My First Yoga Session… in Years!

I am a cardio junkie.  I love to run and get a good heart pumping sweat session in.  I am a newbie at strength training, and have loved how strong I am beginning to feel.  And to be honest, I never really considered yoga as real exercise.

Until now.

The past few weeks, I have been experiencing tightness in my calves and hamstrings that I could not ‘roll’ or stretch out.  My heels and arches in my feet ache with the occasional sting of pain that bring this grown woman to her knees.

I googled my symptoms and it seemed that I needed to focus MORE on stretching my overworked leg muscles.  What better way to stretch than to do yoga.

It had been years since I have tried yoga.  The last time I attempted yoga, I popped in a video in my living room with my three children underfoot.  I ended up being more stressed then when I first began.  I was a human jungle gym and my body felt tighter (not in a good way) than before I began.

When I saw that there was a yoga class available (at a time I could attend – with childcare provided) I knew I needed to try it.

My first thought as I walked into the yoga studio was… Wow! I am SO out of my element! The people were barefoot and calm and relaxed! Three words that usually did not describe my workouts… let alone my life!

I took off my running shoes and exposed my (poorly neglected, pedicure needed) toes and began my first yoga session in years.

This class was different.  Unlike any other yoga class I have taken in the past.  There was no static moves or strength poses (like warrior or sun salutation).  We mostly focused on stretching poses.

It felt great! It was just what my tired muscles needed!

I forgot how much I enjoyed yoga (and pilates) when small children were not climbing on me or beginning world war III inches from my head.  I felt very relaxed and recharged… ready to tackle my day!

I am a new fan of yoga for cross training.  I think yoga is a key proponent to add to any good fitness training plan.  Stretching, deep breathing, and relaxing are three words that I can definitely get behind during a crazy busy day!

If you are looking to change up your fitness routine, I recommend trying yoga.  Check out this inspirational video below to see how effective yoga can be to change your life!