And I was SORE. Especially in my hips, which is really good because I have never been sore there before! My teacher was Eza, and she was wonderful! I have had a few yoga classes in my life, but I not had many and I don’t think I have ever felt completely comfortable in a specific studio before.
My class at Maya Whole Health Studio may have changed that. I admit to being a tad mousy and shy at times, especially when entering new situations and this was no exception. Most of the people in this intro series (if not all) had gotten the Groupon deal so if any of you are business owners, this WORKS! I am actually trying to get my friend Jill at Smooth Sugaring Studio to run a Groupon too because she is fantastic and it would be great to get her name out there.
So, I went into the class a bit shy. I tend to do that until I get my feel of a place. The studio itself is very clean and relaxing. The class started after the sun set, and I loved how they kept the lighting soft with dimming and candles flickering. If I had my own personal yoga studio I’d want it to look just like theirs. The class was full, but it didn’t seem overly crowded. It was mostly women, which doesn’t seem to be all that unusual. I have never been to a yoga class that wasn’t at least 2/3 rds female. The music was also a breath of fresh air, as was the distinct lack of spiritual mention. I am well aware that there is a strong element of spirituality in yoga, and I don’t have a huge issue with that. I just find it a bit stressful on my mind when the spiritual is mentioned during a yoga session and I know this is a personal problem I have that I should just let go. I tend to want to argue when any philosophy or (including religious philosophy) is mentioned. I am a born debater, and I do enjoy discussing such things. The problem here is that when I do yoga I am supposed to be out of my head and unfortunately the mere mention of spiritual philosophy sends me crashing back into my mind.
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And now it is the day after the second Intro to Yoga class and I am not nearly as sore as the first time! That probably has to do with the Aleve I took last night and this morning though. Apparently I have Bursitis, which is an inflammation in my hips that I have been living with for 2 years. I mentioned the pain to my doctor the other day and she pressed on my hips, asking if it was tender. She then told me to take Aleve for 7-10 days and the pain should go away. Now, I am not one who likes to take medication for every little thing, but this pain in my hips has kept me from doing things I’d like to (like walk for more than 3 miles without pain for 2 days). Let’s just hope it works!
And back to yoga…
I am dealing with some life issues right now, so unfortunately my mind was not totally present last night. Eza was still a wonderful teacher, and the class was VERY good for me. I think Matt and I may even go to one of their “All level” classes this weekend. It will do us both a lot of good to get out of the house and move our bodies. I really want to learn how to be zen like a yogini!
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I’m glad you liked it! I’m seriously considering joining Maya since I’m moving to the area soon. Their pricing (esp. for students) seems a lot better than other yoga studios and the range of classes is really convenient. I’d love to hear more about your experience there.
What a fantastic blog. I started yoga in November and am amazed at how quickly my fitness improved. It’s quite subtle. I’ve been going about 3x a week, in between muddy slogs through the forest with my dog.
Congrats for keeping on with the yoga classes!
Sore hips. Good :) Means some life was brought to the area! For the first time in a long time (or ever) which is awesome!
Spirituality…well, some teachers go there. I play a mix of music ranging from Lady Gaga to traditional “yoga music” but some people go very spirtual on the music AND on their commentary about everything. It will be your yoga, your work, your mission and path to IGNORE this. You are there for the physical (asana) aspect of yoga but in the meantime other challenges are coming up; this is ok. This is yoga. This is life. Stay with your practice, your breath, and do your “work”. Which is not letting this upset you. Dont let someone else’s mumbo jumbo mess with your mojo my dear Marissa :)
xoxo
I’m glad you had a good workout. Your right about most yoga classes having 2/3rd women. I think it’s the perception men have that yoga is not an exercise that gives your body a full workout. In reality depending on which yoga program you’re on, it can be really challenging.
I feel the spiritually part is not only in yoga but in everything we do. It is as awareness of your inner self. Having awareness before the mind and contemplating on one’s self is done all the time in our daily life. But i dont understand why is it being emphasized in yoga??
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it is easy to learn Yoga although it seems difficult at first try. I practice Yoga mainly for relaxation and for improving my blood circulation.