So, I started practicing yoga about two months ago. It was a goal of mine to give it a try this year.

After giving yoga a whirl and trying different style classes and instructors, I really like it! I love how it relaxes my brain and my muscles. I love how I can spend an hour stretching different muscles and feel great after. I try to get in at least one yoga class a week. With work, family, friends, volunteering and adult responsibilities sometimes it is hard to get everything accomplished.

Tonight I went to “Yoga Under the Stars.” The class was held outside from 8pm-9pm. Last week, I saw a posting of the yoga class on a bulletin board at my gym and thought, “Why not, I love being outside.”  I have to admit, while I was driving to the class I was a little nervous because it was something new I was trying and I didn’t know how full the class was going to be or what type of poses were going to be preformed.

The weather conditions were hot, humid, windy and perfect. I can’t even tell you what I was thinking for that entire 60 minutes because my mind was so focused on my breathing and stretching. It might have been one of the best yoga classes I have attended. Simply because I wasn’t thinking about any of my work problems or things I had to accomplish. The poses were basic and still challenging for me. It was great looking up at the sky, watching the clouds roll by and listening to the wind. I definitely want to try this class again. I just wish it could be year round…oh Minnesota weather!

Here are a few things I am learning about yoga:

1. Yoga is a great compliment to my running.

2. I like attending evening yoga classes where I can unwind and have some alone time.

3. Syncing my breath with my movements is hard.

4. My core is weak.

5. Any pose that stretches my upper body and hamstrings is my favorite.

6. Yoga classes seem to fly by where as some cardio classes drag on. Why is that?

7. I will do a forward fold without bending my knees.

8. My mat makes me smell like rubber.

9. I am not flexible.

10. I can have patients with myself.

I think I’m turning into a yogi!

Amy