Progress

I have been practicing yoga consistently for about a month and I’m feeling great. All of this could just be in my head but I find that I sleep better, am happier and less stressed. Physically I am more balanced and feel a lot stronger. Yoga has also improved my flexibility which will help reduce my chance of injury when running or going to the gym. Practicing has opened my eyes to my own personal health and lifestyle as well as specific fitness goals that I have recently set for myself.

I have been attending classes at a local studio and have also made an effort to practice at home. My home practice has helped me to make progress with certain poses and meditation, but I still find it a hassle to roll out my mat and unwind at the end of the day. Even though I have made yoga a priority since day one I’m hoping that I can continue to improve as well as have a chance to practice other styles of yoga such as Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga , Jivamukti Yoga.

Breathe and De-Stress

Yoga is sometimes underestimated and many people shy away from it because they are misinformed. Some say that yoga isn't a workout and that all you do is stretch, but those who do practice will tell you otherwise. Yoga isn't just stretching it’s about holding poses, breathing and pushing yourself past your comfort zone. Yoga is a great workout and the benefits that come with the practice are amazing.

One of the benefits of practicing any form of yoga is that it helps reduce stress. We all stress about things in our daily lives whether its school, work, family or friends and this can eventually take a toll on us mentally and physically. There are specific poses like Garland, Child's Pose and Shoulder Stand that can help reduce stress levels. Deep breathing can also help with stress such as slowly breathing through the nose and making your exhales longer than your inhales.

Reducing stress is important if we want to live happy and healthy so find what relaxes you after a long day. You can also visit these blogs for stress reducing tips, tricks and relaxing music: 

Audio Ambrosia
Calming Your Chaos

What (Not) to Wear to Class

Lululemon Athletica

We all know what to wear when we’re working out, just throw on a pair of shorts and any old t-shirt and your set but sometimes our days are busy and the little things slip our minds.  I’m not saying you have to buy the most expensive workout gear but remember your goals and what type of workout you want to accomplish. Also wear what makes you comfortable and confident.

Yoga doesn't require much but it’s important to keep in mind that this type of workout is about breathe, positions and to keep your mind focused on your practice. The last thing you want to be doing is fidgeting with your clothes while in downward facing dog or having your shirt fall to your face when attempting a head stand, unless you want the entire class to see the colour of your sports bra or that new tattoo you just got. It’s quite obvious that comfort and fit are key in yoga, the less bulk the better! Oh, and only wear grey in a Moksha class if you want the entire world to see your sweat stains.

Karma Wear

I’m writing this post because most of the blunders I've mentioned have happened to me during classes, all very amusing stories to tell but have compromised the focus on my practice. A workout shouldn't be all about the clothes it should be about getting stronger, happier and crushing your goals.   

Here are a few stores you can purchase clothes, mats and other yoga accessories:

Lululemon

Old Navy

Karma Wear