Yoga

I've always considered myself a physically fit guy.  Growing up I loved the outdoors and especially the water.  I was always boating, kayaking, or swimming.  In fact, even into high school I carried on my love of exercise and made the swim team where I swam varsity for 4 years.  After high school, I got into martial arts at college.  I began lifting weights, hiking, and running.  Even today I carry on these activities on a weekly basis, trying to stay fit and keep my heart young and healthy.  I've never considered myself an "athlete," but I've always considered myself in top-notch shape.... that is of course until I took an introductory yoga class last month.

Most people think of yoga and they think of people lying around stretching.  And while in the macro sense this may be true, it is far from the reality of the class I took.  Yoga is the practice of using complex stretching, layered with balance, and focused on controlled breathing to turn your body into an extreme machine.  While anyone can do yoga, including novices, it also will take the most seasoned athlete and make them struggle. 

When I walked into the door, what struck me was the fact that the "regulars" of the class looked like chiseled sculptures.  They were toned, athletic, and impressive.  As we began the class, I was soaked with sweat within 10 minutes.  After 25 minutes my core was already exhausted and my legs felt like rubber.  By the end, I had felt like I had run a marathon but I had never left the room!  I realized that after all my years of trying new exercises, that yoga may have been the toughest. 

It was an amazing workout and I loved it.  At times I felt weak and inflexible, but my fellow classmates were encouraging and welcoming.  I never felt out of place or self-conscious.  I only felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as I struggled to pull of difficult poses and controlled my breathing.  All in all, it was a relaxing workout, which is strange for how much I struggled and perspired, and I love it.  I highly recommend trying out some yoga if you are looking for an alternative to the normal workouts.  I think you'll be surprised how much fun it is and how good of a workout it is as well. Maybe I’ll see YOU in class!

M.F.