My Yoga Challenge

I have always been intrigued by the concept of "hot yoga." I sweat enough as it is during a normal workout, why would I want to voluntarily do one in a hot and humid room?

There's a yoga studio close to the gym I work at so I thought i'd check them out...$30 for an unlimited 2 weeks? I'll go for that! So far I have completed 2 hot yoga classes and 1 75min Hatha class at this studio. WOW! I am completely hooked!

I have been practicing yoga on and off for 5 years, never anything formal, and mostly on my own. I have been to a few classes but nothing has ever stuck...and price is always a factor. I already feel like I am sleeping better and craving these classes when I have a day or two without yoga.

My goal after my 2 week pass is up is to try and go to hot yoga once a week. Once a week I will take time out of my crazy schedule and devote myself to my practice. I used to use yoga primarily to stretch and prevent injuries but this time I am appreciating the mediation part more and more.

Before class begins everyone lays out their mats, towels, water bottles, and face cloths, takes a Savasana pose and meditates. The first time I attempted this I found my mind wandering to my appointment book, my emails, anything but yoga. So I forced myself through a mediation. I used all my years of team sports experience to visualize an "ideal triathlon." I started from waking up in the morning and went through every detail until the finishline. I told myself I would feel stronger with every swim stroke, the hills on the bike would be gentle and rolling and I would fly over them, I made my transitions smooth and flawless, I was well hydrated and got into my running groove with ease. When the class began 15 min later I was in the moment, feeling the poses, holding my muscles and joints stronger than any other yoga class i've ever taken. When we finished the real savasana my mind was clear and I was ready to face the rest of my day.

As a person who generally stresses and worries about things that usually end up working themselves out I feel like this is what has been missing. Why did I never think to meditate myself into a positive mindset in the first place? Whatever the excuse is, it doesn't matter now, because I know how to overcome...I wish I had figured this out 2 years ago! Live and learn....and Namaste.

Where would I be...

So I got to thinking today while helping out with measurements for a weight loss program...where would I be without fitness? The answer is pretty scary...I could be unhealthy, overweight, unmotivated, tired, unhappy...any of the above!

Having been an active child and teen with ringette, hockey, soccer, basketball, rugby, skiing and badminton I developed a comeptitive spirit that had stuck with me throughout my adult years...I hate to lose and I have to be the best! In college I went to the gym, I took step aerobics, I continued to play ringette and hockey...but the cometitiveness faded...for everyone else. I joined the ski patrol in hopes of skiing more often but it wasnt' enough, I needed something more.

When I started running I hated it...really hated it. I couldn't go for long and I had pains everywhere afterwards. My average distance was about 2Km and I remember having a couple pairs of running socks, one pair of shorts, one pair of tights and a couple dry-fit shirts...

My friend Rena and I decided to run the Ottawa Race Weekend 5Km...it was an amazing feeling to cross the finshline with the crowds, the race numbers, the finishers medals and a new passion. Running has always been about me. I race against myself and my own previous times.
It became obvious to me that running wouldn't be enough...there was this all women's triathlon...untimed, just for fun...ofcourse I had to try it! I was hooked instantly and the rest is pretty much history!

I learned how to sport-specific train, I read anything I could get my hands on about triathlon, running, cycling or swimming, and I trained. I bought the gear, I developed my own "race day routines" (which some would call picky) and I raced in every race I was able to. Eventually that wasn't enough either, recreation just wasn't going to cut it...but going pro seemed unrealistic, so what next?

When I finished my AFLCA Exercise Theory and Resistance Trainer course I knew someday I would have to do something with fitness as a career...but not totally sure what. When my career path wasnt' going where I wanted it to I made a decision...if the opportunity ever came up to change careers to something in the fitness industry I would take it and run.

I met some managers at Spa Lady Fitness and spoke to them about career potentials, they all liked me but I needed more credentials...almost immediately I registered to challenge the CanFit Pro exam and began studying. 5 weeks later I passed with flying colours and am now a Personal Trainer Specialist!

I absolutely LOVE my job and all my clients. I love thinking up new exercises, new workouts, and new ways to sweat...for once in my life, I know exactly where I need to be, and that's AWESOME!

So to answer my question...Where would I be without fitness???? I have no idea.

Just after a 10Km PB

Where to start? Today I was selected as a Sugoi Brand Champion. Basically that means I am eligible for discounted items and their exclusive Brand Champions clothing line...SWEET! A lot of the other brand champions have blogs so I thought this might be a good place to start...

I am a woman who makes lists...I make lists of goals, groceries, and general things I need to accomplish. I feel like this blog will consist mostly of lists, just because that's how I roll. In January I made a list (surpirse!) of things I will do this year....here it is:

This year I will:
- become a Personal Trainer (yep, did that!)
-do more yoga
-raise $3000 for the ride to conquer cancer in memory of my cousin Linzi....
http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Alberta2011?px=2604468&pg=personal&fr_id=1372
-complete an Olympic distance tri (registered for Aug 21!)
- run for fun
-become more confident on my mountain bike
-wear sunscreen more
-follow my heart
-appreciate the moment
-take pictures of the people I love
-continue with regular massages and pedicures