and compress organs to help massage and rejuvenate them. Allowing for better blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to all areas of the body. A yoga pose like (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Forehead to the Knee) for example will stimulate and massage the glands (Thyroid and Parathyroid) behind the throat, helping your body balance hormone production and strengthening your immune system. Another example is the (Downward Facing Dog Pose) that will improve the flow of the sinus and aids in the flushing of mucous from the lungs. Another yoga pose we use quite frequently is the (Camel Pose) which helps to increase lung mobility and aids in flushing them out.
8 reasons why it is important to stay hydrated
1. It improves Endocrine-gland function.
2. Fluid retention is alleviated.
3. Liver functions improve, therefore increasing the % of fat used for energy purposes.
4. Natural thirst returns.
5. Appetite decreases significantly.
6. Metabolic functions improve.
7. It helps to rid the body of metabolic toxins & waste, therefore improving energy levels.
8. Maintains normal bowel function.
A lifestyle of balance
Is all yoga the same?
Is all yoga the same? No. There are many different modalities or "Styles." Yoga focuses on all aspects of breath, meditation, laughter & the physical body. The physical yoga is called "Hatha Yoga" and this practice has a variation of "styles" attached to it. Styles such as Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa, Yoga Flow, Bikram Yoga, Iyengar, Kundilini, Restorative & "Hot Yoga."
Hot Yoga MAKES SENSE!
It allows the individual to safely flow deeper into yoga asanas (poses). It does this by warming the muscles allowing the body to stretch deeper. Combine the external/internal heat and the asanas and we see it work with the body hand in hand! Increasing the blood flow by dilating the capillaries, which in turn help to distribute oxygen more effectively to all our body systems; the muscles, the glands, the organs and other body tissues. Even our skin is engaged! Heat causes our bodies to sweat which stimulates our metabolism and immune system. The combined effect stimulates all of these body systems to function more efficiently for us. In addition, we see the added benefit of helping the body burn more calories as it tries to cool it down.
If you think about it, Hot Yoga is natural in its very essence. India is the origin of yoga and most of India is tropical with very warm, humid climates. Yoga was practiced for centuries with most styles practiced exclusively in a hot environment. How often do you find that it takes you so much longer to get your body moving when it is cold outside, how easy it is to injure the body if you have not warmed up? Cold muscles are more likely to suffer injury when stretched. Heated muscles therefore reduce our risk of injury. In turn, a benefit from this is flexibility; by stretching, we slowly over time increase our flexibility and range of motion. We engage the mind to focus ourselves during practice; we engage our breathing to help calm the mind. Our breathing creates cardiovascular benefits, etc. These all work hand in hand, each of benefit to the other. When we practice Hot Yoga, we work all systems: muscular, lymphatic, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, skeletal & central nervous system.
Marco is Honored as Lululemon's Ambassador in Chandler
Focusing your intention.
The Breathing Exercise
Over a decade ago, I made a decision to step out on my own into the yoga circuit. And let me tell you, I was both scared & nervous. I was intimidated by those who had been in the game for much longer. I was afraid of those who had established a name for themselves. I was fearful that I didn't know enough. Have you heard of "fake it till you make it?" Well, I did just that while I learned. But I focused, held my chin up and walked with confidence. You can too. If a promotion is coming up, jump on it. If you're faced with some challenges, take them on. Don't look down & call it a day. Be strong & believe in yourself. It's fine to celebrate others achievements, but create your own & celebrate them just the same. This is why your yoga practice is so powerful. You get to focus on your abilities & talents. You get to mold them & make them uselful to their fullest. Don't settle for just getting by. Don't decide to be average. Be who you know is the best you can be. Be fearless. Show your confidence without being errogant. Always show up to do your best. Best wishes, Marco
Are you sitting for more than 6-hours per. day
at work or on your couch?
Ways to counter this problem at work:
1. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to stand up and stretch or walk every hour.
2. Walk to the bathroom, but take a longer route than directly to it.
3. Walk in place for a few minutes and stretch.
4. Walk over to talk to your co-worker instead of texting them.
5. Stand up and perhaps clean your desk. Find an excuse to stand.
6. Park your car a little further then usual.
Ways to counter this problem at home:
1. Get up during commercials and stretch.
2. Walk around during commercials.
3. Step outside and get some fresh air.
4. Pick up around the house.
5. Find ways to keep your body moving for ten minutes or more every hour.
To your health & success,
Marco & Faidre
Find your Drive.
