30 Days of Yoga

30 Days of Yoga

Balancing Pose

My Yogi Background

My love for yoga started when I was going for my bachelors at Coastal. They offered all these exercise classes in the gym on campus. I did their yoga classes usually right after their spinning class for a good year and a half or so. And then maybe once in a blue moon after that. I got into crossfit shortly after graduating and it took over all other aspects of fitness. And basically forgot about how much I enjoyed yoga. But, I never only did yoga. Always supplemented with it. 

Flash Forward

One of my resolutions was to make self care a bigger priority. So, I purchased a month of yoga at a local studio. You guys, I seriously have LOVED it. I mean it. It was so much more strengthening than I remember. And different than conventional weight lifting and crossfit. It actually energized me instead of draining me. But, I would feel muscles working. And honestly, it was perfect for where I'm at in my fitness journey. My abs have finally came pretty dang close to back to normal. Meaning I can actually strengthen them without furthering my separation. 

Who Needs Coffee?

(Sike, still me.)

But, I do want to touch on all the benefits I experienced. First one I already touched on. Energy! So, for a Mama, this is HUGE. I mean chasing after my little one, working, cooking, caring for the home can get exhausting! If I can leave a class feeling energized it's a win for my whole family and my patients. Also, I didn't really know this was possible. I leave a class rejuvenated, but also, still relaxed.

Sex Drive Like Woah

Okay, so, hopefully we are all grown ups reading this. If not, children, please, skip this one. Hah! But, this was an unexpected perk of this yoga only month. I can't really tell you why this happened. Maybe the pelvic floor strengthening I added, the me time, the relaxation, the stretching, or the confidence building that yoga can bring. Either way, no one is complaining in the Perez house. Definitely an added perk if your thinking of trying out some yoga!

Gentle Strengthening

Yoga is super strengthening. But, in a way that doesn't jolt your body. You may be slightly sore from it or have some muscle spasms throughout class. But, it was a welcomed strengthening for me. A nice little break from my usual garage workout. Finding strength with just the use of your own body is a beautiful thing. I am a lover of barbell training. But, a month off did my body so much good. 

Stretching, Of Course

I feel like this is what mainly comes to mind when you think of yoga. So, I'll just touch on it. Yes, yes, yes to increased flexibility. Whatever level your at, yoga will take you a step further. Even within a short month. Most of the instructors do try to keep you within your limits.

Attempted tree pose :)

Meditation and Breathing

I am a huge lover of connecting to the breath. I loved the focus on the breath. This is such good stuff to incorporate in all you do. Especially if you love weight lifting. This helps encourage proper breathing with your movements. LOVED it. And since I work in physical therapy, I must say that you'd be surprised how few people know how to work with the breath. Doing something that helps you teach yourself how to breathe properly is so important. The moments of meditation were so welcomed. Just clearing my mind for a few minutes made a world of difference. I will be taking this practice into my daily life. 

Intention

I love how the instructors invite you to set an intention for your class and your practice. And when the class is wrapping up, they invite you to let that go. Isn't that kind of great? You set it and focus in on whatever you feel led to. And then after you let that go. You don't let it get to you throughout the day. You just move on. Pretty cool practice to bring into other aspects of life. I love the mindfulness and focus of it.

Side Notes

If your postpartum, I would wait until about six months out. Personally, doing it at 11 months out was perfect for me. Or if you recently suffered a strain of some sort, I would wait until it's healed. This way you can really get the full benefit. Also, to my fellas reading, try some yoga! It's for you, too. And I think there may have just been as many male instructors as clients. Which is really sad. Guys, yoga is so good for you! And it'll strengthen your man card, not feminize you. Just open your minds to different types of fitness. You may surprise yourself. 

Ladies Clothing Advice

I would recommend leggins, capris, yoga pants. I never did shorts. But, I would never do shorts unless your a guy maybe. I would just think that would be insanely uncomfortable for yoga. Also, for tops I would recommend tops that come up a little higher if your "well endowed." Worrying about your boobs hanging out takes away from the experience. And tops that are a little tighter fitted to your sides so you don't have to be that one styling with your top tucked into your pants. That was me today. I wasn't really worried about it though. Just slightly annoying to my class.

Life Hack

Try something new! Or something you once liked, but fell out of. Especially something that challenges you and/or give you some YOU time. Even if it's just for a month.Yoga has definitely hit the spot for my me time. But, maybe that looks different for you. Jump out of your comfort zone and seek out some change. You may be happy with what you find.

Will I Continue?

I loved the studio. And I loved the experience. But, I will most likely not continue on a monthly membership. There is new hot yoga studio that opened up that I am planning on doing a month there. And probably love that, too. Not sure if I'll blog on it or not for you since it may be similar to this one. But, if you have any questions regarding my time there feel free to ask.

Namaste.

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XOXO,

Jacqui