Historically I have incorporated many forms of exercise into my routine: running, hiking, gymming, skiing, swimming, and of course yogaing.
For the last couple of years, I primarily run and practice yoga. In the last few months, I have only been doing yoga. In fact, I was unaware how focused on yoga I have been until I went to the gym a couple of weeks ago. My motivation was to score some free babysitting on the 30th snow day from school. When I checked in the receptionist said I’ve been to the gym once in the last 8 months. What?! I couldn’t believe it. Between the little one’s morning naps and pleasant summer/fall running weather, there was no need for it. As the weather got colder, I dropped the running and spent naptime on the mat. Ergo, yoga is currently my sole form of exercise. Well, until today!
I happened to be running an errand without kids, which was magnificent, and I drove past Soul Cycle. I had exactly 75 minutes before I picked up my daughter from preschool so I popped in and asked if I could try a class. Fortuitously, there was one starting in 10 minutes and it was 45 minutes long. Perfect! The people were lovely and helpful. The teacher set up my bike because I’m a newbie to Soul Cycle and haven’t been in a spinning class for almost a decade.
The class was a blast. The dark room and loud music (they do offer ear plugs) was reminiscent of my colleges days in a discoteque. The instructor had more energy than any person has ever had. Thankfully, dancing on the bike is encouraged because I could not stop myself from tossing my head around and jamming out to club music (the darkness really helps alleviate any inhibitions).
The 45 minutes flew by and the instructor incorporated the spinning version of savasana – eyes closed, Beyonce ballads, and some light stretching. Soul Cycle liberated me from my bridled energy as I promise it will do for you.
As a bonus, first timers get a discount and rent-free shoes. As a super bonus Gisele was there (this I can’t promise).
P.S. You can read more about my evolution as a yogi.
P.P.S. You can read about starting a home yoga practice.
P.P.P.S. Can we make yoga a verb?