If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may have noticed that I started taking yoga classes.
It’s craziness.
I have long declared my … oh, let’s just be honest… hatred for yoga. It began about six years ago, when I signed up for four prenatal yoga classes. I attended two of them. Partly because I couldn’t stand the whole relax/empty your mind/yoga’s not a competition woo-mantra (I have THINGS to do! I can’t just sit around for an hour and RELAX!) and partly because after the second session, my blood pressure bottomed out and I almost fainted in the hallway of the studio, while crawling to the bathroom so I could throw up or lay on the ground in fetal position (I wasn’t being particular).
After that, I pretty much swore I wouldn’t set foot in a studio again.
It was a pretty easy oath to keep. There weren’t any yoga classes remotely close to me – out of sight, out of mind. When I started running, the idea of supplementing with yoga was suggested to me several times. I realized it would be great for stretching and flexibility, but I had no intention of paying actual money to drive any significant distance or to torture myself as I did so many years ago. I caved enough to purchase a Jillian Michaels Power Yoga DVD (the “power” made it feel more like exercise) and I did it maybe 10 times. Maybe. My heart wasn’t in it, though, and I’m not sure how much benefit I actually derived from my efforts.
Things changed a little when I got hurt earlier this year. I admit I’m not religious about my stretching, and I also know that my cross-training was leaving much to be desired. When a new yoga studio opened up less than 15 minutes away, owned by the friend of a friend, my interest was piqued, just a little. I think what pushed me over the edge was the fact that they offered a “mild intensity” sunrise class once a week. While I do have a little time to get to a class after I drop little man at school, it’s nice to have everything done and out of the way before the day really starts. When I saw a friend mention she would be attending, I invited myself along.
I even offered to drive. When I commit, I commit all the way.
I always feel incredibly productive to be up and out while the moon is still bright in the sky. Tired and crazy, but productive.
The studio was gorgeous. Not quite what I was expecting. It was definitely small, but comfortable and airy. In my previous experience, venues had been dark and stuffy and stifling. This was different, in a good way.
There were three of us in the class (we had all come together), and it was pretty comfortable for my first time out in six years.
Our instructor, P, was incredible. She was extremely sweet and soothing, and I really appreciated her approach. She kept us on track, but there was a nice, light undercurrent to everything. The lesson was slow and we really focused on stretching and maintaing poses. P encouraged us to reach outside our comfort zones, but not in any terrifying kind of way. Ok. Her suggestion of balancing our knees on our triceps to attempt Crow was a bit terrifying, but she took it in stride when we gave her the side eye and opted to remain comfortably in our squats.
After that first class, I was sore, but inspired. So inspired that I signed up for an introductory set of 8 classes for $40. You can’t beat that. I knew if I was invested, I would keep going back.
And I did go back, two days later. This time, the owner of the studio was leading, and I was in a class of strangers. Usually, this would intimidate the pants off me, but I sucked it up. The class was 75 minutes long and the goal was strengthening and core work. It was tough. I kept up and was able to do most of the moves without modifications, but I could feel it. As I side note, I really liked the owner. She was very positive and encouraging, and emitted a lot of great energy.
I also tried a 60 minute power flow with weights. This is probably my favorite of the classes. P teaches this one as well, and we can choose to use two, three or five pound hand weights (or none at all). The class focuses on traditional yoga positions, but adds dynamic movement (biceps curls, tricep presses, etc) as a supplement.
So far, I’ve been to five classes. Each one has been a little different, which is great. I won’t get bored if the instructors make a habit of mixing things up. I also love that if the class is smaller, the instructors take into account things the students might like. P knows that I am there as a runner, so she will pull in some great hamstring or hip stretches that are really beneficial. It’s a small courtesy, and one I really appreciate.
And here we are.
Dare I say, I am actually enjoying the experience. I have felt very comfortable with the instructors, so far, and am excited about attending class, even when it means setting my alarm for 4:50 AM in order to get there on time. I can even see some small progress with certain stretches and poses, and it’s a good feeling. P also shows us how our poses are going to evolve over time. It starts out really simple, with a lunge, maybe. And then she asks us to move our hands into a position that is slightly less comfortable, and we do it, feeling all kinds of badass. And then suddenly, she seems to dislocate her shoulder and twist into a shape that is so incredibly out there, and tells us (without the slightest indication of exertion in her voice) that this is what we are shooting for in the future. It’s hilarious because I can’t personally see my body every recreating some of things hers does, but also gives a goal. A very long term goal, but a goal none the less.
I do struggle with certain things. Savasana, or corpse pose, for example. Because I really just don’t understand doing a nice routine, feeling all kinds of accomplished and strong, and then laying limp on one’s back for an indeterminate amount of time. I also prefer to opt out of the shoulder massage the instructors offer at this time (see also: I hate massages). I know it kills P to see that I can’t just “let go” enough to lay “naturally” (whatever that means), but in our 3 classes together, she has admitted that I am getting a little better about it. Even if I do continue to make grocery lists in my head rather than focusing on the stillness. You can take the uptight girl to yoga class, but you can’t take the uptight out of the girl. Or something.
To be honest, I’m glad this is working out. It’s a low impact regimen, so it hasn’t been too hard on my body and I’m glad that I am in a classroom setting to ensure that my form is correct and that I am accountable for pushing myself (at home, with my DVD, I confess to not giving it my all on more than one occasion, and I can guarantee that my form was often disastrous). I am settling into a two-a-week schedule, definitely taking advantage of the mild intensity sunrise class and then fitting it whatever other class I can.
