Power Yoga

by Carla Morton

Each time I make it to a yoga class, I anticipate that it will be a relaxing, centering experience.  Not so.

Last week I: ran, mountain biked, worked out on a spin bike, and did 3 strength training workouts and by FAR the most physically and mentally challenging work out was the Power Yoga class I took on Sunday taught by my niece Lindsay.

Lindsay starts the class with the proverbial, “Let go of expectations of yourself for this class and set an intention for your practice today”

I think to myself: “My intention is to be fully present in my body and in this room”

Lindsay turns the heat up to 96 degrees (not has hot as Bikram but certainly hot!)

My mind is an instant chatter box; not AT ALL present in my body or the moment.

My Mind:

God, it’s hot in here!

How am I going to stay centered for an hour and a half?

How come these seemingly simple moves are so damned hard?

I’d rather be on a mountain biking/ river rafting trip in Utah

Or maybe a windsurfing trip in Cabo…

Why aren’t I as flexible as I used to be?

I used to be able to do the splits! 

I mean come on:  We can’t help the hairs that turn grey on our heads or the crow’s feet that form around our eyes but there is no excuse for not being able to at least stay limber and fit.  I mean, look at Dara Torres!

Let’s face it:  During a Run or Bike work out, and after the first sweat breaks you just get into the rhythm of your breathing.  Yoga on the other hand takes some serious attention. 

My mind drifts endlessly as I grunt and sweat and feel like I am going to pass out in this blissful, relaxing, centering Yoga class.