Weight Loss

April Cox of Palm Bay said she thought she would give yoga a try, but never expected to attend more then once class. Now, a year and 50 pounds later, Cox is hooked and wants to spread the word.

"I hadn't exercised since 1991 and then the only exercise I did was P.E in high school because I was forced," Cox laughed.

The 34-year old said she wanted to do something when she stepped into Downtown yoga and spoke to director Annette Armstrong about trying a class. But at 270 pounds she didn't think it was going to be doable.

"I looked at Annette and said, Can fat people do yoga?"

The answer Cox got was a resounding and cheerful, "Of course!"

So with modifications instructors helped Cox achieve postures and reap the benefits a good yoga class has to offer. Since she began attending yoga classes Cox has dropped down to 220 pounds. She attributes 90 percent of her weight loss to yoga and the other 10 to eating more sensibly. She said she is building muscle and has noticed definition in her arms. And although her original goal weight was 200 pounds now she wants to go further, attending classes three and four times a week when her schedule allows. Regular practice has also helped to alleviate persistent migraines she had been experiencing. While she still suffers from the condition, Cox said they are not appearing as often as they have in the past prior to practicing yoga.

Now she said she wants to let people know that they can do it too and should not feel intimidated.

"I've seen old people, men, women, and children there," she said. "Anybody can do it. Give it a try because yoga's very much go at your own pace. I just go as far as I can go and that's it."

Cox is proud of her accomplishments and her hubby of four years is pretty impressed by the results as well. When overhearing some of his co-workers griping about dieting he promptly explained how successful his wife has been with yoga.

"I never thought he'd brag about me like that," Cox said.