Yoga. Wow has it transformed me in so many ways. Yoga can bring you so many benefits that you never thought possible. I was always very athletic growing up and had a skewed view of yoga. Kinda thought it was for sissy, skinny, bendy, boring women–boy was I off! I also thought I’m not flexible or coordinated enough. While that may be true (can be quite klutzy!) yoga has absolutely helped me in these areas. Not only does it offer physical benefits but there are many mental ones as well.
Physical benefits: my flexibility, balance, lean muscle, skin, breathing, strength, tone, core, arms, legs, butt–yes, everything, posture, health, lower blood pressure, relief from back pain, lung capacity, energy level, cardio and circulatory health, protection from injury, helps my running and all other athletic endeavors.
Mental benefits: ability to let go (can’t change the past and can’t predict the future), BE PRESENT, staying optimistic/positive, lower stress levels (helpful for road rage situations), commitment to a healthy lifestyle, confidence, anxiety relief, being aware, control what you can control–let go of what you cannot.
LOVE the infographic on the right as it’s a visually appealing way of showing all the amazing benefits of yoga!
I have only tried out 2 yoga studios because I believe I’m spoiled by how well they compliment each other. Both are very different but such a dynamic duo! Best of both worlds 
CorePower. Their Sculpt class is my absolute favorite! It is A LOT more than just yoga. You use free weights and you sweat your butt off to pump up music. The energy in the room is infectious and it is an amazing well-rounded, total body workout. If you find yourself having a hard time building strength-training in to your routine or if you fear getting “bulky” like me–this class adds squats, lunges, bicep and tricep curls to help build lean muscle mass.
Modo Yoga (formerly Moksha). Okay I am not even lying when I say this–but I CRAVE Modo Yoga. I know many others that are not only physically attached to this place but mentally as well. Modo is a green, clean, HOT yoga series that stretches, strengthens
and tones the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind. You start in savasana in order to relax, set your breathing and get used to the HEAT. The teacher comes in and offers a new “intention”–each class has a new goal or theme (for example–the “letting go” about brought tears to my eyes. I need to remember this in my personal life as well). You then work through both standing and sitting series and it is such a good feeling to sweat and stretch so much. Final savasana is pure heaven. And you can’t wait until next time
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