10 things I learned from yoga class

by workoutmommy on May 20, 2009

LONDON - MARCH 13: Students practice the uniqu...
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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:

  1. I must go to Yoga more often.  NO more excuses!
  2. 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.
  3. Yoga really is NOT about competition. I could care less what the person next to me was doing, I was too focused on myself.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!)
  9. 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!
  10. 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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{ 10 comments }

mommy-momo May 20, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I really got to give yoga a try!!!

mommy-momos last blog post..Basics.

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Tyler May 20, 2009 at 5:14 pm

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.

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Fit Mommy May 20, 2009 at 5:24 pm

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

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Alyssa May 20, 2009 at 9:31 pm

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!

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charlotte May 20, 2009 at 11:56 pm

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

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MizFit May 21, 2009 at 6:18 am

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?

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Pamela Kramer May 21, 2009 at 9:04 am

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

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Alyssa May 21, 2009 at 11:30 am

Tyler, you might try to fins a beginner or intro class. Or even start with a gentle class, and go from there.

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workoutmommy May 21, 2009 at 2:37 pm

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!

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Tanya May 24, 2009 at 11:41 pm

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

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