BIG FISH POWER YOGA

My kids and I love to play this game where you’re presented with two things you love and you have to make a choice as to which you love the most. Peanut butter vs. bacon (bacon, always), cupcakes vs. chicken wings (most days cupcakes win), tacos vs. my cat (no contest), but when they ask me to choose between running and yoga I never can make up my mind. I love them both and the activities complement each other so well, I can’t imagine doing one without the other.

I found yoga about 14 years ago and it turned out to be the perfect counter exercise to my running. To be clear, I’m not a super fast runner; I don’t run multiple marathons each year or 15 miles a day. But it’s something I do almost every day of the week, whether it’s three miles or eight or thirteen. I believe the reason I’ve been able to stay injury free these years is because I’ve committed to a regular yoga practice that has transformed my body and muscles into malleable shock absorbers.

Runners often complain of sore backs, tight hamstrings and knees that talk to them. Most of these injuries are due to the pounding, tightening and shortening of their muscles. If only there was a counter-exercise that was fun, where you could hang out with some great people and learn something new every time you went. Oh wait!!!! How about yoga?! Through yoga, muscles find length and become more supple as you move through the asanas and flow on the mat, bringing more “give” to your body. Down dogs, hip openers like pigeon and a simple forward fold feel like a dream after a long run. Plus, yoga and poses like airplane and tree help with balance – and any runner knows that if you’re off balance every step forces compromise and makes your muscles work harder.

Another aspect I love about running is that when I’m out pounding the pavement I’m able to organize my thoughts, make my lists in my head and contemplate whatever it is I’m contemplating. Yoga provides for me the exact opposite experience. When I started practicing so long ago yoga class was the only place I could shut off my head. I was building my career in a new city, going through infertility and had just lost my mom to cancer. I couldn’t shut my head off if I tried at any other time of day – unless I was on my rectangular rubber mat. Running helped me work through those stresses and emotions and yoga just let me be. I still find that I’ll be in class, whether I’m teaching or taking it, and an hour can go by and I’ve thought of absolutely nothing else but the movements and motions taking place. It’s such a great gift to give yourself, just being where you are. Not having to get to someplace or beat some time determined to be the “time to beat” for the day.

The body and breath awareness that one learns through the practice of yoga is invaluable as a runner. I’ve learned to really listen to my body and get in tune with what it’s telling me. Some runs I find myself placing a hand at my low back and one at my belly to make sure I’m keeping my pelvis neutral (and avoiding lower back compression). On days I don’t feel like completing my run or my head is telling me to stop and “give up” I’m able to take a scan of my physical body and decipher if my mind is telling me to stop or if my body needs me to. Most days it’s my head and I can run through those feelings healthfully. From a breath perspective, the consistent practice of ujjayi breathing has overtime increased my oxygen capacity, allowing for more ease in my runs and more endurance.

Will I be able to run forever? I hope so, but I know it’s not likely. My knees already creek and crack (without pain so far) but I’ll keep going as long as I can. I know yoga will prolong my running life, and when I can’t do that any more, there’s always handstands.

The air is lighter and my favorite season has arrived. Thankful is what I feel. For health, community, partnerships and choice – it’s not success as the world may see it; and it’s every bit of success for me. My complaining has minimized. My gratitude has expanded. My mat is where I’ve fallen in love all over again. I am blessed and I have rooted (again) into the power of knowing my words create my world.

Last month, I had the adventure of my first MRI. A bit naive, I arrived to the hospital excited and with no hesitation. My doctor started precautionary steps with me about four years ago because of a long history of breast cancer in my family – and although I thought I was way too young, too healthy, and of course the claim ‘this wouldn’t happen to me’ – I agreed to all that he asked.

So this day came. And I went. ‘You’re probably going to throw up. But I need you to stay completely still. The IV is going to feel cold as it moves through your veins. You’ll feel it so don’t be scared. And the process, if you don’t move, will last about 25 minutes. I need you to minimize your breathing. If you move, we’ll have to reschedule.’ These were the words of support the MRI tech gave me – although her intentions were pure, she sure knew how to breathe some fear into me. And all of a sudden – I was scared.

What happened during the next thirty minutes is a story within itself. I was given a mantra – words that I couldn’t have come up with on my own. They just flooded me. ‘God with me. God in me. God for me’ became my anchor . . . and only once during the entire ride did that mantra leave my thoughts. When I let the fear in and those words out, I felt my heart rate accelerate to a point where my chest felt like it was lifting me off the platform I was pressed into. Ear plugs kept me from hearing the full effect of the loud beeps and clanks that carried me through that huge, spaceship-like tube. And as she had forewarned, the cold IV was unnerving. I was able to hold back nausea and the forced, uncomfortable stillness in that dark place reminded me of a sweat lodge I had voluntarily sat in 12 years prior (but this made that sweat lodge look like a walk on a cool spring day).

I was held in the tube longer than expected, ‘because your breath was so strong at times there was too much movement. And I wanted to make sure we got what we needed,’ she said. I heard her words as a compliment and thought to myself – THANK GOD for ujjayi!

The release when I got out on the other end was too much to hold back. I felt emotion for myself, for her, for my family – and for every human who has ever had to move through that experience of being held down, fear pulsing through their veins, thoughts that can take you out any second, and not knowing what the outcome might be. And I hope I never forget it.

