All Yoga, All The Time

I realized this weekend that I did not do a yoga post last week...which is astounding considering how much I have been practicing.  When I started this blog I was taking two 1 hour classes a week and trying to fit in 20 minute sessions on the other days...which totaled to about 3 hours or so a week.  Since I took up Revelation Yoga on their one month unlimited plan, I have basically been living in their studio.  Between Victoria's class and the time at Revelation and my limited home practice, I have been practicing about 6 hours a week for the last few weeks.  And this past week I was fortunate enough to attend Shabda Sunday (Sanskrit class), which brought my total practice time this week to 7.5 hours.  Craziness! 

So in case you missed the math there, I have managed to eek out an additional 4 or so hours out of my schedule to practice.  Where did all of this time come from?  Here is a look back at last week with a little discussion of the classes I attended.

Monday I did my New Rules workout during my break and then went to YinYang Gentle Yoga after work.  I am really loving this class.  I have went the last few Monday nights and plan to go again tonight.  It is 90 minutes of slow moving yoga with an emphasis on holding the poses for an extended period of time.  So no, this is not a sweat pouring off you kind of session but my muscles really appreciate the extended stretching and my mind appreciates the calmness of the practice.  It is the perfect start to the work week.

Tuesday I had a networking function after work so I had to miss Victoria's class.  I ran that afternoon for the first time in a long time though, so her class probably would have killed me ...but I would have went anyway.

Wednesday I was unable to take a break at work so no daytime workout.  That night I went to Power Yoga at Revelation.  This class is very similar to Victoria's in format - Vinyasa flow style.  The difference is that the Revelation studio is lightly heated and the class is 90 minutes instead of 60 minutes.  The class itself is tough and I am usually drenched in sweat after. 

Thursday I did my New Rules workout late in the day and really felt that I needed to be home before 8pm for the first time all week, so no yoga.  In theory I could have done a 20 minute (or more) practice when I got home...but I was tired.  So I listened to my body and took the night off.

Friday I went to Victoria's class at break time.  Work has been fairly hectic and I have had to miss this class lately.  It was nice to be back where I started my practice.  We also had some new students in the class...I love new students!  New students mean a different vibe in the room and a (usually much needed) reminder of the basics of some postures.

Saturday I decided to be insanely stupid and I went for a 7:30am run with my sister-in-law Meri followed immediately by the 9:00am Power Yoga class at Revelation.  I warned Kim of my run so that she wouldn't be concerned if I was spending 90 minutes in child's pose.  She gave me a packet of Emergen-C for my water bottle and checked in on my throughout the class.  Now, this is not the first time I have done back to back running and yoga...in fact, I have done it several times with Victoria's Tuesday night class.  But I haven't done it when its 85 and humid and I haven't done it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.  I survived the class. Lets just leave it at that.

Sunday there was no physical yoga practice...there was 2 hours of gardening.  And then there was Sanskrit class - which was great!  Sanskrit class is like physical yoga for the mind and soul.  I have really been practicing my sounds and studying my Sutras.  Jill led a great class and I was finally comfortable enough to ask more questions.  And Karendayal was there, which made it even more fun!  Familiar faces are the best!

So thats it - thats where I found the extra time I didn't know I had.  And it felt like no effort at all.  This is due, in large part, to the fact that Bill is super supportive of my practice and my time on the mat.  I'm talking supportive as in fills and chills my water bottle so I can swing in and grab it on my way to the studio.  Supportive as in makes my dinner while I am practicing and makes sure my favorite shows are recording.  Supportive as in encourages me to go to class instead of pouting because I'm home at 8:30 every night.  Without his support, I seriously doubt I would find all this extra time...so thanks Bill!