Perhaps in the fitness world this is understood, but at least to the general population — there seems to be a sentiment that yoga is always easy-going breathing exercises and slow movements. In short, that it’s not much of a physical workout or calorie burner. This could not be further from the truth.
Since I started practicing regularly I have found there are more styles of yoga then I ever imagined. Of those styles, I sure do enjoy a slow flow or hatha yoga class now and then. But for the most part I have really grown to appreciate the vinyasa flow style classes — with strong intentional deep breathing, fast powerful movements that give the whole body a workout.
Friday’s vinyasa flow class at Yoga at the Force did not disappoint. Planks. Oh my! And we even did core work. Saturday my entire body was literally exhausted. No running was to be had and if I’m going to be honest — I was still a tad sore on Sunday too. Now that’s some yoga.
On a side note, I’ve also found like any workout, with yoga, you get out what you put in. If you perform with sloppy form, or you don’t engage your core — you can easily walk out of class saying it was a breeze. I’ve found as I learn more about form and practice more often I’m able to focus better on performing strong, solid movements. The kind that leave your upper back wondering what happened to it.
Of course, a great workout needs rewards too. 🙂
Some Godiva coffee was to be had. This was really good — but very strong! It is supposed to make 1 cup, but dang that one cup will have you bouncing off the walls all day.
We were snowed in Friday but that gave me a great opportunity to make a stew in the crock pot. I did not have a recipe, but had some vegetable stock as a base and added spices along with peas, green beans, potatoes, millet, black beans and lentils. It came out surprisingly well and was very filling.
By Saturday night some of the snow had cleared but we had no intention of going out in 20-degree weather. Yuck. (Sorry Cleveland!) So instead we stayed in with board games, wine and cheese.
I agree! Yoga is TOUGH! For years, everyone told me it was amazing for runners and I never believed them until six months ago. Now, I cannot get enough! I love hatha as well, and vinyasa when its heated!
I totally agree… yoga is what you put into it. It can be such a fantastic and tough workout. My husband used to sort of roll his eyes at yoga and I talked him into doing it at home with me. He soon was singing a different tune!
I remember talking to a teacher at Nishkama one day about how sore I was. She then shared a story about her teacher training: she asked her teacher after one very long weekend “when do you stop being sore” and he said to her “never”.
That says a lot about how intensive being a teacher must be as well!
i have really enjoyed reading about your journey into yoga. i am so happy that you are enjoying it so much. i also gravitate towards power-style classes (and teach that style) and the physical challenge is amazing. i can’t tell you how many of my new students shake and drip sweat when they first come to their mats. learning to use and connect with your body in a whole new way. love.