Starting THIS WEEK, I’ll be teaching a Core Strength Yoga class from 5:00-6:00pm at Let’s Move Studio in Kamloops.

What you’ll get out of it:

• A reminder to center in and set intention
• A playful and mindful yoga practice
• Core, upper and lower body strengthening and toning
• Alignment focused instruction woven with an uplifting philosophy
• A rewarding workout balanced with the wisdom and physical benefits of yoga

(This class is open to all levels of fitness and yoga, and both men and women are welcome. You can also drop-in, no registration necessary.)

Because it is taught from the heart of yoga, this class is creates a safe and supportive space where you can have fun and center in while you connect with your body, cultivate strength and develop greater core stability.

Why do you bring in fitness exercises – why not just strong yoga poses?

Good question!

For the most part, it IS a strong yoga class. We’re just pulling some elements of fitness in, such as different lunges, different ways to do plank, and <gulp> push-ups!

If you find this intimidating, take a deep breath.

Remember, modifications are ALWAYS welcome and offered in yoga, and the same thing goes here. Do push-ups or plank on your knees for as long as you need until you can try a few off your knees. I have lots of experience helping people modify, so don’t let your mind psyche you out – this class is perfect if you need to build strength in a self-honouring way!

And, don’t worry. There won’t be that many push-ups.

There are many benefits of fitness exercises that can be invited to contribute to your yoga practice. Also, the attitude of self-honouring and kindness that yoga inspires is such an excellent way to approach working out.

Though you can do a strong yoga practice to create strength and toning, often there are fitness exercises that strengthen and tone your body faster than you might get with yoga.

One of the reasons for this is that, unless you’re an experienced yoga practitioner, sometimes fitness exercises are more accessible than difficult arm balances and very subtle core work in yoga poses.

We’ll still work on some fun yoga moves – no doubt about that – we’ll just weave them in with things you might not be as familiar with in a yoga setting. But in a yogic way.

Depending on who you are and what the pose is, sometimes it’s simply easier to get your body into fitness positions, so you can get a lot out of this aspect in that way.

To me, as long as you’re doing any beneficial exercise in alignment and with a mindful attitude, it can be a positive contribution to your yoga practice.

The fitness exercises we bring into class also allow you to develop strength in your muscles differently precisely because the approach varies from the yoga poses your body is used to.

And, of course, much of this class WILL be a strong yoga practice, it’s just that you’ll find a few typical fitness elements integrated as well.

When you combine fitness, with intention and alignment, into your yoga practice, it can be a wonderfully effective way to strengthen, tone, and get a great workout in a balanced way. Plus, as you increase your capacity of physical power and stability, it helps you to channel those elements into your yoga practice so you can play more fully there.

Find out more about What Strength Training Can Do For You Yoga Practice.

Going Beyond The Physical with Yoga and Fitness

Beyond the physical level, feeling strong, toned, and confident in your body allows you to focus even more mentally and clear out anything that isn’t serving emotionally. When you feel strong, you are more likely to gracefully move through the challenges of life.

Also, when you infuse your breath with loving kindness and an uplifting attitude as you get a great workout, you will receive the benefits much more fully.

Often people work out with a grudge, with an attitude of frustration and punishment, or get down on themselves as they look in the mirror. These feelings aren’t helpful and can cause harm on many levels.

Instead, by bringing fitness into the realm of yoga, you can choose to smile inwardly, even if you don’t feel like you’re doing as well as you’d like. You can practice self-acceptance and be in a supportive environment. This is like getting out of your own way, and then you can open up to receive the goodness of the practice, and more easily create any transformation you are choosing for yourself.

Join me this week for Core Strength Yoga from 5-6pm at Let’s Move Studio. No registration is necessary – just come on in!

ALL levels of fitness and yoga are welcome, and this class is open to both women and men in a totally supportive and safe environment. Come out and PLAY!

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Posted in Fitness by Katrina Ariel | No Comments Yet