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Except for one class of Bikram yoga last fall, I haven’t been practicing Yoga for almost 4 years.
Sad, but true.
Even sadder is that I’m a certified Yoga instructor through YogaFit and I used to teach at least 4 classes per week. These days, I barely even take the time to do a hamstring stretch because you know…I am too busy. (sound familiar?)
So last night I went to a Yoga class and here are 10 things I learned:
- I must go to Yoga more often. NO more excuses!
- My hamstrings are so tight I could barely do some of the poses. It was pathetic. Years of running have done a job on my poor hammies and I need to treat them better.
- Yoga really is NOT about competition. I could care less what the person next to me was doing, I was too focused on myself.
- Mirrors are not my friend. I had a hard time not criticizing myself throughout the class because of my body issues. The mirrors are helpful though for maintaining proper form.
- I am constantly beating myself up to workout harder, longer, faster, etc. This class was just the opposite and exactly what I needed. Yoga helps me slow it down.
- A good great instructor makes all the difference in the world. Make sure you get one that watches your form and seems to care that you are there in class.
- Proper yoga breathing can really help you get deeper into a pose or just feel better overall. Notice your breath for a minute or two, are you really filling your lunges or just breathing from the top? Take some deep breaths and notice the difference.
- Invest in your own yoga mat. You will be more likely to use it at home. (and do you really want to use a mat where others have been with their bare feet? Yuck!)
- There are many different forms of yoga, ( Vinyasa, Hatha,Ashtanga, Ivengar, Kundalini, Bikram, etc.) Find a class and instructor that works for you and don’t give up!
- and finally, ENJOY YOURSELF. That hour is all about you. Clear your mind and don’t worry about stuff during class. It will all be there when you are done, I promise! Use your class time to just focus on YOU!
Have you been to Yoga lately? Did you learn any lessons you’d like to share?
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May 20th, 2009 at 2:28 pm 1
I really got to give yoga a try!!!
mommy-momos last blog post..Basics.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:14 pm 2
I really would like to try Yoga. The problem is that I’m the most unflexiable person EVER. No joke. I cannot even come close to touching my toes.
I don’t think I would last 5 minutes in there.
Can you actually go to a class if you can’t do any of the movements properly? Or should I spend some extra time stretching before I even attempt it.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:24 pm 3
I’m in a Yoga Works teacher training! Whoo Hoo. Been the best thing I ever did. It’s a 12 week training that includes two massive yoga sessions each week with senior teachers. A great teacher will give you so much to think about that it’s hard no matter what the pose. I am now truly a lover of yoga and particularly sensitive to yoga teachers- a bad one can really turn a person OFF of yoga and a good one will keep them coming back.
Fit Mommys last blog post..Virtual Cycling in Hawaii
May 20th, 2009 at 9:31 pm 4
I just started doing Bikram yoga and I love it. I’m hoping to start a yoga teacher training program soon. (A few years ago I wanted to do the YogaFit training but wasn’t able to do it then.)
T the beginning of class I do notice all the flaws in my body, but once class starts I’m too busy trying to stay upright to think about it, lol!
May 20th, 2009 at 11:56 pm 5
Yoga is one of my all-time favorite forms of exercise so I’m so glad you are getting back into it! And I totally sympathize about teh love-hate with the mirrors!
charlottes last blog post..The Problem With Being a People Pleaser
May 21st, 2009 at 6:18 am 6
loved the post.
Ive been trying different types and found (not surprisingly) I LOATHED the bikram yet adore hatha.
Im still exploring as well.
MizFits last blog post..When Is A Calorie Not A Calorie?
May 21st, 2009 at 9:04 am 7
I love yoga! I stopped going when our trainer moved away.
I need to get back into it as soon as I can figure out what do with all these kids. lol
Pamela Kramers last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #66 – Extreme Sports
May 21st, 2009 at 11:30 am 8
Tyler, you might try to fins a beginner or intro class. Or even start with a gentle class, and go from there.
May 21st, 2009 at 2:37 pm 9
Tyler, I agree with Alyssa. Find a beginner class and test it out. Start slow and eventually you will notice an increase in flexibility. Keep us posted!
May 24th, 2009 at 11:41 pm 10
I tried it and hated it. That said, I’m going to give hot yoga a try this week. I hope my love of sweating and intense workout will make hot yoga and vinyasa a fit for me.
Tanyas last blog post..Fruity Salads
May 30th, 2009 at 3:02 am 11
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