#TRANFORMATION: How yoga changed this working mom's life during the pandemic

Nicole is a hard-working mom with a full-time job, an immunocompromised son living with the rare disease Barth syndrome, and "head of the house" while her wife is on shift working in the hospital. While working 100% remotely from home AND helping her son school 100% from home in 2020, Nicole started doing yoga online with us.

And despite all of her responsibilities, she found the time and she changed her life, her body and her mind.

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Nicole 2019 (left) and 2020 (right).

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We are so proud of you, Nicole, not only for your transformation but most importantly for showing up to try 6 times a week! We asked Nicole to share her story.

When did you begin yoga online, and why?

I started yoga online in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. Because my son is immunocompromised, he and I went into full lockdown as soon as COVID19 was identified in our state. Walking the dog was literally my only activity, and I needed something more to improve my mind, body, and spirit. Yoga was exactly the something more I needed, and I am forever grateful to Cristy for offering a real-time virtual yoga experience and online community.

What has surprised you the most about your experience of doing yoga with the Yoga Lemonade community over the last year?

My past yoga experience was mostly flow, so that was all I was interested in when I started. I was quite hesitant to try Yoga Bootcamp, and found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I've come to love the HIIT aspect. I now try to do 2-3 bootcamps sessions each week, and fill the other days with flow or stretch/rolling.

How has your body changed? How has your mind changed?

I feel so much stronger. Physically, I can see definition/tone in places I've never seen before, and I find myself able to do yoga poses I completely scoffed at mere months ago. Mentally, I feel more balanced and far less stressed.

How do you find the time do do yoga? How often do you practice?

I've learned that I MUST find time for myself, and I do that by scheduling in advance. Each weekend, I plan out my schedule for the following week. I start by looking at the firm events in my calendar (immovable work meetings, medical appointments, etc.), schedule live yoga classes around those things, and fill out the rest of my week with the more flexible items (non-time specific work tasks, grocery pickup, etc.) I try to practice everyday, with at least 5 live classes, and supplementing with videos, and have been pretty successful with that goal. HOWEVER, some weeks are more challenging than others, and if I'm crunched for time or too sore from a previous bootcamp challenge, I squeeze in 20-30 minutes on my elliptical.

Brag about yourself - how much weight have you lost and how do you feel now compared to a year ago?

I've lost 40 pounds in the past year, and continue to focus on improving my health & wellbeing. I feel so much better than I did before starting my journey - but that doesn't mean I still don't have slumps or aches and pains. I've learned that I'd rather EARN my aches; my shoulder will hurt whether I practice or not, but if it hurts because I worked it I am in control. Mentally and spiritually, I've learned that I MUST prioritize myself and my time, because I am the only one that truly can. And when I do, I am filled with gratitude, strength and hope for myself and others.

What else would you love to share with someone who wants to try but is afraid of getting started?

So many platitudes! But honestly two in particular come to mind.

1. Every journey starts with one step - you just have to take it.

2. Challenge by choice - and only you can choose the challenge.

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EVERYONE STARTS AT THE BEGINNING.

All levels, all ages, all bodies welcome. Try a video here or try a live class (2-week free trial, $15/month unlimited, cancel anytime).