My alarm went off at 6:15am so I could attempt to make it to my 6:45am yoga class (I have failed at this many times before.) I always have to contemplate why or why not I should get from under the covers. (That's kind of how I felt the day after Thanksgiving morning, for those of you who know that story...) I weighed the pros and the cons, and there just weren't enough pros to get me out of my warm bed.) With that being said, I had a lot of pros for yoga. 1) I had an 8:10am class, if I was not at yoga I would have just be taking a quick nap before I took a long shower and got ready. 2) People who do yoga have yoga bodies. I would love a "yoga body" in the future. 3) It would be a great start to my day. 4) I probably would not devote time to workout later in the day. So that was enough! The only con was I would like to stay asleep, but then I faced my first pro again. I left the house at about 6:40am, and pulled up to the TREC to find a million cars! No parking! No close spots in the back and the lot was full in the front. In the cold, I resulted in parking across the street in another dorms loading zone. The TREC was packed! You would think it was January 2nd and everyone was just getting into their New Years Resolutions, but it was January 26th... hadn't people given up on theirs by now?
Walked in the class at about 7:00am... I know, late to any workout class is bad.; yoga just seemed a little worse. The instructor's voice was so soothing as she said, "Turn your hips towards the windows, like headlights on car." It was definitely enjoyable. I felt energized, challenged, and motivated to learn the new poses. In yoga they always tell you how to increase the intensity, "try _____ for an added challenge, " she always said. I was even motivated to do that. The best part is the last 5 minutes and you lay on the mat and just relax. Really relax as you tense up your muscles and let it all go!
Then I rushed home and made it to my 8:10am class. I still feel the stretch in my shoulders as I type this. I can see myself doing yoga and pilates when I'm older. I'm sure in a few years there will be another trendy class to take. It kind of was with me all day. It was like I had myself on the back for waking up to exercise.
Really it doesn't matter what I did, it wasn't the yoga. Waking up early and getting things accomplished makes you feel good. It makes you feel like a productive member of society! Yes, sleeping in feels great, and occasionally a day of rest and relaxation is needed. Sadly, relaxation feels the best after a long day of work. Whether you wake up early for prayer, homework, meditation, laundry, or yoga use your head start for productivity... and so will I.
