Becoming A Yogi?

Never did I think that yoga would be something that I actively participated in, or better yet, loved. I’m so in love with yoga, that despite not truly have the time for it, and not someone typically works out (besides running) that I’ve attended classes, everyday for the past week.Okay FINE! so I'm addicted, and it might be a problem, but for now I'm just going to go with it. And to be precise while I’m finding yoga in general amazing, I’m really hooked on HOT YOGA, yes, yoga in a 103 degree room. Imagine, doing yoga in a sauna, this is hot yoga. To me, there is something invigorating about sweating, but in such a calm peaceful and relaxing environment.

So this is kind of where I am, I can barely master downward-facing-dog (I am not flexible what-so-ever) I think seeing pictures of what true masters of yoga can do with their bodies and minds is what pushes me to continue wanting to practice and get better. Not to mention the cute yogi men who sometimes show up to class...

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While I’m a newbie to hot yoga, I definitely recommend that you try it and would like to throw out a few tips that I wish someone would have told me. (Honestly? I just should have read the website)

1. DON’T EAT BEFORE CLASS, Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga) is intense and you will NOT be in good shape if you eat right before class! I eat about three hours before class and always feel great during class.

2. BRING WATER, and drink it, lots of it, several hours before class, and don’t be afraid to drink in-between poses.

3. BRING A TOWEL, depending on what type of yoga you’ll be doing there will be a lot of sweat and your hands might slip right off your mat! Place a towel over your mat, or if you prefer keep it next to you ( you will certainly need to mop up the sweat from your neck and face)

4. WEAR LAYERS, I usually go to the studio in full length sweat wicking pants these are my favorites. And strip down to a medium-loose fit pant once I get into the locker rooms. Into class I wear a sports bra with a t-shirt over it, and almost the second I walk into the room I’m ready to take that shirt off!

5. TAKE YOUR TIME, one of my instructors told me this and it’s something I always repeat to myself, you aren’t competing with other people in the room, develop your own practice, do what feels right.

6. IT’S OK TO TAKE A BREAK, if you need a break, really it’s ok!!! Sit down or lay back and just relax

And maybe this is the goal... But honestly right now, I'd settle for just being able to touch my toes...

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After just a week of yoga classes I can tell you that I'm already starting to see some major changes in myself. Not only do I feel stronger and in better shape, but I SWEAR that my stomach is already looking much more muscular. I have a bigger appetite (which is fine since hot yoga burns 700 calories a session) and I'm all around much more calm. I won' t lie to you, I am very sore, in places that I didn't know possible, tops of my shoulders, along my rib cage, muscles that I didn't know I had in my shins, BUT I think that it's all part of the mind body connection, and that as I continue to practice these muscles will just grow stronger!

Just A Brief Intro

March has been a blur, full of new experiences and philosophies and a couple of life changes. What a better time to start a blog to share some of these moments. If not so that my triumphs and fails can be a source of entertainment to you, then for me, to look back on in 6 months, a year, 2 years.

This blog will contain a hodge-podge of things, dating stories and design tips, meal ideas and grocery shopping on a budget, rock climbing, yoga and meditation, marathon training, dogs and cats, family and friends, fashion and accessories, and news from around the web. So, nothing in particular, nothing focused, except for a little look into my little life.

Maybe a something about me to start us off…

I’m just a girl from a large cold, blustery winter city and a warm, active, adventurous summer city. A 20-something who loves anything new and exciting and who takes on way too many projects at once in an attempt to make life as interesting as possible. I’m single now, and have been for the past year and a half after a long and serious relationship. I’m dating now, which always makes for interesting stories and even life lessons. I work hard, I have a full time job involving children and I am also a full time student. I spend much of my time studying and working, but try to make up for that in the evenings and the weekends by taking to enjoy things that I love. I’m currently training for my first marathon, currently experimenting with vegetarianism, currently getting into yoga and meditation. I recently moved a few blocks down the street (ridiculous I know) but I’m enjoying setting up my new place just how I like it. I have a passion for decorating. I have a big friendly dog named Moose and a cuddly cat named Tipper and a few great friends and an awesome family. Mostly life is good, and even when it’s not I’m still trying to have a positive outlook. Life is too special, and too short to spend one day unhappy or doing something you don’t love.