What's driving you today? Is it fear? Self doubt? Uncertainty? Or is it passion? Sticking to what you believe in? For me, it's passion. I honestly believe in helping people be at their best. Today I'm doing it through yoga. Tomorrow may be another way. But make no mistake, I believe that what I do has a cause. To help others become healthy both mentally and physically. And you know, when things ge...t tough, it rarely shakes me. I always find my way. And I keep at it. I believe it to be my calling. So I'll ask you again. Whats driving you to do what you do? Is it a cause? Is it for something in particular? You see, if you are clear about why you do what you do, then you too will find the way to keep at it. So define it! Be passionate and make it your cause. Don't allow fear to take over your being. Get past it by focusing on why it's impotant that you don't stop. Best wishes, Marco
Marco's recent photo for Lululemon's product promo.
Cool info. on Yoga & it's benefits.....
Check it out
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Falicegwalton%2F2011%2F06%2F16%2Fpenetrating-postures-the-science-of-yoga%2F&h=xAQFNBRLU
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2011/06/22/penetrating-postures-part-ii-the-psychology-of-yoga/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2011/06/22/penetrating-postures-part-ii-the-psychology-of-yoga/
4-things to do when you practice hot yoga.
1
Breathe while doing your poses. Muscles need oxygen to work efficiently.
2
Thinking & staying positive as you practice will change your energy.
3
Create a visual of what’s happening w/your body; what you create will influence your body to achieve it.
4
Accepting yourself is the goal & focusing on areas that need strength is where we want do our personal best.
3 Misconceptions about Hot Yoga...
Hot Yoga is religious or spiritual...
Not true. Hot Yoga is actually very individualized and personal. The focus or goal is to realize where your body is. How it feels from the inside out. The practice allows you the time to truly pay attention to where you are both physically and mentally.
Physically, by understanding your strengths and your weaknesses. And mentally, by realizing your habits. For example, at times you may find yourself challenged in your practice. How you response to these challenges may represent your habits in everyday life. Do you quit, push too hard, become easily frustrated, pass judgment and blame others for your lack of drive or success? Do you panic, give up and leave? Or do you stay calm and relaxed? Do you allow yourself a break? Do you realize that at times we are at our best and other times, we have to dig within ourselves to do what we can?
Hot Yoga is for younger people...
Not true. I've had students as old as 66 years of age. And I have practiced with a student in Los Angeles
I'm too new at Hot Yoga, I would never survive...
It's funny how we try so hard to rationalize not taking care of our health. It's simple, schedule a private class. The reality is that you can easily spend $100.00 going to the movies in a month. Why not invest in your health instead? Invest in a private class to help you better understand the Hot Yoga and then sign up for a membership to start your regular practice. Look, you can spend your hard earned money$$ on a movie or two in a month and sit around waiting for the next new release to come out. Stuff your body with buckets of popcorn, soda, candy bars and suffer later in life from things like diabetes, being overweight and not being able to walk or play with your kids because you're too tired. Or you can invest in your health and enjoy everything you can with your children, spouse, and friends. Don't become a slave to weight gain, depression, anger and don't become a victim to junk food. Get moving! If you can get it done, you can teach your children and others to do the same.
Easy stuff! Come in today and get started!
7 things to do when practicing Hot Yoga
1
Breathe while doing your poses. Muscles need oxygen to work efficiently.
2
Focus on what you can do & not so much on what you find difficult.
3
Accepting yourself is what we are after & focusing on the areas that need strength and/or work is where we want do our personal best.
4
Create a visual of what’s happening wth your body; what you create will influence your body to achieve it.
5
Thinking & staying positive when you practice will change your energy.
6
Your yoga practice is very personal, so focus on yourself; you are the only thing that matters right now.
7
Take advantage of each savasana (resting pose) because this is where you will learn to be conscious, to feel, to remember, to be challenged & stay calm, to be still and to allow.
Hot Yoga & Your Immune System?
