Giving Yogis in our global community a chance to shine...
This month's Star Yogis, Maria Gutierrez and her granddaughter, Ashley Gonzalez at the celebration of Ashley's 15th birthday.

Maria Gutierrez and Ashley Gonzalez

Each month, we feature a yogi who has shown dedication in integrating his or her yoga practice into a healthy and empowering lifestyle. This month, we feature 2 generations of yogis: Maria Gutierrez and her 15 year-old granddaughter Ashley Gonzalez, both of whom practice yoga regularly with me in Miami.   Please read on for Maria and Ashley's story about how yoga has been beneficial to their health and well-being.

I started doing Yoga, again, about 5 months ago, after a long abstinence from any type of exercise for approximately 5 years.  I felt very weak at first, having undergone recent surgery, but, after seeing some improvement, I decided to stick with it. 

Now I feel stronger, more agile, and definitely, more flexible.  I have also seen improvement in muscle tone; and, a couple of people I have run into have remarked that I look "fit" and slimmer.  This is all very important to me at 55 years of age.

I have finally gone over the hump in my mental attitude.  Yoga practice is not just something I have to do to feel better and stay in shape: It has finally become something I look forward to.  It is actually the only exercise I do.

My fifteen year old granddaughter, Ashley, has joined me practicing Yoga on Tuesday nights.  She says, "it relaxes me and helps reduce my stress level".  Yes, even teenagers have stress!  I hope to enjoy the benefits of Yoga well into my old age.

Namaste!

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