What other types of workouts do you combine with your running?
Are you a yoga-lover or yoga-loather?
Did you ever go back to something you thought you couldn’t stand only to find out you liked it after all?
YAY! I am so happy you are liking yoga!! 🙂 I keep meaning to research getting out to JAX to teach one of my Yoga for Runners workshops…Maybe I can arrange for that to happen soon and you could take my class! 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Lora recently posted…Help! I have an Upper-Limit Problem!
I’m really surprised (and glad) that I am. You do need to get up here. There are tons of places with whom you could partner. Let me know if I can help in any way!
congrats on the yoga… it’s something I am interested in for sure. I also swim and bike( I remember you don’t like biking), but we love it my husband and I. I definitely feel that I need to stretch better, just started to foam roll my legs more. Good for you!
LOL, biking is not my friend. I CAN, but I don’t enjoy it at all. I have goggles and I need to start swimming, but my schedule has been so busy, and it hasn’t happened. One day.
The yoga is great for stretching I can definitely feel the positive benefits of that, even after such a short time.
I hate yoga only because I can’t do it. I am the least flexible person on the planet. (And therefore could actually benefit from yoga, but whatever) I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Diana recently posted…Running While Female
LOL! It’s the vicious cycle! I am surprisingly flexible in some ways, and not at all in others. It motivates the hell out of me.
I’ve only ever taken one yoga class and it was for beginners. It was okay, but I much rather do it in the comfort/privacy of my own home with a dvd…:haha
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Can You Inspire Other Runners to be Joyful, Healthy, and Confident?
I felt the same way! However, I also realized that I probably wasn’t doing myself any good by not doing things properly. I like having someone to correct my form if necessary, help me make the adjustments to hold positions better, and otherwise encourage me (If that person can get her leg up over her head, then dammit, so can I!!!) to do better and improve. I think the difference is finding a good fit with instructor and with space. My first experience was in a room, so dark and stifling that I was claustrophobic. This studio is airy with natural light and it’s much more conducive to my peace of mind. I also feel greater affinity with the instructors I’ve had so far, which makes me want to come back. However, as with all things, you have to do what makes you comfortable. 🙂
During the summer, for a week, I vacation at the beach. Most every morning, I wake at 4:30, bike the 3-ish miles from the house to the beach entrance, and start to run. I stop just as it looks like the sun is going to break the horizon, when I greet the day with sun salutations and whatever other poses I’m working on (right now, they’re: headstand, bridge, and crow-pose . . . though all of them go by other names). It’s, truly, the most blissful I ever find myself.
To aid in my running, I’ve actually taken to making my whole body stronger — at least 3x a week, I’m doing a full-body bodyweight resistance routine, every day of the week, I’m doing a silly PDP Challenge (Pull-Ups, Dips, and Pistol Squats), and twice a week, I’m focusing on my current yoga poses . . . my goal being to make my body stronger and more resistant to injury. So far, it seems to be going ok – if nothing else, I can tell that I’m activating my core more, as I run, without meaning to — just, the other muscles are stronger and my midsection seems to be doing more all by itself . . . hills are nowhere near as tiresome as they were 6 months ago.
John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where I let the random fly on the Friday before a long weekend
That’s really awesome. I should take advantage of our beach for running just a little more. I’ll also have to see if we can move our sunrise yoga session out to the beach for a session or two. I wonder how that would go over.
It sounds like you are taking all the right steps. Helping prevent injury is so important. It’s funny how all these little things go hand in hand.
This reminded me that I need to get back to doing yoga again. I love how powerful I feel after it, and it definitely helps my body when I’m running.
So happy to hear you’re finding classes you like. It took me years of trying to like yoga, it finally took a combo of class type and instructor to make it happen.
Cyanne (RunStretchGo) recently posted…10 things you learn when you move
I definitely agree with feeling powerful after the fact. I think that’s what keeps me coming back.
I’m glad that I found something so quickly. I kind of went into it with a “failure is not an option” attitude, so that helped a little.
I am glad to hear that I am not the only person who can’t let go (and I’ve never had a massage.)
I am incredibly inflexible but I do enjoy yoga (given by the right instructor.)
Darlene recently posted…My Next and Favorite 5K
Massages are the worst! I had one in my life and I never want to experience it again. Ugh! Mr PugRunner loves them. I just don’t understand.
This is hilarious to me because your feelings on yoga at the beginning of your post EXACTLY describe me!! I’m glad you are learning to like it, a little. Not sure if I will get there!
jan recently posted…Birthday Girl
I’m glad you can relate. Most people look at me like I’m nuts. What sane person wouldn’t want to take some time and relax? THIS GIRL!
But the workout is actually good and I like the constant development. I see it as a bit of a challenge. So we will continue until it gets too crazy for me 🙂
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap 5/25 – 5/31
You make yoga sound so awesome! I have never taken an actual class but I’ve tried some DVDs and I always try so hard to stick with it but…it never happens. I do think I’ll try to get back into it now – I’m living in a small town with no cable TV so exercising is like the only thing I have to do here!
Kristen recently posted…One Month In Alaska!
Oh, wow! No cable would be hard! I think you’ll definitely see a difference in your running and other workouts.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap 5/25 – 5/31
Ugh..yoga. I just can’t get into it. Only tried it once but I found it to be 1) incredibly embarrassing because I am completely and totally inflexible in every way and 2) incredibly boring. I need to be constantly moving and thinking and yoga was just too slow for me. I wish I liked it but I just don’t!
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