Your immune system is comprised of organs, glands and nodes that help protect the body from harmful organisms such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. Our challenges come from poor dieting, toxins in the environment, stress, and a lack of exercise. You see, the immune system requires constant supply of oxygen, energy and nutrients for it to function at its best. A low supply of these components and your immune system begins to shut down and the body can easily become ill and give you health problems.
Our Hot Yoga classes incorporate yoga poses that twist and compress organs to help massage and rejuvenate them. Allowing for better blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to all areas of the body. A yoga pose like (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Forehead to the Knee) for example will stimulate and massage the glands (Thyroid and Parathyroid) behind the throat, helping your body balance hormone production and strengthening your immune system. Another example is the (Downward Facing Dog Pose) that will improve the flow of the sinus and aids in the flushing of mucous from the lungs. Another yoga pose we use quite frequently is the (Camel Pose) which helps to increase lung mobility and aids in flushing them out.
8 reasons why it is important to stay hydrated
1. It improves Endocrine-gland function.
2. Fluid retention is alleviated.
3. Liver functions improve, therefore increasing the % of fat used for energy purposes.
4. Natural thirst returns.
5. Appetite decreases significantly.
6. Metabolic functions improve.
7. It helps to rid the body of metabolic toxins & waste, therefore improving energy levels.
8. Maintains normal bowel function.
A lifestyle of balance
Do you fit this description:
Always busy taking care of others? Running all over Phoenix? Fixing food for the family? Setting things in order & attending to other's needs and wants?
While many things in life are necessary and we cannot just cut them out, we need to be able to recognize when to make time for ourselves. Balance is a key component to a healthy lifestyle. The human body needs exercise (Yoga), plenty of rest, a sensible diet & sleep. Depriving ourselves of these important functions will eventually lead down a path of that is unhealthy for body and mind. Don't fool yourself. The rest of your life will depend on it. Please take the time.
Is all yoga the same?
Is all yoga the same? No. There are many different modalities or "Styles." Yoga focuses on all aspects of breath, meditation, laughter & the physical body. The physical yoga is called "Hatha Yoga" and this practice has a variation of "styles" attached to it. Styles such as Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa, Yoga Flow, Bikram Yoga, Iyengar, Kundilini, Restorative & "Hot Yoga."
Hot Yoga MAKES SENSE!
It allows the individual to safely flow deeper into yoga asanas (poses). It does this by warming the muscles allowing the body to stretch deeper. Combine the external/internal heat and the asanas and we see it work with the body hand in hand! Increasing the blood flow by dilating the capillaries, which in turn help to distribute oxygen more effectively to all our body systems; the muscles, the glands, the organs and other body tissues. Even our skin is engaged! Heat causes our bodies to sweat which stimulates our metabolism and immune system. The combined effect stimulates all of these body systems to function more efficiently for us. In addition, we see the added benefit of helping the body burn more calories as it tries to cool it down.
If you think about it, Hot Yoga is natural in its very essence. India is the origin of yoga and most of India is tropical with very warm, humid climates. Yoga was practiced for centuries with most styles practiced exclusively in a hot environment. How often do you find that it takes you so much longer to get your body moving when it is cold outside, how easy it is to injure the body if you have not warmed up? Cold muscles are more likely to suffer injury when stretched. Heated muscles therefore reduce our risk of injury. In turn, a benefit from this is flexibility; by stretching, we slowly over time increase our flexibility and range of motion. We engage the mind to focus ourselves during practice; we engage our breathing to help calm the mind. Our breathing creates cardiovascular benefits, etc. These all work hand in hand, each of benefit to the other. When we practice Hot Yoga, we work all systems: muscular, lymphatic, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, skeletal & central nervous system.
Marco is Honored as Lululemon's Ambassador in Chandler
Focusing your intention.
The Breathing Exercise
*The urgent need of every cell is to obtain oxygen to fuel its work and to get rid of waste carbon dioxide quickly.
*Because Pranayama expands the lungs to their full capacity, it increases circulation to the whole body.
Note: When circulation is sluggish, the kidneys and the liver are not kept at full efficiency and toxins build up and clog the tissues.
*Healthy elastic lungs expand fully on a deep breath, dilating all tiny air sacs where the exchange of gases with the blood takes place and then recoil deeply to expel the waste carbon dioxide.
