The instructor had us use the tennis ball for a special kind of stretch at the beginning of class
I’ve always had a curiosity about trying yoga. I’ve tried several DVDs at home, but I always get bored of them. Plus, I want to make sure I’m actually doing the poses correctly.
I really wanted to find a class that is for absolute beginners. I found a Beginner Hatha class at a local yoga studio (The Still Point Yoga for my local readers). I was really nervous about my first class because I was afraid that my inflexible out-of-shape self would struggle with it. Fortunately, my instructor is absolutely amazing. She’s very helpful and really takes the time to explain things. She checks in with everyone at the beginning of class to see how we’re feeling. I’ve been to 3 classes so far and I’m in love. I love the different type of workout I get from it. It’s already helping to build my core strength (I told the instructor I recently had a baby so she throws in extra core work for me 
). Every week, I leave class feeling refreshed. Yoga is very relaxing, but it’s also a tough workout. The class I go to is midday on Sundays which means I did my long run Saturday morning, a recovery run Sunday morning then yoga. My legs end up a little shaky in class!
I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep up going to class since it’s hard to fit it in my schedule right now, but I think even going for a few more times will really be helpful. I understand better how to position my body in the different poses so that if I practice at home, I know what I’m doing. Instead of trying more yoga DVDs at home, I signed up for the free 2 week trial at YogaGlo.com. I really like YogaGlo because I can easily filter the type of yoga video I want to do. Sometimes I only have 10-20 minutes where I can squeeze in a yoga workout; YogaGlo has all different lengths of videos that I can do which is really helpful with 2 little ones.
My running has been going okay. I’ve had a few crappy runs in a row but I think that was just from lack of sleep. Hopefully this week will be better!
These guys are super cute, but they don’t like to let me sleep
On the bright side, it looks like spring is coming! We had a random snowstorm last week where I finally got to wear my Yaktrax that I got for Christmas last year.
Running in the snow is so peaceful…I wish I got to do more of it this winter
Snow on Wednesday, Sunny & 60 degrees on Sunday
Have you done yoga? If so, what type? I’m doing Hatha Yoga right now which I really like, but I think when this session ends I may try my yoga studio’s beginner Vinyasa Flow class.
Thank you to whoever nominated me for the Top 25 Outdoorsy Moms on Circle of Moms! Feel free to vote for me
I LOVE yogaglo.com – just did the Ashtanga for Beginners class with Jodi. It’s my favorite style of yoga. A yoga glo acount is worth the monthly fee-just a few dollars more than dropping-in at a studio, which can be between 12-20 dollars, depending on where you live-and you get access to every style and a variety of levels and instructors. You’re going to love it!
I’m going to add that class to my queue right now! My only complaint with YogaGlo is that there are SO many options, I sometimes have trouble picking which video to do. That’s a good problem to have though
. You’re right that it’s a great value.
I’ve been wanting to try Yoga, I know a lot of runner swear by it.
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Betsy recently posted…What I Look for in a Race!
You should definitely give it a try!
I have been doing a flow class twice a week and then a comibined yoga/Tai Chi/Pliates class once a week. Love it so much and finding my running is getting faster!
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Elle recently posted…Loving my bobble… Want One of Your Own?
That’s great that it’s helping your running! That combination class sounds amazing.
I love yoga! I bought a Groupon type deal for a yoga studio near me. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to keep going after my 5 classes are over.
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Jamie recently posted…ORRRC Half Marathon Training: Week 2
It is unfortunate how expensive the classes can get!
Isn’t yoga the best?? I’m taking a class once a week now and I swear it helps me with my running and I agree, it’s helped so much with my abdominal strength post-baby!
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Carly recently posted…Guest Blogging at Live, Love & Run
I really love it! I think it’s perfect for rebuilding that core strength.
I did yoga before I started running as I’m still a beginner runner. But I absolutely love hot yoga – Both Bikram and Hot Vinyasa! You get the benefits of yoga including relaxation and increased flexibility and you get an awesome and incredibly sweaty workout!
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Renita recently posted…Lost Time
I really want to try hot yoga! I figured I ought to get some basics down first before trying it because I’m sure it will kick my butt
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I just started yoga too and am LOVING it. I thought my inflexible self would never be able to do it, but not true. Some poses are easier than others though.
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Karen recently posted…Hoping for an Eight Year Old Best Running Friend
That’s awesome, Karen! I agree some poses are easier – I’m pretty awesome at child’s pose, haha. Anything that requires flexibility or upper body strength is pretty hard for me.
I just got my hands on Jillian Michaels Yoga dvd (sounds like a contradiction cos that woman is fierce) and will be using it tomorrow. I am completely inflexible and running is doing nothing to remedy that affliction – here is to hoping!
I have that DVD too! It’s a GREAT workout, but it is tough! I think yoga is pretty hard on it’s own, but Jillian manages to take it to another level
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Yoga is one of those things I was much better at fitting in before I had my daughter. Getting to a studio just doesn’t happen – thankfully, i have a good yoga for runners DVD that I try to fit in when I can. My almost-two-year old does a pretty good “namaste”.
What shoes are you wearing in the pic with the snow?
That’s so cute!
I’m wearing Altra Intuition 1.5 – http://www.altrazerodrop.com/fitness/en/Altra/Women/intuition-15. I LOVE them. I also have Yaktrax strapped on my shoes to help with traction since it was slippery out.
Thanks! I thought that might be what they are. I’m really intrigued by the wide toe box. They seem to be hard to find in Canada, unfortunately.
Have to love a nice snowfall than warm weather! the yak trax are fun to run in though!
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Courtney recently posted…Getting Back Into Things!
I used to go to a yoga studio before I had kids, and now I have yoga download’s podcasts. They are actually really good and most of the 20-25 min classes are free to download! They have pose PDF charts if you need too.
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Kara recently posted…Weekend of Winning