National Yoga Month
Kristen McGee in a Perfect Warrior 2 Pose!
September is National Yoga Month. I've noted that in observance there are free yoga classes being offered at many of the yoga studios. This would be the perfect chance for you to try out a practice and see what it's all about. If you are already a yogi, or practice on your own or at a studio or gym, it may be a great opportunity to try out a new instructor, type of yoga or spot.
My own yoga practice has grown and changed a lot from when I first learned how to do a down dog. It began with a love hate relationship. My view of working out has changed along with my view of yoga. I used to think I had to pound it out, work up an incredible sweat and "feel the burn" to benefit from a workout. Lordy, no wonder my body started giving me aches and pains and tight muscles that wouldn't let go! I began practicing yoga because I thought it was something I needed to do. I was hating my tight hamstrings and hips and could not seem to keep them loose and pain free. I thought yoga might help. I did not consider it a "good workout" at the time. I also did not like the stillness and slowness on the mat. It was a huge struggle for me to make it through an hour long class - and a 90 minute class? Forget it! I always found some reason to slip out early!
However, the more I made myself go and "suffer" through the flow of poses and find out how hard some of those darn poses are, the more I began to appreciate the slowness, the strength in holding a pose, the concentration required for balance, and the variety of people and levels of practice in a room. I also began to truly appreciate my body and the change in it and my abilities.
I think there may be folks turned off from yoga because of the "oms" and some of the mystery behind a spiritual part of the practice. Well, I look at yoga completely differently. I go to church to feed my spiritual side and I practice yoga for my physical side. I love yoga now and have even completed a couple of certifications and love leading a group through a practice.
Whatever your workout or exercise of choice is, yoga is a great compliment. Whether you run, bike, swim, or walk, adding a little or even a lot of yoga to your routine can really make a difference. It surely couldn't hurt! If your hips are tight from running, sitting at a computer or a desk at work or even driving carpool all day, you will feel the difference. Maybe your shoulders are tight or your balance is poor, maybe it's your hamstrings that give you a fit, or your posture is beginning to slump, any number or things can be addressed on the mat.
Just to get you going here's a taste of a few great poses from my girl crush, Kristen McGee. Yes, I have a huge girl crush on her! She's my favorite for Yoga and Pilates! (That's her in the photo above) She takes you through a series of yoga poses in Celebration of National Yoga Month in an article for The Huffington Post. Just click HERE , get on the floor and go . . . .
This is the month to try something new! Get out there and see what your body can do. If you do not live where yoga is readily available, no problem. YouTube is full of great yoga videos for ALL levels! I know you will find something right for you.
Enjoy your weekend! Enjoy National Yoga Month!
If you are wondering how I'm doing on my SAVINGS SPREE CHALLENGE, so far so good! It helps that I throw away all catalogs before they even make it inside my home and I stay away from any and all stores with anything cute . . . .
How about you? Did you join me? How's it going? Have I convinced you to try yoga? Or a new form of yoga?
Have Fun Today!
My own yoga practice has grown and changed a lot from when I first learned how to do a down dog. It began with a love hate relationship. My view of working out has changed along with my view of yoga. I used to think I had to pound it out, work up an incredible sweat and "feel the burn" to benefit from a workout. Lordy, no wonder my body started giving me aches and pains and tight muscles that wouldn't let go! I began practicing yoga because I thought it was something I needed to do. I was hating my tight hamstrings and hips and could not seem to keep them loose and pain free. I thought yoga might help. I did not consider it a "good workout" at the time. I also did not like the stillness and slowness on the mat. It was a huge struggle for me to make it through an hour long class - and a 90 minute class? Forget it! I always found some reason to slip out early!
However, the more I made myself go and "suffer" through the flow of poses and find out how hard some of those darn poses are, the more I began to appreciate the slowness, the strength in holding a pose, the concentration required for balance, and the variety of people and levels of practice in a room. I also began to truly appreciate my body and the change in it and my abilities.
I think there may be folks turned off from yoga because of the "oms" and some of the mystery behind a spiritual part of the practice. Well, I look at yoga completely differently. I go to church to feed my spiritual side and I practice yoga for my physical side. I love yoga now and have even completed a couple of certifications and love leading a group through a practice.
Whatever your workout or exercise of choice is, yoga is a great compliment. Whether you run, bike, swim, or walk, adding a little or even a lot of yoga to your routine can really make a difference. It surely couldn't hurt! If your hips are tight from running, sitting at a computer or a desk at work or even driving carpool all day, you will feel the difference. Maybe your shoulders are tight or your balance is poor, maybe it's your hamstrings that give you a fit, or your posture is beginning to slump, any number or things can be addressed on the mat.
Just to get you going here's a taste of a few great poses from my girl crush, Kristen McGee. Yes, I have a huge girl crush on her! She's my favorite for Yoga and Pilates! (That's her in the photo above) She takes you through a series of yoga poses in Celebration of National Yoga Month in an article for The Huffington Post. Just click HERE , get on the floor and go . . . .
This is the month to try something new! Get out there and see what your body can do. If you do not live where yoga is readily available, no problem. YouTube is full of great yoga videos for ALL levels! I know you will find something right for you.
Enjoy your weekend! Enjoy National Yoga Month!
If you are wondering how I'm doing on my SAVINGS SPREE CHALLENGE, so far so good! It helps that I throw away all catalogs before they even make it inside my home and I stay away from any and all stores with anything cute . . . .
How about you? Did you join me? How's it going? Have I convinced you to try yoga? Or a new form of yoga?
Have Fun Today!
