It’s been a busy couple of days. I am starting to get back into the training groove. I am back on the crossfit wagon. So far I went to three 6 a.m. classes and I plan to head to mobility tonight. As winter quickly approaches, I am starting to etch out a training plan for the cold months.
Last winter sucked the life out of me. It was colder than usual and the entire province was smacked with record dumps of snow within a few days. Let me tell you, it was not conducive to running outside. I wanted to curl up under my blankets and wait until spring. I had very few quality runs which put me in a bad mood until about May!
This winter I plan to flip the script on my training and it starts with yoga. On Tuesday night, I went to Bikram Red Deer with my friend Laura. You may find this hard to believe but I have never been to a yoga class in my life. I have books and DVDs but I have never mustered up enough courage to try it out in a studio. Finally I just said to myself stop being a wimp and get to it.
Bikram is described as the original hot yoga with a sequence of 26 postures (and two breathing exercises) in a heated room. I know there’s many different types of yogas out there but I love the heat so I thought this would be a good fit. Laura has been going to hot yoga for a number of years and she loves it.
Laura and I met for the 7:30 p.m. class. I was a little late because I couldn’t find parking. (My own fault). Jenna, one of the owners, was our instructor. She was very nice and seemed genuine. I liked her immediately.
The class was full of half-dressed yogis (is that what you call them?). Laura and I put our mats on the floor in the back. I wanted a clear view of Jenna and others in the room. I knew I would be out of synch with everyone because I did not know the sequence. With time obviously, I would get to know the postures.
All in all it wasn’t that bad. I had a few people warn me about the heat. I made sure to drink tons of water on Tuesday. I am not sure how hot it was in the room. At the end of the class I was soaking wet. I took a few sips of water during the class. I think I was well hydrated so many that’s why the heat didn’t affect me too much.
Some of the postures were harder than others. I am not sure what my form was like (likely sloppy) but I felt comfortable with most of them. The studio has a great deal of $39 unlimited yoga for newbies who want to try it out for a month. Can’t beat that deal. I am going to sign up on Nov. 1. I can’t wait to get started.
Are you into yoga? Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?
I really like yoga but can't get to classes regularly. I try to do it at home but am just not dedicated enough…I'd rather just run 😉 I loved it when I was pregnant….I felt like a different person each week and it helped with labour.
That's interesting. Yes that's my goal – twice a week. At home I can't do it because I get so distracted with other things.
I do love me some yoga… I need more time in the day, or maybe just to win the lottery so I don't have to work! I've only been to one hot yoga class, but I liked it, and didn't think the heat was crazy either. I LOVE the heat though, so maybe that's why. Hot yoga does sound like an excellent way to battle the winter blues, I'll have to remember that in February!
I am such a big fan of heat. I know I will love it in the winter even more!