I've been practicing yoga since I was about 14. What initially drew me into yoga was a pose I saw a woman do in a tampon commercial in Seventeen magazine (I'm not kidding, but I wish I was).
I thought to myself, "There is no way this is physically possible....This isn't real!"
Until I googled it. The pose is called crow pose, and it is very real my friends. I found out my mother can do it, my best friend can do it, and my boyfriend did it in 10 seconds of me showing him how to do it. Needless to say the yogi was outyogi'd.
I still cant do the stupid freakin' crow. I am clearly not yet worthy of the crow. I can do a few headstands, which really brought my ego to life, but I am determined to be a master crow poser. For those of you who don't practice yoga, crow pose looks like this...
Crow pose is all about core engagement, balance, and arm strength. As well as not throwing your face directly into your mat. Other than that, your chances of living through this pose is pretty good!
My goal after crow pose is to be able to get into Scorpion pose, which is one of the coolest looking poses in my opnion! One day, Ill be able to do this...
Stepping away from the whole crow issue, yoga has become a huge part of my everyday life. Although, it wasn't till more recently that I decided to try hot yoga, which is a whole new sweaty monster in itself.
First off, there's no cell phones allowed in the studio, which is the best rule of them all. Going off the grid for 90 minutes is needed, healthy even!
The room you're practicing in is also between 95 and a 101 degrees Fahrenheit, at least at the yoga studio I attend, those are the lowest and highest temperatures I've noticed during class. Its a dry heat, and you need to drink water like a camel. It sounds like torture, but its one of the most relaxing, challenging and fun workouts I've ever done.
The self-exploration and finding your strengths and weaknesses builds on a very healthy and happy mindset, and really lets you get in touch with yourself and your soul. I get excited before I go to yoga, not to mention this workout makes you sweat a lot more, and according to my best friend, we'll look like Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr in no time. Love that!
The best part about people who avidly practice yoga? They tend to be friendly, calm and very non-judgmental people. If you can't do a certain pose or need to modify a pose for your body, no one even thinks about judging you. You do your own thing, man.
Call me crazy, but after a hot yoga class, my mind is so clear I swear I can usually SEE things better, literally. Its the best feeling in the world!
If you've considered taking a yoga class, DO IT! Try it at least once, and I can almost promise you wont regret it. My tips for the young grasshoppers include...
1. Bring lots of water to hot yoga, you will be a water worshiper by the end of class.
2. I always want a light snack afterwards, so bring a Luna bar as a little something to hold you over till your next meal.
3. Buy a thicker yoga mat, you wont want your elbows, knees, feet, hands or shoulders to suffer because your mat is too thin. I would suggest the GAIAM yoga mats, they're comfortable and have super cute patterns to choose from and can be found at Target.
4. Bring a towel to place OVER your mat. I know it sounds silly, but you will be slipping and sliding in your own sweat. Plus the towel keeps your mat from getting a funky smell.
5. RELAX! Leave your worries and later engagements and responsibilities elsewhere.
6. Don't push yourself too hard, listen to your body, but don't be afraid of a challenge
7. Wear yoga pants, something you can open your legs up in so no one see your business, and a tighter top. You spend some time in an upside down-ish position, especially in downward-facing dog pose.
8. Bring a friend! It makes it much more fun. Me and my best friend make faces at each other while were in childs pose and its hilarious.
9. For inspiration, I follow +Kerri Verna (Beachyogagirl) @ash_constance @dms_yoga, and cool yogis like them! They have great tips and super awesome poses and lots of positive energy!
10. Lululemon has awesome yoga clothes, as well as forever21's fitness line, and Victorias Secret PINK yoga pants are amazing!
So, what are you waiting for? Go try some yoga!
Namaste! ॐ
Love Always, B
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