The Process: On the inhale, the cavity enlarges-the rib cage expands, and the diaphragm moves down massaging the abdominal organs.
On the exhale, air is expelled as the abdomen contracts, the rib cage recoils and the diaphragm moves up massaging the heart.
Note: Through the breathing exercise, we are cleansing the lungs of stale air, pushing toxins out of the body and improving the elasticity of the lungs.
Things to consider: * Be aware and take notice. See if your breath changes when you take notice.
· If you try to rush it, you will only slow yourself down.
- Remember that quiet breathing influences autonomic circuits that slow the heart beat and reduce blood pressure producing calmness and a sense of stability.
- The whole point of breathing is to get oxygen from the atmosphere to the cells of the body and carbon dioxide from the body into the atmosphere.
4-Reasons Down Hill Riders should consider Hot Yoga
As a cyclist, most often than not you are repeatedly overworking different muscles and underutilizing others. For example; as you ride, your hips are in constant movement and if one hip is weaker than the other, then one hip will have to compensate for that weakness. As a cyclist, you know that your hips are the core of your movements. Therefore, if they’re weak, your upper body ends up working harder and this may lead to stress on your back.
1. Hot Yoga utilizes many different poses to open and strengthen your hips to facilitate more flexibility thereby removing unnecessary stress and/or tension.
When you’re cycling, your hips, thighs, knees, and your ankles should be on track, pointing straight-ahead. If they are off track, you may run the risk of over using your ligaments and tendons which will wear them down and cause an imbalance on your muscular system. For example; as a cyclist you tend to overdevelop your quadriceps and your hamstrings end up shortening and tightening and they become weaker.
2. When you practice Hot Yoga you will take your body through a series of lunges called warrior poses that will strengthen your legs, ankles, and knees creating more flexibility and building more endurance.
In addition, when you’re cycling, you’re constantly hunched over your handlebars and this causes your spine to be in a constant state of flexion.
3. Practicing Hot Yoga poses such as backbends can help release some of this tension and add more flexibility to your spine. In this case, a strong healthy spine will give you more opening in the chest area and allow you to breathe better. By improving your breathing or your respiratory system you automatically improve your overall endurance. This will allow you to ride for a longer time or a further distance.
Now, when you’re riding downhill, most often you over work your arms by how they’re positioned, either too wide or too narrow. You may also be hanging on really tight with your hands keeping your body in constant tension. This can cause stress on your shoulders, wrists and chest.
4. Practicing Hot Yoga poses can help restore balance into your body and help you become more relaxed while you ride. If you’re constantly tense when you ride, you tend to waste more energy. This is energy you can use to ride longer and more comfortable.
Therefore, by incorporating Hot Yoga into what you already love to do (i.e. “Down Hill Riding”), will help you improve your down-hill riding and keep your body healthy while you’re having fun doing it.
To your health & success,
Marco Gamez
Do they know your name?
I recently interviewed Nancy Mullins, a nurse practitioner who has been practicing Hot Yoga with us for several months. Nancy talked to us about her experience with her yoga practice & her feelings about our community at Hot Yoga Pura Vida. And one of the things she pointed out that was very important to her was that we knew people’s names at our studio.
I can remember as far back as 2001 when I went to one of my first teacher trainings in Los Angeles, paying several thousand dollars, leaving my family and my home for several weeks. Going through the training and listening to the training staff address everyone by what they wore in class. “You, Miss Blue,” Hey, Miss Black, yes I’m talking to you.” I remember how disappointed I was and I remember telling myself that maybe it was due to so many of us being there. That perhaps, remembering that many names was a bit difficult to the staff. I also remember telling myself that I would make the effort regardless once I opened my own place.
After the training, I traveled around to different states teaching and practicing in different studios. To my surprise this method of calling people out by what they wore seemed to have become a trend. “Miss Blue, we don’t do that here, stick to the program!” “You in the black, don’t drink water until I give you a break.” Neatless to say, I tried my hardest to remember what I was wearing just in case I was ever called for anything.
It’s hard to believe that we would actually accept to be treated that way. So impersonal, so offensive and humiliating. This only motivated me to push harder to get my own place open. And here we are. Bringing back some respect for others. Making an effort to learn people’s names. Not always getting it perfect, but definitely making an effort. Personally for me, my name is important and it’s nice when someone calls me by it. It makes me feel important, like I’m alive. It’s just nice.
