The Hot New Trend of Yoga



There is not a day that goes by that I have not seen a Groupon for a yoga studio in town. It seems as if they are popping up everywhere. From celebrities promoting them as how they stay fit, to those daring enough to stretch in 100-degree heat; Yoga is the new “it” workout.

I have always been one to laugh and run off to the weight room at the idea of attending such a class, but as time has gone on my body has taking a hit from all that I have put it through and the idea of yoga has started to cross my mind. I talked to my trainer about adding it into my workout plan as part of my cardio plan on my day off of lifting.

I was a competitive cheerleader in high school, receiving a scholarship to cheer in college that I had to later give up due to a knee injury. Over the past 6 years I have had 6 knee surgeries, a baby, and trained for a bodybuilding show (I am currently training for my second this coming June). Needless to say I was sore, worn out, and had lost some of my flexibility.

A few months ago I finally gave in, I got up early Sunday morning and headed to the gym to see what this “yoga” stuff was all about. I walked into class with my new mat, sat down in the back corner and put my game face on.

The class began with some simple breathing exercises and we were told to find our happy place. I was taken back immediately, I am never one to take a moment to breath; my life is a crazy whirlwind of taking care of my kids and husband, going to school, getting my workouts in, and all the other little things that make up a day.

Breathing exercises turned into light stretching, and then the yoga poses. Throughout the class the instructor walked around helping us all achieve the correct body positions, and guiding us along the way. We worked at our own pace, creating our own rhythms with our breath and movement. By the end of the 75-minute class I was sweating my butt off! I had not had such a great workout in a long time. It was so refreshing to really connect with myself again, to truly find my center and take a deep breath.

Yoga is much more than I thought it was or could ever be. It has allowed me to continue working hard with training, allowed me much needed personal time to reflect, and a great place to heal my body.

I would recommend everyone to try yoga once. Find a teacher you connect with and class that meets your needs. There are so many types of yoga that can help you on your road to achieving fitness goals. Enjoy the chance to surpass your expectations and to really connect with your inner self.