Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Free Yoga!!

I used to take yoga weekly, until an injury kept me away from class and then I just got out of the habit and didn't get back into it. I enjoyed taking classes, although I always found it a bit difficult to completely clear my mind and just focus on the poses at hand. (if you have any tips, let me know!) I've recently begun taking classes again at my gym and plan on keeping up with it and trying different styles. Perhaps one day I'll even give bikram yoga a shot!

Yoga is meant to relax our bodies and minds. It also helps in developing stronger and leaner muscles. Yoga is a great way to relieve muscle tension, stress, back pain, increase flexibility and it can even help you sleep better at night! I am not the most flexible person, so it's comforting to see others in class who also need to modify poses. I also love seeing people of all ages in class and when guys attend. Woody isn't sure about it, but I'm still working on him to try! The strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration that yoga requires and builds can help us with so many other sports and physical activities.

So.... you're wondering what this "free yoga" thing is all about, right? Well, it turns out that January 23rd is Yoga Day USA. Yoga studios across the country will offer free or donation based classes for everyone from newbies to experienced yogis to enjoy the practice. The day is also being used to bring attention to Yoga and its many benefits. If you haven't tried it before, or want to try a new studio or class, here's a great time to do it. Search the site for a location near you. I think it's a great way to get out and do something fun and healthy with friends or family, so I'm going to get some of my girlfriends together for a class!

Do you take yoga classes? What style is your favorite? How often do you go a week? How do you think it's helped you?




On another note, I did not put my boot (walking cast) on at all Monday! I went to the gym, went to work, trip to Whole Foods ($5 for 5 avocados sale!) and came home without any pain! Still going to wait another few days to try running, but I'm getting there!

7 comments:

Julie said...

Lisa,
I wish I had some tips for you...I have never taken a yoga class. I am really not sure that I have all the patience that is needed to have a productive yoga session:) I hope it goes well for you! Maybe you can blog about your experience and then talk me into it.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Score on the avocados.. I have tried Yoga once, felt very light headed and SUCKED.. LOL!! I have not tried it sense..

JennyMac said...

Yoga is one of my favorite things! Love this tidbit of news too..I had no idea about this day. Thanks for sharing.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

I said walk and I meant it! If you log 1,000 miles in 2010 and keep track of it then you are in. Email me if you want to be added..

Does NOT have to be for exercise..

Julia said...

Hi, I'm new to your blog. I absolutely love yoga, but had no idea about Yoga day! I hope I'll get to go to some free classes, that would be awesome!
To focus in the poses, I try to focus on my breathing and the tiny little alignment of my body. I find that the harder the pose, the easier it is to focus :)

The Laminator said...

Yay for no pain! Can't wait 'til you get back on the road...maybe I'll see you at a local race sometime soon!

Jenn said...

They don't even have avocados in our grocery store! I totally live in the hicks! I've never been to a yoga class although I have done the Yoga inspired P90X video (My hick town also does not have any fitness classes)! Glad you are pain free for now and hope it stays that way!!