Week One // Core Power Yoga

In the beginning of every new year one of the average person will make a resolution to eat healthier, exercise more, and try to be a better “them”. Most people end up getting locked into a gym contract without spending a solid 6 weeks with the program.

If you ask me that’s a waste of money.

I personally like to save a few bucks and get a good sweat.

While thinking about what  I can do to include a gym membership in my budget, I noticed that the local Snap Fitness offers a 30 day free trial. I began the trial two days after Christmas.

I went a couple times a week to lift weights and maybe go for a little bit of a run. I ended up finding myself procrastinating and not wanting to drag my pitiful ass to the gym. I always was too tired, achy, or just plain didn’t want to go. When it came time to actually pay for the membership, I thought about how exciting it was to go to Snap Fitness for the first two weeks when I started the free trial.

My goal for 2017 this year is to go to as many free trials at gyms.

Gyms may vary. It can be open classes that teach yoga or dance. It can be high intensity groups like cross fit or spin.

I’ve been excited listing out the next place I am going to test out.

The first place I started with is a staple.

Core Power Yoga

Core Power Yoga was actually wonderful. I already have a yoga background, so this was right up my ally to get back into the swing of a routine while getting a sweat with the heated classes.

As I told the front desk people that I was doing the one week free trial, they were very welcoming. Acting like I was already a member and that they’ve had me in for multiple classes in the past. The locker rooms were calming and quiet.

As I walked into the class I saw that everyone was so prepared. They all had their own mat, non slip towel to put over their mat, blocks, straps, water bottle, and a clear mentality. I decided to be a part of the C2 class since it required familiarity of poses. I sat cross legged and examined the room I noticed it was filled with people that seemed to know who are comfortable in their skin, yet they really cared what they looked like. Once class started, it was simple to get into the correct head space.

Feeling relaxed wasn’t hard to do.

I’m happy I started with Core Power Yoga to mark my free one week trial with.

If you get a chance to take a couple classes, give it a shot.

Find your nearest Core Power Yoga here: http://www.corepoweryoga.com/

I promise you won’t regret it.

xx- Sarah

How to do a Sun Salutation

A Sun Salutation, also known as Surya Namaskar, is vital to a yogi’s practice. Essentially it is the cardio of yoga.

Breathing and moving between poses-

Vinyasa.

Sun Salutations is a great way to warm up in the morning and deepen your practice as you flow through the basic stretches. The sequence also provides meditation through movement.

What I love most about Sun Salutations is it allows me to take the flow as slow or quick as I would like. Oh, and it feels so good after laying around all night.

Nothing ever needs to be a race in your own practice.

This is how you do a basic Sun Salutation:

1. Inhale as you raise your hands above your head, pressing your palms together and allowing your back to arch slightly.
2. Exhale as you allow your hands to drop to the ground to a forward fold.
3. Inhale, reach your chest forward and come to a flat back. Maybe your hands slide up your shins if that’s what feels right to you at that moment.
4. Exhale as you drop back down to forward fold and plant your hands to the ground. In a fluid motion, inhale and step back into a plank position.
5. Exhale as you squeeze your elbows into your sides and lower yourself to the ground. This is referred to as chaturanga.
6. Inhale, scoop your chest up to the sky and open the front of your throat ahead of you. If you feel comfortable you can lift your hips to come to an upward dog, or leave your hips resting on the ground for Cobra pose.
7. Exhale and drive your tailbone to the ceiling, equally distributing your weight between your hands and feet for Downward Dog. .
8. Inhale, bring your gaze forward, step your feet to your hands, and reach your chest forward to come to a flat back.
9. Exhale and allow your chest to drop down to forward fold.
10. Inhale, put a slight bend in your knees, and begin to raise your arms above your head to press your palms together.
11. Repeat.

I promise, adding a couple to your morning routine will improve your circulation and your personal sanity.

Keep the flow going

-Sarah