By Candace Regan
My journey with Alkalign started several years ago when I was looking for a job but couldn’t afford childcare. I stumbled across an opening at the Alkalign Playroom where I could work and bring my son. It was a win-win because I could be around fitness and kids (a love of mine since teaching Sunday school) and both my son and I would make some new friends!
I thought to myself, “this is amazing”, and it was, on all levels. Although I had a background in dance, I had to retrain my mind and body to understand proper body mechanics. Learning to align my body for optimal function was not easy. I constantly struggled to keep my ribs pulled in (any fellow rib flare-ers out there?), align my pelvis, and to maintain a neutral spine. However, I continued to listen to and learn from the Alkalign instructors, making adjustments and choosing modifications that felt right for me. Then everything began to fall into place. I could feel the progress I was making.
A few months into working in the playroom I chose to begin training to be an instructor. Then, of course, life happened. I unexpectedly got pregnant and had some complications that required me to put my training on hold. I was bummed, but excited about the baby on the way. After the birth of my daughter, I made my way back to Alkalign and loved teaching, connecting with clients and guiding them along their personal health and fitness journey. Alkalign provided friends, community, joy,…and lots of endorphins.
Unfortunately life (and death) happened and I had to step away from teaching again when my husband lost his best friend to cancer. I felt heartbroken, devastated. During the time I was away I fought depression and anxiety. I felt hopeless for no reason. The sun would be shining but I would shut the blinds. I knew I needed something so I started small and found anything that made me feel alive. I started journaling, therapy, self-care days, mornings at the beach and, in the process, I began to find myself again. I also remembered how Alkalign used to fill me with joy. I wanted that back.
Despite the setbacks, I once again navigated my way back to Alkalign and was welcomed with open arms. Here I am, as grateful and fulfilled as can be. Life is hard and throws us lots of curveballs. I’ve learned that it’s how we adjust to changes and embrace challenges that helps us overcome them. I find the same to be true at Alkalign. It can be hard to learn something new and to break free of things we are taught to believe. But, when you have support to help guide you along your path, you gain a whole new understanding of YOU and what your journey is all about. I’m still learning about myself every day. Come learn something new with me, let’s journey together through Alkalign.
Candace is an Alkalign Livestream instructor who teaches Align30 and Align45.