In closing, learning someone’s name is a sign of respect. A statement that says you as a business owner value your client’s investment in your business. Knowing an individual’s name says that you care. That it’s about them and not so much about you. In reality, it’s not that hard of a task to learn someone’s name. So please stop being lazy and make the effort. Without our clients, we can’t practice what we’re passionate about. Without them, we have no business. Our clients are important on many different levels. Their names are important. Learn them because if you don’t someone like us will and your business may suffer because of it.
To your Health & Success,
Marco Gamez
A reminder.
Recently, I was reminded of how much I work and how much time I spend talking about my work. I was reminded by my beautiful & wonderful girlfriend who I absolutely love. Please understand I'm not going to get sentimantal on you guys or cheesy in any way. Truth be told, I do work countless hours on my work. I'm a mom & pop business and if I don't stay sharp and on top of my game I stand to jepordize doing what I am so passionate about. For those of you who may reading this and wondering what it is I do, I'm going to tell you.
I own a Hot Yoga Studio and believe me when I tell you that most people hear this and they say, "Oh, ok. So you teach yoga?" But, it's much more than that. While I take our clients through their practice I remind them how important they are. I remind them how important their health is and how important it is for their wellbeing. That family matters and that our country is suffering from disease, fast food, low self-esteem, depression, and confidence. That because we work so damm much our kids have become infatuated with video games and are becoming more and more disconnected. I remind them to take notice, to slow down and reflect on why they're doing so much. What their drive is. That if it's their family, to make sure they don't lose track of that. I provide a place where they can take an hour to themselves and re-focus, recharge, and self reflect. In just a short time together we have created a community that attracts like minded people and if you were to visit, you would be get that right away.
As you may have gathered I love what I do becuase I myself benefit from all the amazing people that frequent our studio. I am very blessed. From the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep, I am focused on it. When Faidre reminded me to practice what I preached so much I couldn't help but smile. I said to her; "You got me." And thanked her for doing so. Now, I'm commited to taking a few days per week with my family where we don't discuss my work at all. It feels good to enjoy them and it reminded me that they are my drive. That I've been working this hard for all of us. I wanted to share this with you because I'm hoping that you will do the same. That you take the time and that you value what you have in your life the way I do.
To your health & success,
Marco
Always be prepared for changes
Staying active & looking after your health will serve you better when opportunity comes knocking just the same when something challenging occurs. When you allow yourself to get so busy that you put your excercise for another day or you procrastinate until "The next Monday," you create habits that later may be hard to break. The trade off is that when a challenge does occur, you end up reacting to the challenge and you do it from a point of weakness. On the other hand, if you keep yourself active, exercise consistently and eat with moderation you will always have your health and strength to move forward no matter what changes come up in your life. Remember that we live in a world of constant change and we should always be ready for it.
To your health & success,
Marco
How much of a hurry are you in?
As many of you know, I was recently in an accident where my car was totalled. But during the entire process of the accident, I noticed that noone would stop to ask if we were ok. As I looked around me, I found countless vehicles passing by looking and simply moving forward. I could see in their faces that they were in a hurry. They had to get to work. They had presentations to make. They had projects that needed taken care of. For a brief moment, I realized how busy we are. So busy that we don't want anything to interrupt our routine. That we're so caught up ourselves that we don't bother with the other.
I realized right then and there that many of us have simply shut off. Now, this is just my experience, but I wanted to share it with you in case you're so busy you're missing how amazing your wife is. Just in case you're missing the point of your kids playing sports; that it's not about you, that it's about them having fun. A reminder to value your family and to take time to be with them. I wanted to remind you how important your health is. How important your pets are.
Remember, we don't get time back. Slow down and take notice. Stop being so damm mechanical and be responsible. Otherwise, don't cry when when you lose what matters most to you.
To your health & success,
Marco
Why are you still hurting yourself?
Please forgive me for the title, but let me explain. From over a decade of teaching yoga, learning people's physocology, watching and observing thousands of individuals whom I have had the pleasure of helping and serving, I have witnessed and heard just about anything you can imagine.
