Yoga Update.

It’s been a few months since starting yoga and I have to say I’ve really gotten into it. I’m now going two to three days a week and it’s become vital to my mental health.

I love to go into that room and forget about the rest of the world for an hour. I concentrate on what I’m doing in the moment and let the outside world fall away. It’s wonderful! I think it might have even helped me to be a little more present in other areas of my life.

I’ve noticed I’m getting stronger too. There are poses that used to be impossible to me that I’m now getting better at. In the first few weeks I would literally vibrate in my downward dogs because I was so weak and now I find it a restful pose. Don’t get me wrong there are poses that make me feel like I could go everyday for the rest of my life and never get, but I can see a marked improvement over those first few weeks.

I’m even a little more flexible than I used to be. When I started taking yoga classes I could barely touch my ankles, forget about touching my toes. Now my hands can find the floor by the second half of class. I’m still not as flexible as I’d like to be but every week I see a small improvement.

What I wish I’d see an improvement in is my attitude and feeling of calm outside the class. I was hoping that I’d be able to remain clam even after the class and that maybe taking yoga would help me be a calmer mom who yells less. Was I expecting too much? Will that come later?

After Christmas I decided to continue my yoga practice at home and picked up a DVD. It’s not as good as an actual class, but it works in a pinch. I also find myself working through some of the poses throughout the day to loosen up or calm down.

The breathing techniques have helped too. I never thought I’d be a fan of single nostril breathing but it does make me feel more clear.

I have the opportunity at work to recommend classes to the members and I always say that they should at least try a yoga class. Some have even come back to say thanks and let me know they really enjoyed the class and will be back again soon.

Have you tried yoga? What do you think, are you hooked or was it a one and done?

Namaste.

It’s getting cold out there and it may or may not be time to take those workouts indoors. When it comes to my workouts I’m more of a live and let live kind of girl. You don’t bother me and I won’t bother you.

That being said I do have some gym workout pet peeves.

My Top 5 Gym Workout Pet Peeves

1) If you’re into yoga or want to get into yoga, do everyone a favor, be on time for class and stay until the bitter end. There isn’t much worse than being in your yoga zone only to have your concentration and relaxation interrupted by someone who is coming into class late. It’s also frustrating when you’re relaxing in your Shavasana at the end of class and someone is packing up and walking out the door. You’re not the only one in class, so try and respect those around you.

2) Also in your yoga class, don’t crowd someone. Just because your mat isn’t touching their’s doesn’t mean you’re far enough away. The last thing you want to be doing is smacking someone when you’re doing your sun salutations.

3) Moving on to the track, make sure you read the rules for the track before you take off running. A lot of indoor tracks will alternate directions each day to help with wear, please run in the correct direction. Another thing to remember is that you’re often not the only person on the track so be mindful of others around you. Look before passing someone so you don’t step right into someone else’s path. Also, if your track asks for walkers to be to the inside, don’t go walking around the outside of the track.

4) Into the fitness center. No matter what equipment you’re on please, please, PLEASE wipe it down when you’re finished. No one wants to use something with your sweat all over it. With winter being the cold and flu season this could help you and everyone else stay a little healthier.

5) Also in the fitness center, if it’s at all possible leave a buffer between you and the person next to you. With all those treadmills why are you going to hop on one right next to someone else…unless they’re your friend. Going along with number four, some people sweat more than others, if you’re one of those people chances are you’re slashing them with your sweat. GROSS!

We can all get along in the gym this winter as long as we are mindful and respectful of each other.

What are some of your workout pet peeves?