If you had asked me one week ago what my opinion of yoga was, you would have had to brace yourself for one harsh response: I hate it.
Why?
Because I’m not flexible. Because I don’t enjoy monitoring my breathing. And because I don’t feel like I’m really working out.
However, in keeping with my goal to be more adventurous in my exercising this semester, I decided to give yoga the fair chance it deserved. With an open mind and a desire to get a great work out in, I moseyed my way to a yoga class at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center on campus.
I didn’t just give any yoga a try – I spiced things up, went outside of my comfort zone and participated in power yoga! This more-advanced form of yoga combines a little bit more intensity, a little less emphasis on breathing and a lot quicker movements to give you a total body workout that is relaxing, but nonetheless great.
So for a full 60 minutes, I handed my body over to the yoga gods. And boy, am I glad that I did!
Yes, some of the moves were challenging for me. Yes, I didn’t really know what I was doing half of the time. And yes, I had a hard time taking myself seriously when I was “downward doggin.’”
But, I gave it my best shot and I am happy to say that I really, really enjoyed the class. Even though I’m a yoga novice, the class instructor was extremely encouraging and offered beginner’s modifications for difficult poses. Some of the moves themselves were challenging, but that’s what made it fun!
I tested my body in so many different ways. I used muscles that I didn’t even know I had. I downward dogged. I played like a child. I moved like a warrior. I loved it.
I can honestly say that power yoga gave me one of the best workouts I’ve gotten in a long time, but it did more than that for me – it helped me relax. There was something about the combination of soothing background music, controlled breathing and strenuous body movements that put both my body and mind at ease. In those 60 minutes, I was able to forget about the millions of things on my to do list, put my troubles aside and genuinely feel at ease.
And it’s funny how easy our opinions of things can change – after that one class, I’m hooked! You can expect to see me power yoga-ing the night away at least once a week from here on out.
So if you’re looking for an amazing way to unwind, work out and feel great, then I dare you to challenge yourself and give power yoga a try!