(First of all: I would like to address the title of this post…my husband came up with it. I couldn’t say no. Sorry not sorry.)
Anyone can be a “Yogi”. Literally anyone. I started just a few months ago, but have really enjoyed the benefits. Am I a natural? NOPE. But that’s totally fine! No one is good when they start out! I started yoga originally because I had heard it was a good stress reducer, and that was something I desperately needed in my life. I stress way too often about basically everything! (Don’t be me. Don’t stress about stress, then stress about yoga. Bad idea. It ruins it.) So on a boring Saturday, I decided on a whim that I should give yoga a try. There were plenty of yoga studios in Charlottesville to choose from! You’d think that would make it easier…wrong. It made it next to impossible to decide where to go. Having never taken a yoga class before, I just started comparing prices and reviews of different places and it was then that I realized that yoga could be expensive. VERY expensive. Now I don’t say that to scare you away! Depending on your location, yoga class prices could be anywhere in the range from high to free at certain gyms. But, if you happen to be visiting Charlottesville and feel that need to stretch, I’ve got just the place for you.
Out of the many yoga studios around town, I landed on Flydog Yoga Studio. They have, among other things, heated vinyasa classes! (Which I absolutely LOVE. The heat really intensifies the workout.) They have many different types of classes you can choose from, those just happen to be my favorite! Another great reason to try out Flydog, is they are actually affordable! A drop in class is only $14, and they have an amazing deal for beginners: $30 for a month of unlimited classes! It’s the perfect package if you have no clue what classes you want to take, or if your schedule is wacky. The instructors there are fabulous too. One thing I personally was very nervous about was going and being judged. I am not skinny and am probably not your typical “yogi”. I am in fact curvy, and very athletically built, therefore I do not bend in certain ways…or so I thought.
My first class came and went in a blur. I got there, was greeted by a wonderful human being who then showed me around, I was given a complimentary yoga mat to use since it was my first time, (after your first time, you can rent one for $3 or $5 I think) and told not to worry about anything at all. I was instantly put at ease. I walked into the studio, found a spot in the back and quickly realized that this was something I wanted to continue. From the moment I started, the instructors were willing to lend a helping hand, and really show me the ropes. I was never once judged, or mocked. All the already established yogis in the studio were also very supportive. I felt welcomed and free to be myself. It didn’t matter if I couldn’t bend in a certain way…all that happened was an instructor came over and helped me do the pose in a way that worked with my body! It was GREAT!
Immediately after the class, I had the best feeling ever. I felt so loose, and in tune with my body. Not only that, but I wasn’t nearly as stressed out as I was going in. I will say, however, the next day I was pretty darn sore, but that got better as I practiced more. Yoga is pretty fantastic because it combines stress relieving techniques with strength training. You leave having had a solid workout, but you also leave feeling refreshed, and ready to take on the day.
Anyone who maybe doesn’t like the traditional gym route, or maybe someone who has a previous injury that gets irritated on a jog or during other generic exercises…yoga may just be the thing for you! The wonderful thing about it is how you really can tailor it to your specific needs. No matter your body type, age, or whether you are male or female, you can (and totally should) try yoga!! It is a wonderful alternative and I will always recommend trying it!
In summary: Yoga IS a stretch, but not one that you have to worry about 😉
If you are local to good ol’ Cville, totally go check out Flydog! (I promise this is not sponsored!) It’s a great place, and you’ll meet some amazing people! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself a whole new community to be apart of!
Thanks for listening to me talk about sweaty people who like bending their bodies 😉
Until next time future yogis,
Tori xo
#NoFilterLife 