Ric & Jes

Being February, the month of love, we wanted to honor a yogi couple as our students of the month. Congratulations to Ric & Jes! Learn more about their yoga journey together below.

In the more than 12 years that we’ve been together, Ric and I have enjoyed countless activities as a couple… hiking, backpacking, cycling, scuba diving, just to name a few. Yoga is no exception, even though our journeys began at different times.

My journey began almost 3 years ago when my bestie called me up and said, “I’m going to try Sumits Hot Yoga, want to come?” I didn’t hesitate even though I was really nervous about it. Many people say they hated the first class or had mixed feelings about it, but not me, I was hooked! What’s the best part; the heat, the workout, the instructors, the calming effect, the post-practice physical and emotional high? I don’t know, but whatever it is, it keeps me coming back.

Obviously, I wanted to share this beautiful practice with my partner, but he was not so sure. It took some convincing, but finally one rainy Friday morning, Ric agreed to go with me. The next day, he woke me up at 8am and said, “I’m going to yoga, you coming?” Within about a month, Ric had completed his own personal 30-day challenge. Since then, we’ve been practicing 4-5 times a week, sometimes together, sometimes alone.

Individually, hot yoga has had a different impact for each of us. Yoga has improved the movement in my back and strengthened my core so much that I rarely have back pain, which I’d struggled with for years. It has also taught me how to find peace and accept myself as I am. Ric has been a cyclist for a long time, yoga has improved his flexibility and core strength, things that cycling can’t accomplish. His work is at times physically and emotional demanding. During morning classes, he is able to mentally prepare for the day; evening classes are a great way for Ric to unwind and de-stress.

Sumits Hot Yoga has made a difference in our life as a couple, as well. It’s hard to explain, but being in the room with your partner next to you is quite special. There is something about practicing together, but separate, that is intimate. Since starting to practice together, we speak more kindly to each other. We try harder to make the other happy. We appreciate each other’s differences, strengths and weaknesses. We are grateful to have each other and to be able to share this love of yoga and the peace of mind it brings.

Namaste’