So this day came. I got the call. I’m clear. And although my gratitude has expanded and my body is lighter, I hurt for anyone who goes through this and gets a different call. I am for you. I am for me. And I am so thankful to have had the experience that has brought me to a new place of thankfulness, generosity, and compassion. We’re all in this together.

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A major benefit of yoga is improved flexibility. While you might not be able to touch your toes or do a backbend at first, as you become more familiar with the exercises, you will slowly begin to feel your muscles loosen up. In addition, you will likely notice that your aches and pains will diminish. Inflexibility in the hips and legs, for example, can lead to knee joint problems, resulting in poor posture and increased stress levels.

One of the best known health benefits of yoga is its ability to reduce blood sugar

This is because it increases hemoglobin and red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all body tissues. It also thins the blood by increasing the amount of circulating white blood cells and cutting down on clotting proteins, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. This is a huge benefit to those who are prone to high blood pressure or high blood sugar.

One of the benefits of yoga is that it helps the immune system

By promoting relaxation and slowing breathing, yoga encourages the brain to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic system, which is more calming and restorative. The results are that you feel better and have a lower blood pressure. In addition, your body’s inflammation level is decreased. Additionally, your heart is healthier thanks to a reduction in stress.

Practicing yoga helps lower your blood pressure and promotes relaxation

This is beneficial for those with high blood pressure. Because it encourages slow breathing, yoga improves blood flow and decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Because of this, it is a wonderful tool for people who suffer from high blood pressure and depression. However, it is important to remember that exercise does not cure all of these ailments, so it’s best to take the time to do a thorough yoga program.

Yoga practitioners often take fewer breaths than other people, but those breaths are generally larger and more efficient. This is good news for those who suffer from congestive heart failure because it helps them breathe more deeply and efficiently. Aside from improving their breathing, yoga can also help people with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems. If you practice the poses in the right way, you can even improve your health. In addition to improving your heart rate, yoga can also improve your immune system.

Aside from reducing blood pressure, yoga also increases hemoglobin levels, which are important for oxygenation and the development of red blood cells. A healthier blood supply means a happier, healthier you. The more oxygen in the blood, the less prone you are to develop a heart condition. For those who suffer from high blood pressure, the practice of yoga can reduce this problem, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. A strong heart is essential to healthy life.

Yoga Training For Beginners and Experts

A wide variety of Yoga classes can help you improve your flexibility and strength. These programs are often adapted to different levels and can help you develop strength and balance in the physical body. These classes usually begin with a warm-up series that will make your spine and muscles more flexible. You can then progress to a series of postures that build strength. The final part of the class involves gentle stretches to improve your flexibility. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced yogi, these programs are ideal for a wide range of people.

Yoga classes can be challenging, but you can do them at home and keep improving. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to sign up for a class taught by an experienced instructor. Look for instructors who have at least a 200-hour teaching certificate and training in injury prevention. You should consult your doctor before starting yoga if you have any health concerns. Once you’ve started, you’ll be surprised by the many benefits you’ll experience!

First, consider your level of fitness

Some yoga classes are suited for people with certain musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Other types of classes are specifically designed for individuals with chronic pain, balance, and movement problems. These classes include meditation, supported silent meditation, and breathing exercises to help people become more aware and calm. Some are more geared toward beginners than others. If you’re new to yoga, try a flow class. It’s not only beneficial for your body, but it can also improve your mood.

Beginners should start with gentle yoga classes

The physical movement of yoga poses can improve your mood, and the regulars create a friendly atmosphere. The goal of these classes is to teach each person how to find their own Marga – the center. You should choose a class that balances sharing your yoga experience with others while giving people space to reflect. In addition to being accessible, a class should be affordable for the entire family. If you want to find a class that suits your needs, look for one that caters to beginners.

An advanced yoga class is ideal for those who are familiar with the poses

Intermediate-level students should aim for a class that includes more advanced yoga techniques. The more challenging classes, the more experienced students should choose. Moreover, they should find the ones that match their budget. They should not just be beginners. They should be comfortable and confident in their bodies. The class should help them become more flexible. The instructor should also make sure that they know how to breathe properly in order to avoid injury.

Beginners should take care not to be self-conscious

It is necessary to have a sense of self-acceptance and to be willing to learn. During the class, you should be able to follow instructions. There are many people who attend yoga classes with a professional instructor. However, the instructor should be a certified yoga teacher. The instructor should be able to demonstrate the various postures and adjust the students accordingly. If they are beginners, they should be able to perform them in the correct way.

Basics Power Flow

Basics Power Flow classes are modified classes that offer students a power class experience moving at a deliberately slower pace, and are recommended for any beginner student. This is where you will move with modifications and gain an understanding of asana and breath while creating strength, flexibility, focus, and new body awareness.

Choosing to modify and intentionally move slower offers you space to investigate, learn and discover the impact of movement with purposeful breath. Physical work will be experienced and your body will warm from the inside out. Beginner. All Levels.

Gentle Deep Stretch

These classes target the connective tissues of the body and the fascia that covers the body. Mainly done on the floor, these classes are very different than our power classes. You’ll relax in the posture and soften muscles. You’ll work to access the deeper tissues and work through postures that focus on areas that encompass a joint (hips, sacrum, spine).

Flexibility in the joints decreases as we age; and gentle, deep, intentional stretching is a great way to maintain flexibility – something that most of us don’t seem to be too concerned about until we notice it is gone. Benefits include deep muscle release and recovery in all areas of the body. You will leave these classes looser and lighter.

Beginner, All Levels.