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When is comes to yoga, I have no doubt that many of us are quite confused, if not intimidated.
I sure know based on both my personal experience and those of my clients that the simple mention of yoga comes with some heavy stigma-type baggage to those who are not (yet!) open to the idea.
Hopefully, you can muster up the umph to just give it a try before you skip over this powerful practice that can not on improve your health, but change your life.
I am a ‘yogaliever!!!!’ Yoga-believer…get it?!?!
Quick guide to starting for those who have no idea what’s going on:
Step 1 – Relax! There is no need to worry about what you think everyone in the room will be able to do which you will not. Not everyone in there is a yogi who can wrap their legs around their heads twice over. Everyone is on his or her own individual journey. The more you can realize not only are people not to concern themselves with your journey; you also should not concern yourselves with others. This is very interesting. Challenge yourself to be in an environment where you shall not be judged and shall not do judging. It is a beautiful thing.
Step 2 – What to bring. Just wear something you are comfortable with. The clothing I wear for yoga and was wearing on the show is from www.sweatinstyleactivewear.com. If you have a mat, great! Bring it. If you do not have a mat, great! Rent one. Just bring yourself and a water bottle and show up 15 minutes before class. They will help you.
Step 3 – Once you find which studio to try, attend a Level One class. My recommendation is you start with a flow or Vinyasa class.
Step 4 – Give your practice some time. It takes time to “get out of your head.” Be patient with yourself. After all if it’s not for you, no problem. As your fitness gal, I urge you to give it a try.
My yoga confession: I really disliked yoga. I really did. It wasn’t for me. My impression was I do not have time for it. I have too much energy. When I do have time I wanted to run or lift weights. After 2 herniated discs, my doctors prescribed yoga to help my sciatica. After fighting a mental battle to surrender to my practice I started to realize how much I did indeed enjoy it. Today, it is a part of my life. I do not practice as much as Irina, Gillian or Jana…BUT…I enjoy it twice a week and it’s perfect. I’m not asking you to convert to anything or change your lifestyle; simply suggesting you should be open! Just a thought…
If you have given it a try and you’ve decided it’s not for you, could I ask you a tiny favour? Go try again! Another style, another class, another attitude. Will you do that? If this is you and you are not open to being a yoga believer….i’d love to hear from you @stefjoanne
Finally, a BIG thanks to my wonderful yoga friends. They are true advocates of healthy living and hopefully you get a chance to check them out!
JANA WEBB @JOGAWITHJANA
Jana created JOGA! Athletic Body, Athletic Mind. She works with high performance athletes and is passionate about movement and life. Check out her website for more about Joga and find her schedule here www.jogawithjana.com
GILLIAN B @THEREALGILLIANB & IRINA @IRINA_FIT
These ladies are from www.nyoodyoga.com and offer “pay as you like” classes in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Fees by donation. It is clear that Gillian and Irina simply want you to come out and try yoga…simple…authentic…fantastic. See you in the park!
brightcove.createExperiences();NAMASTE!
With love,
Stephane Joanne
Check out my site www.stephaniejoanne.com
For online training www.stephaniejoanneliving.com
Talk to me anytime on facebook or twitter
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