Have you downward dogged lately?

Many runners experience a good and not so good problem. That problem is tight muscles. After turning a certain age this past year, I began to notice that I'm not so flexible anymore. Hmmm... I like to think that maybe it was training for my first marathon that did me in. I'm not sure, but one thing I was certain about is that I needed to do something about my flexibility. So after researching articles about runners and increasing your flexibility, I realized that I needed to try yoga. Yes, yoga. 

I first tried doing some yoga stretches that I found on www.runnersworld.com and Pinterest. While those were helpful, I felt that I was not getting true results. It was then that I decided to buy a Groupon to try out a yoga studio. I've been to Hot Vinyasa twice since joining. Let me say that I was a little nervous at first. I was afraid that it might be a lot of "mother earth" people sweating profusely in the 85 degree room and I wouldn't be able to bear the smell. After my first class I felt pretty good. It was a very intense class, but I felt like I kept up with the more experienced yoga peeps. Tonight I went for the second time and realized that there are some really flexible and serious yoga people out there! In my mind I'm wondering how they move like that and make it look extremely graceful AND strong at the same time? I learned some new poses tonight and really worked up a good sweat. 

I'm told that yoga is about finding peace and happiness in a pose and letting your body "thank you" for your practice. Well... I was trying to be grateful to my body when in the last sequence of flow we assumed the splits position. OUCH! I haven't done the splits (on purpose) since I was in college. I have a feeling that my hip flexors will not be thankful tomorrow. 

The point of my rambling is that I am thankful that I can still walk after putting my body through positions that I didn't think were possible. Typically I'm inclined to running, cardio workouts, and weights. All tighten and firm which is fabulous, but life and I suppose my workout schedule is all about embracing new experiences along the way. My new experience is yoga. And yes, I downward dogged many times tonight and I liked it! 

Here is a morning yoga sequence for you to try. Hope it gets you moving in the right direction.

My friend Kristin is a pilates instructor and this is her blog. I'm sure that she can get you to stretch out your muscles too! I'm going to have to check out pilates next! Please check it out http://coresportstudio.com/blog/

Stay flexible - Em