Wednesday, August 27, 2008

YOGA!

I joined our local YMCA Sunday night for the sole purpose of starting Yoga. I have been wanting to excercise for months now (see earlier New Year's Resolutions), but unfortunately, I can't motivate myself to go run, or lift weights. Probably because I don't particulary enjoy running. (You should hear stories from my cross-country running days. As much as I would like to enjoy running, I've never hit that "runner's high" I've heard so many people talk about, and my times were always terrible. You can ask anybody in my family.) But, I just knew if I could take up Yoga I would enjoy it. It seemed like my kind of workout - peaceful, relaxing - yeah, that's my kind of workout.

So, I looked at all the classes all the different Y branches offer, and I chose to go to Hot Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45. Last night was my first night. I walked into the room and it was completely dark except for two very dim lights on both sides. It was also very quiet, and very warm. Thus, the "hot" part. When we started, the instructor played some soothing music, and we slowly progessed from the various positions, or asanas (sp?). The workout (from what I could tell) slowly built up. The most strenous excerises were in the very middle of the workout, and then you slowly work you're way back down. The entire class lasted an hour. At the very end, we laid on our backs and completely relaxed, eyes closed. I didn't realize how relaxed I had become until I moved back into the sitting position!

At the end, I felt I had worked every muscle in my body. I'm looking forward to seeing how my flexibility and strength increase. I'm still learning a lot about it, but it's very focused on stretching and breathing. Best workout I've ever had. I'm definitely looking forward to going back tomorrow night!

3 comments:

His Mercy Endureth Forever said...

I've always wanted to try yoga, but was afraid to because I'm not very flexible at all. Glad you enjoyed your class, maybe this will motivate me...we'll see!

Kelly Spezzano said...

I am glad you enjoyed your workout! I used to take a Pilates class at Lifestyles and boy was it a work out, even though you don't feel like you are doing much more than stretching by the end of the class my face would be beet red and I would be sore the next day! :P

Dani said...

I've thought about yoga, and they say most of it is really good for pregnant women, but I can't seem to get motivated at all. I'll be looking forward to see how it goes.