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Let’s Talk About Yoga

in Yoga

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I’m attending my first yoga class today in about 10 years, and I’m not sure what to expect.

Let’s take a few steps back. So, I’ve had a strange year in terms of my body. Without delving into the super awesome details, parts of my body have decided to stage a coup d’état…not really sure why, but a typical week now consists of twice weekly physical therapy appointments, supplements, worrying, and a good hunk of generalized what-the-hell-is-happening-to-my-body. Running is not an option anymore (which perpetuates the cycle…mama needs a good run to clear her head), and my overall exercise has dwindled to almost nothing. Basically, I’m a huge ball of fun over here.

My doctors and physical therapists have suggested yoga as a good way to help stretch my clenched muscles (and relax my mind), and I’m up for anything.

Yet. Yet! As a girl who usually gets REALLY excited at the thought of a new endeavor (swimming! sewing! running a 10k! let’s research it to death and buy all sorts of gear! and daydream! I AM GOING TO LOVE SAID NEW ENDEAVOR!), I just can’t get excited about yoga. What gives? Why am I already feeling negative about practicing yoga?

Is it the stillness? The lack of hauling ass for several miles? The time alone with my thoughts? The fact that I am less flexible than a 90-year-old?

And this is when I turn to you guys. Please tell me I’m being silly/scared/a freak and that yoga is the bomb. Or tell me it isn’t. All in all, I’d just love to hear your opinions. (Especially any yoga-changed-my-life-and-cured-my-ailments ones…yeah, those would be nice.)

photo credit: melissa mercier

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73 comments

  1. KH

    May 8, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Sarah – I don’t know if this makes sense for you, but you should consider getting a Passport to Prana. I am in Toronto, and for $30 I have access to 70 studios in the Toronto area (one visit per studio) for a year. It is an ideal way to check out a bunch of different teachers, styles and studios while you find your perfect (which you will!) Similarly, the Passport serves LA with several studios in Orange County.

    http://passporttoprana.com/home.php

    • whoorl

      May 8, 2013 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Michelle

    May 8, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    I’ve been doing yoga off and on for a few years now. I thought I hit the jackpot by taking classes at my local community center for a whopping $16 a month! Bargain. But then I became complacent about my practice and the teacher. And then another yoga teacher filled in for regular teacher and it was a whole new ballgame. Then I realized I needed to go to a legit studio. I found one close to my place and I love it. So rewarding and it really centers me…especially when I go to 6am yoga! You may have to try a few places to find the one that fits. Good luck!

  3. Khali

    May 8, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    I’m a runner turned yoga and reformer pilates addict. I had a similar story to you and thought nothing would replace my love of running. Turns out I was wrong. Reformer pilates burns far and tones like nobody’s business. (It’s also had a really positive impact on my health issue.) go for it!

  4. Shani

    May 9, 2013 at 9:27 am

    I am a huge fan of bikram yoga!!! Like you, I am not remotely flexible and the heat really helped me loosen up and become more flexible (you have to be careful not to overdo it, though, as it’s easier to injure yourself with the aid of the heat). I also love that it feels more athletic (completely psychological from the sweat) and that you get the cleansing effects of a good sweat at the same time. Honestly, I can’t recommend bikram enough as a style. As others have said, finding the right studio/teacher is key.

  5. Kate

    May 9, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Yoga changed my life and cured my ailments (I am not joking: It was a work out that I could do. And it is a work out. Also, it allows me to use the natural abilities that I do have {I am very flexible, but was not very fit when I started yoga, but feel myself getting fitter every week that I attend two classes.} It also helps with mental stability/mind clearing that I really need. And helped me heal from a long term injury that I believe I was just going to have to live with. Its also a very nice compliment to swimming, which is my go to workout/sport.)

    I am glad that you loved your first class and are looking forward to returning.

  6. jen

    May 9, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    hi Sarah, I’m not usually a commenter but I may suggest you check out Bikram yoga (which is hot yoga)… I don’t do it as often anymore but my old instructor used to joke that Bikram is yoga for Type As (which you’ve willing labeled yourself, so hopefully you’re not offended! ha). you sweat a ton and get all the stretching/relaxing benefits of yoga but still feel like you accomplished a major workout. plus when I was doing it my muscle tone was awesome.

    FWIW, I’m also a big fan of swimming laps… you get the workout as well as the opportunity to zone out and let my mind wander.

    btw, I’m having problems accessing your website…? when I type in “whoorl.com” or even “www.whoorl.com” I get a blank page. I only found this post through your Twitter feed.

  7. Rachel D.

    May 9, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    So, this isn’t about yoga but if you’re having a lot of muscle tightness (and other symptoms), you need to read the book, the Magnesium Miracle. It’s made a huge difference for me, supplementing with a high amount of magnesium. There’s too much to say in a blog comment but read the book. It’s amazing.

    And I’ve also had a hard time getting to your website lately, fwiw.

  8. Raluca | WhatWouldGwynethDo

    May 11, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    My body has decided to be a bitch lately, too and I have had to put my beloved Dailey Method workouts on hold. The physical toll is one thing but the mental/stress relief toll has been the worst. Glad you found a good alternative, I have never managed to fall for yoga, but maybe you will convince me otherwise ;)

  9. Sarah Christine

    May 13, 2013 at 11:06 am

    The key is going often! Like anything else, the better you get, the more fun it becomes. I am a very tall, athleticly built lady who would probably be better suited for the basketball court, and going to yoga once in a blue moon always frustrated me. Around the new year I decided to just go for it and have been going 3 days a week since. It has gotten SO MUCH EASIER and really really fun, healing, and just such a positive thing for my life (and by body!)

    Have fun, and invest in some cute Lululemon, you’ll be hooked ;)

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