CorePower Yoga Studio: Santa Barbara // Yoga Mat: Lululemon “The Mat”
If you’ve never taken a yoga class before, the whole experience can seem intimidating, to say the least. What do I wear? What if I feel like I’m going to pass out? What if I’m not flexible enough? Don’t worry, everybody has been there done that before (and I’m speaking from recent experience). I’m here to ease any apprehension you may have and help navigate you to your nearest yoga studio and onto a yoga mat.
I recently began to realize the importance of switching up my workout routine and decided to incorporate yoga to stay fit and healthy. We’ve all heard of the benefits of practicing yoga, such as how it can increase flexibility, decrease stress, improve sound sleep, lower blood pressure, diminish anxiety, and give you an overall sense of well-being. To be honest, an incentive of “1 Free Week of Unlimited Classes” at CorePower Yoga in town, was the real motivation that got me to my yoga mat.
I was very nervous to try my first class, having my own stereotypical viewpoints of “yogis”, but decided to give it a try anyway. I told myself I would be open-minded and try yoga for 7 days and then would re-assess the situation to see if I would continue to practice yoga, or move on to another form of a workout.
The past week of yoga daily has made me realize that yoga is a self-challenging activity which gives me the drive and inspiration to keep going so I can improve for myself, and myself only. I try harder each class knowing that if I push myself, it will only allow me to get better and reach my goals of nailing certain positions.
My favorite class is called “Yoga Sculpt”. This total body workout is set to energizing music and is designed to tone and sculpt every major muscle group by adding free weights to intensify the yoga workout.
Why wait?! Now is the time! Head to your local yoga studio dressed in workout clothes that are bound to get sweaty, with an ice-cold water bottle in hand, borrow a mat at the front desk, and start stretching and breathing with an open-mind. I’m confident that with an ongoing practice of yoga, anyone can change their body and mind, quickly and profoundly. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert yogi!