I was an occasional runner, but as I got closer to my 30th birthday, ‘occasional’ became ‘rarely’. Then, I got sick in December 1999. It was just a sinus infection, but it was a sign of things to come. Over the next 6 years, I had countless sinus infections and 3 sinus surgeries. My immune system was weakened. Additionally, I gained over 20 pounds.

A friend recommended yoga. I started yoga in 2003 by watching a Rodney Yee video. I was scared to try yoga in front of other people because I had no balance, no flexibility, no upper body strength, and no stamina. I did the video yoga off and on (more off, than on) for 2 years and stopped.

In October 2007, I had lunch with a friend. We discussed priorities and I was surprised to hear her daughters were not her top priority – it was health! “Without good health”, she said, “You won’t be around for your kids or anything else for that matter.” On Nov 5, 2007 , I made health my number one priority when I attended my first yoga class.

I thought I would pass out my first class, but I kept coming back. I started with one day a week for the first few months. Then, I added a second day each week. I shed 20 pounds my first year and have kept it off. Now, 2 ½ years later, I take 3 classes a week. I have not had any sinus issues since 2006.

Yoga has given me a more balanced mind, body, and spirit. It continues to be physically and mentally challenging for me, but the clarity and peace that it provides has made all the difference. I am healthier at 40 than I was at 30, and I never would have imagined that just a few years ago. Thank you Yoga Sol!
Chris, Concord, CA

Like most people with chronic back problems, I get that sensation that my back is tweaked, out of alignment or that terrible feeling it is going to slip out on me.  Since I’ve begun practicing yoga regularly at Yoga Sol, I have experienced no back pain, no tightness and none of the fluttering that proceeds a week on the couch with my back out. The increased strength and flexibility in my legs, abs and back from cross-training with Yoga Sol has improved my own swim times to the fastest I’ve ever been.
Cameron Hagans Men’s Varsity Water Polo Coach, College Park High School Pleasant Hill, CA
 
I came to yoga three years ago when my sister came to visit me in California. I was new to California. I did not want to try yoga, but she insisted. At first I was very awkward, overweight, and lonely. But soon I made friends I will never forget, and became "addicted" to yoga. I lost weight, dress sizes, developed self-confidence as my practice improved. My posture improved, my energy level increased, and my cholesterol level dropped 50 points. I could not live without yoga now, and my teachers have had a direct impact on all aspects of my life. How wonderful! Thank you Tara and Meighan.
Maria (51 years young)
 
I lost 4 dress sizes in 6 weeks and I still ate the same way I always do - Anything and everything!  It also cured my tendonitis in 2 classes!
Tara Clay, owner

I was diagnosed with cancer in Feb. 2006.  Good news is that my prognosis is very good. But I would had to undergo 6 weeks of radiation- 5 days a week. During radiation, I took your S2 yoga classes twice a week.  They were a tremendous help in assisting me with staying in shape, fighting fatigue during radiation and overall feeling good physically. Even my doctors said that yoga or pilates would be good for me and that it would help fight fatigue. I am so glad Yoga Sol was available to me because I don't know what kind of shape I would have been without it.  Thank you for the classes and the great teachers.
Laura

For everyone who thinks yoga is for women only or not challenging enough, check out 49ers Tony Parrish practicing yoga in the heat.(Just like our Sol I class offered daily) Click here.