And one thing that always baffles me is people telling me about their aches and pains. Their illnesses and their struggles. But that's not what's so challenging for me to understand. It's the "My body hurts so bad, my joints are just in so much pain." I ofcourse recommend that they practice more yoga and their response is often, "Well, I can only do it once per week because I have my running I do every day. Plus, I have a bootcamp I attend three times per week." Or they'll say, "I go to the gym and lift weights four times per week, so I can only fit yoga once in a while."
On other ocassions I hear them say, "My weight is getting worse, my health is deteriorating. I don't sleep well and I have trouble breathing. I feel depressed all the time and low energy." I ofcourse suggest practicing more yoga. Their response is "I'm just so busy. I have so much to do. By the time 5:00 oclock rolls around, I just want to get home."
If you're reading this, I want you to know that I'm not in any way passing judgement. I'm not perfect and noone is. Still, it is extremely important that we get this right. Your health should be the most important thing in your life. Without it, we're toast. All that matters to you is nothing without your health. You won't live long enough to enjoy those you love most. And if you're lucky enough to prove that wrong, your way of life will not be pleasant. It's that serious.
In closing, if your body hurts and what you're doing is not helping or making it worse: STOP! If your joints are constantly hurting and you're running, it makes no sense. Don't complaint when it's an easy fix. If you're body is struggling with an illness, don't do bootcamps that will stress your body even worse. If your muscles feel tight and you're taking pain medication to hide the pain, HELLO! Stop lifting so damm much. Let me say this to you if you're still reading this. Be smart, you matter, give yourself the value and worth you deserve. Be responsible and take action. But not just any action, the right action. Practice Yoga, swim, walk, eat better. Surround yourself with positive people. Stop eating fast food. Stop drinking soda. Stop short changing yourself and do what's right for you. Truth is, you do matter to the people in your life and I'm certain that they wouldn't want anything bad for you. Schedule yourself time every day to walk, swim, or practice yoga and I guarantee you, you will better serve the ones you love most, including yourself.
To your health & success,
Marco
They said it would take too much work.
I told them they were worth it.
I told them they were worth it.
"Easy Stuff!"
Yoga; what you put in, you get back!
When we are practicing yoga, it is very important to understand that what we put into it is exactly what we get in return. It's no different then anything else we do in life. So, if you're feeding your body garbage every day and you hope that yoga will simply fix it and fix it quickly, you are sadly mistaken. Think of your yoga practice as a process much like it would be when you're starting to paint your home, create a garden, or teach your children as they grow. It all takes time. Many of us get frustrated and we seek other measures and end up not sticking to anything long enough. Some have lost faith in themselves and they feel too tired to even try anymore. We justify not taking action by making ourselves believe that we're just too busy. Some of us don't even realize how much we over eat and we fall into denial.
So, what's the answer? Unfortunately and fortunately, only you know that. It starts with asking yourself this simple question: Are you currently happy with yourself? The way you feel when you wake up. The way you feel throughout the day. The way you feel at the end of the night. Are the people who are around you picking up on your habits? Do you want your struggle on them? The way it goes is that as we get older, we're suppose to be wiser. Yet, some of us have simply become more and more complaycent. We get comfortable and we assume that those around us will be comfortable as well. Remember, what you put in is what your results will be.
Do I have any suggestions? Yes. Know and accept that just like the rest of us, you're not perfect. That's not what we're after. Give yourself worth and take action. But take action with dedication and patience. Please, be patient. But be consistent. What you put in, you get back. Value your life and value your love ones. Stop making excuses. There is no other way. You have to face it, endure it and take it on. And the minute you do and you stick with it, you'll realize a side of yourself that you'll appreciate & love.
To your success & happiness,
Marco Gamez
My first Hot Yoga Class (Part 1)
My first Hot Yoga Class (part 2).
