This Yoga Life

Who: Stephanie Reitano, 37
Where: Philadelphia

What got her hooked
I am one of those people who complains about the cold, and yoga in that studio warmed my core. In my first Bikram class I was shocked by what I could do in the heat: I actually felt my muscles and tendons relax. Yoga has become the perfect complement to my running routine. I rebound faster after a long run. I’ve only lost about 4 pounds since I’ve started, but I’ve gone down 2 dress sizes. My muscle tone is back. And I no longer have to suck in my stomach—I can even wear midriff-baring shirts now. Not that I would, but I could, dammit!

Her yoga life
I try to go to a 90-minute Bikram class Monday through Thursday. Since I’m working all the time, I don’t feel an ounce of guilt about stealing away at noon. We go through 26 poses and I don’t even count them or pay attention to the names—it’s refreshing since I’m consumed with logistics all day long. I’m the type of person who desperately needs quiet inside my brain, but between the business and my family, yoga is the only time that I have to myself. 

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