Into Yoga

Recognizing after the first of the year that I had four ski events lined up to participate in, I quickly determined that I needed to get into better shape. My bike is shoe-horned into the house on its training wheels - and it gets a spin fairly frequently. We've also been skiing fairly regularly, but the recent warming trend has resulted in less than optimal conditions for that activity. When friend JackiePak got me tuned into a 5 week special for yoga, it took me about 30 minutes to decide to sign up. With the condition that we would go together to the first class, of course!

Corepower Yoga offers a great selection of classes from beginner to advanced. I'm still at the beginner stage, but have noticed something quite remarkable. I feel stronger, more flexible and a little less 'klut-sey". I feel like I sit and stand taller - and breathe more deeply.

For thousands of years, people have been practicing yoga for inward reflection, emotional release, centering, and of course for the exercise, strength-building and flexibility enhancing side-effects. I have found that I'm much more calm and relaxed after yoga class. The poses and stretching are a great work-out for me.

Last week, JackiePak and I decided to try Yoga Sculpt. This is not as innocuous as it sounds. There is no clay involved. What a great cardio and strengthening work-out! It's yoga with weights - and faster! I'm sure we were two of the oldest people there, and I know that at least 85% of the participants in this class were young enough to be my daughter. But I know that I will do this more and more. After class we got the low-down on who the best (translate: easiest) instructors are for the sculpt class.

The cool thing is that my membership is good at any studio, so I'm presently bouncing between Minneapolis and St. Paul. I did recently learn that (after my special intro deal ends), I quality for a sr. discount! Every instructor I have had has been great. I am hooked! I am certain that yoga is something that I will do for many years to come.

Kathy