Dabbling in Fitness: For the Love of Yoga

I've been doing yoga on and off for the past several years. My first yoga class was in college and I took it as a quick and easy gym credit. It easily became one of my favorite classes. Then I found a studio that offered 10 classes of hot yoga (Bikram yoga) for $10. I've never done anything that makes me feel so, incredibly relaxed and just plain good - inside and out.

So, after several years of not wanting to shell out the money for a studio membership, I'm back in the swing. As much as I enjoy my at home yoga dvds (they are quite good), being back in a hot yoga class is maybe the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time.

Now, the point of this post was to explain why I love yoga. Which is surprisingly hard to do...

I'll try, though.

You'll hear from every instructor that yoga is mind, soul, body. That's the total truth. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it is absolutely true. Especially when it comes to hot yoga. The body part is self evident. Yoga stretches and tones every muscle in your body. The mind and soul parts are a bit harder to explain... I think the mind part comes from spending an extended period of time in the quiet focusing entirely on yourself which extends into the soul. Giving yourself time to focus on you and only you is so good for the soul. It might feel selfish - but I've come to accept that sometimes taking time for myself is the best thing I can do for myself - and those rewards extend to the people around me because I feel so much better.

Now, I've had friends in the past who have been hesitant to try yoga because they don't think they are flexible enough or they don't think they'll have the time or a studio membership is too expensive. I've let myself use some of those excuses, I admit it. But - they are just excuses. Yoga is for ANYONE. I've been in class with women who look about 120 years old and people 3 or 4 times my size. Some people can hardly lift their legs off the floor when they start and some need blocks to sit on - but each person gets something out of their practice and slowly everyone gets closer to where they want to be.

I guess what I'm trying to encourages is anyone who has ever thought even a little about trying yoga to go for it. Find a studio, rent a mat and try it. I'd suggest a "regular" class for your first - but after a class or two or some time with an at home dvd giving a hot yoga class a chance. It sounds INTENSE - and it can be. But if you take your time, bring a lot of water and take breaks when you need them - you will experience something amazing. Every toxin, stress, fear, negative anything will be gone and you will feel transcendent. Yes. Transcendent.

Find a yoga mat! :)

Until next time - happy dabbling.