On Thursday night, I walked into my local rec center with my yoga mat under one arm and a bottle of water in the other hand. I’m such a beginner when it comes to yoga. I was breath-quick nervous. Beginner jitters I guess. I’m not as bendy as I used to be. Gumby I am not. And while I’m not eager to put my feet behind my head or twist myself into any kind of pretzel, feeling more comfortable in my body means strong, lean, and capable muscles. I think yoga will help me get there. So I pulled the front door of the rec center open, straightened my back, and walked toward the front desk to find out where to lay my mat and be ready. “You’re here for yoga, aren’t you?” I nodded. Yes! I was there for yoga! “We don’t do it on Thursdays any more.”
Really? Oh.
Apparently the City of Charleston’s web site isn’t updated with schedule changes.
Oh.
And I was shoulder-slumping disappointed. It wasn’t disappointment because my plans were unexpectedly changed. I realized as I walked out of the rec center that I was totally disappointed not to exercise, not to have the experience, not to get sweaty and physical. I was disappointed not to workout and feel my body pushed to new limits, learning new strengths. It was a new kind of let down, one very opposite of how I’ve usually felt. It’s exciting to be in this position, to look forward to exercise for the way it makes me feel strong and capable. I’m learning to crave the endorphin rush and the exertion. I can’t honestly say that exercise is something I crave all the time. But, I’m learning that exercise makes me happy and makes me feel good. I’m learning that exercise is something that I really want to do.
And now I feel like I’ve run a marathon or maybe performed a sun salutation in the right direction.
I know the pain, but I have to say that your posts this month have inspired me and I got off of my lazy butt and did an hour of yoga this morning while Anneke was at summer camp. Now I just need to do it tomorrow and the next day, I have a lot of guests coming and they all want to go to the beach this month!
I love hearing this Virginia! And good for you! I’m sure you’ll look beautiful no matter how much yoga you get in between now and when your guests arrive, but think how good you’ll feel if you are yoga-riffic too.
I love yoga, it’s good for my head to get outside of myself. I just signed up for a half-marathon in December, and I’ve never even done a 5k like the Bridge Run.
I’m struggling with running every day (I can only run 2 miles before I pass out right now!) so am alternating with yoga.
I hope you get to a class and love it!
What a goal to work toward! Good for you ADoC! You have time to work up, and 2 miles is farther than I could run. You’ll have to keep me updated because I’m rooting for you!
bummer the class was cancelled but being sad about NOT exercising is great! I missed my 10 push ups today and while that is nothing for many it is a new habit for me. A habit I’m finding I enjoy.
Can’t wait to hear how your class goes when you get there!
I will certainly update. And so good for you and your pushups. I thought of you yesterday when I did mine. Oh! They kill me. But good for both of us!