#ThisIsActive Q&A with Ramona, healthcare professional and new yogi

by Anne Kelly December 18, 2017 3 min read

Our #ThisIsActive Q+As are part of an ongoing series to show how plus size women live their active lives. Share your active life with us on social media by using #ThisIsActive on Instagram or send your story to social @ junoactive.com for a chance to be featured.

Ramona is a healthcare professional and currently lives and works in Northern Virginia. She enjoys quality time with her daughter and son-in-law, socializing, and good coffee. She likes exploring other cultures through reading, foreign television, and local events.

1. Why did you start practicing yoga, and what inspired you to take a new class?

My day to day can be pretty stressful. I work as an Office Manager for a small medical practice with a morning and evening commute that takes more than an hour each way. The routine is demanding and very consuming. I had to find a work/life balance! The popularity of Yoga piqued my interest, but I needed to know more about it.

Learning that it is a discipline in which I can incorporate my prayer/meditation time. I can exercise and increase my mental and physical awareness while allowing me to relax and de-stress. I knew this would be more beneficial to me than a gym membership! However, I admit the thought of being able to physically meet the demand of properly achieving the different poses was very daunting.

Back in September my daughter and I attended Pineapple Camp, a 1-day women’s event. Our schedule included a 1 hour session of Vinyasa Yoga. Albeit with a few limitations, I was able to complete the whole class. Yes, I can do this!! Now, I just have to find a class that’s right for me.

2. You’re currently taking a yoga class called “My Body Don’t Bend That Way.” Can you tell us a bit about this class?

A friend told me about a studio where she was taking a class. I looked it up, and found that at PIES Fitness Yoga in Alexandria, VA there are a variety of classes to suit most anyone. “My Body Don’t Bend That Way” is one of the classes on the Beginner/Senior list. It is stated to be their “Flagship” class designed to specifically address flexibility, balance, and strength with emphasis on breathing, awareness of movement, and more. I have Asthma, so for sure this would be the right class for me.

My class meets Saturdays at 7:45am!! Marsha is a great instructor, and I’m excited about attending. And, for times when I can’t go I have the equipment needed to practice at home.

3. What other exercises have you practices throughout your life?

I’ve never had a true exercise regimen. Although, several years ago I experienced an issue with my lower back. That resulted in several months of intensive total body Physical Therapy. An 8hr/5day a week program that included the treadmill, stationary bike, UBE, free weights, and foam rollers. Re-learning the use of proper body mechanics that I still implement in my daily activity to this day. A career in healthcare has also required lots of standing and walking.

4. What has your lifelong active journey been like?

My lifelong active journey has been busyness! Being a mother, having a career, taking classes for both advancement and enrichment. Volunteering and I love socializing.