“My First Hot Yoga class”
(Part 3)
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Starting on the left is one of my dearest friend Catherine Kim and in the center is my very first Hot Yoga teacher Bonnie. I learned so much from Bonnie and she will always have a special place in my heart. Going back to my first Hot Yoga class, I remember coming out of the hot room and sitting outside in the reception area. My body still sweating, having chills, and my breath just somewhat out of control. Trying to get a hold of myself and trying to pretend like nothing was happening. Surely, they saw my face turning yellow, with redness in it, surely they noticed how I spoke with a quivering voice. So many thoughts crossed my mind. Bonnie walked over and said in her own strong energetic and kind voice; “How are doing Boss?” She placed her hand on my back and I knew she could tell I was suffering. I couldn’t help but to turn emotional. My eyes got tears and I fought man. I engaged everything I had not to cry. I couldn’t believe how bad I had become. I had been ready to die for over a decade. I was given a death sentence and now I felt I was given another chance. My body responded in such a way I still cannot explain. The surge of energy that came over me was as if I was just given freedom after being imprisoned for a long time. Wild! Believe me when I tell you that I’m not trying to sound dramatic, I’m really not that type of person. This was real and it scared the hell out of me. What if it was too early to say? I would set myself up to believe that I could live and later find that in fact nothing could ever help me. I left that day with so much and I left for several weeks. I had to process what had happen and I wasn’t sure if I would ever return. Check this out: I’ll talk about my return on the next posting, but little did I know a year later I would end up doing this.
Stay tune for part 4
Marco Gamez
What's holding you back?
Are you willing to do what it takes?
For over two decades I have been in the customer service industry. Helping people fine tune their strengths, reshape their bodies and build up their confidence. And throughout all those years I've come across those that are "willing" to take action and those that are too busy talking about why they can't or will not do it. And it's hard breaking to see it unfold. Many of us would rather attend to other things than to focus on our own issues.
In all those years, I have met people who are "willing" to live with limitations in their lives that they can easily fix if only they applied themselves a little more each day. But, they rather not. They speak of all the challenges in their lives and they justify they're lack of willingness to take action. Unfortunately, the day will come and for many it already has, where it's almost too late. Where so much damage has been done that it's almost impossible to reverse it.
In all my years of experience I have never met a person that wasn't too busy, didn't have some physical challenges, family responsibilities and/or financial dificulties. We all have and we all do. The difference is always in our own "willingness" to take action or not be "willing" to take action.
I've said this in many of my classes in the past; "What are you willing to do to create the changes you want in your life?" When we talk about your health and fitness goals; "Are you willing to apply yourself more? Are you willing to practice more each week? Are you willing to challenge yourself more each time? Little things can easily add up to bigger things. So, I'll ask you again; Are you willing to do what it takes?
To your health and success,
Marco Gamez
Are you frustrated? What are you going to do about it?I recently read an article by Richard Brandson where he states that a new business should be started because we are frustrated with the way others are doing it. This immediately hit home for me because it's the same reason as to why I opened a Hot Yoga center of my own.
Like the many who saved up their money to attend one or more teacher trainings, I too went that route. Thinking that the yoga community would support me to open a place of my own. But then coming to the realization that it's never that simple. Having to deal with so much "red tape" and politics in the yoga community put a strain on me almost instantly.
In addition, after teaching "Hot Yoga" for several years in different studios here in the U.S. and in other countries, I came to the conclusion that many of the students attending yoga classes were frustrated just like me. That frustration came from the length of time it took to take a yoga class, the heat in the room being over-whelmingly hot and the desire to learn different yoga poses to stop myself from being bored.
So my passion for yoga, my frustration for the way it was being done and knowing that I could do it better, I opened my own "Hot Yoga" center.
Today, I'm proud to say that I run a yoga center that helps people destress, change the way they look and feel about themselves and as a community we are building a place that thrives on self growth.
I have shortened the classes from an hour and half to just one hour. I lowered the room temperature from 107 degrees(your typical hot yoga studio) to under 99 degrees. I incorporate all "styles" or "forms" of yoga to get the best and fastest results possible and we are having fun doing it. And as a result, our community of students have become stronger, more flexible, lost weight, advanced in their yoga practice and they've done it in a short period of time. Pretty cool right?
So, what's my point? Everything worth while in your life will require work and effort. If you're frustrated with the way you feel or look, take action and do something about it. If your relationship with someone you love is in the trenches, take action and do something about it. Sitting back and complaining doesn't work. Trust me, I was heart broken when I realized the yoga community I supported wasn't what I thought it was. But it didn't kill my spirit. I moved forward and so should you. Just a little food for thought.
Best wishes,
Marco
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