#fitforlife: flow yoga at mind the mat
I have always been a fairly athletic person. I played sports in high school and college and continued running and playing tennis throughout most of my grown up life. I have to admit though, in the last few years (since opening Coco Blanca) my fitness routine has gone down hill a bit. I had to cut down my tennis schedule to once a week and I now go on jags of running for a few weeks or riding my bike, but can never seem to keep it consistent. But I think that consistency is really the least of my worries, my biggest problems are my flexibility and strength. I have read a lot about yoga over the years and realized that this could be the answer to my problems. But I have always been hesitant and intimidated to try a class since I know I would be the least flexible and most uncoordinated person in even the most beginner class. So I kept putting it off and putting it off until now. I finally pulled the trigger and went to my first yoga class at Mind the Mat.
Angela, my instructor made me feel right at home. She knew I was self-conscious so she didn’t give me a hard time when I set up my mat in the back row, so I didn’t feel like I was on display. I have to admit, most of the lingo and movements were foreign to me and I hardly understood what she was talking about most of the time. I think the only movement I had heard of previously was downward dog! But somehow I managed to “flow” through all the poses and breathing exercises without too much difficulty. I am sure I didn’t do them correctly and probably looked completely ridiculous but at least I made it through my first class. I soon realized no one was looking at me, they were all mentally focused on their own poses and breathing. By the end of the class I was chanting along and felt much more at ease and at peace with myself.
I think anyone and everyone would benefit from taking a flow yoga class. Its focus on synchronizing the body’s motions and the breath results is a very steady workout, and it increases mental focus, flexibility and strength. I left feeling connected with my mind and body and it felt absolutely wonderful. I know there are many more benefits the more one practices and perfects the poses and breathing but I am happy that I am on my way to discovering these things in time. I now know I need this in my life and think the world would be a better place if everyone practiced yoga!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
