yoga – Page 3 – French Fry Runner

Strike a {Yoga} Pose: Bridge Pose

You might be reading this as I’m panicking through the sign-up process for the Dumbo Double Dare. Wish me luck!

We’ve been doing a lot of bridge pose in my yoga classes lately. Personally, I love bridge pose (Sanskrit: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana). It makes me feel somewhat flexible. 🙂 You can also do a full back bend (Wheel Pose or Urdhva Dhanurasana) as a variation of bridge–after warming up, of course, and if it’s in your practice. Remember, do not force yourself into any poses. Specifically, if it hurts, come out of the pose.

According to Yoga Journal, this asana has quite a few benefits, from alleviating menstrual cramps to improving digestion. Here’s a great video that shows you how to do the bridge pose. Enjoy!

Bridge Pose | Yoga With Adriene from Yoga With Adriene on YouTube.

Other Resources about Bridge/Wheel Pose

Other “Strike a [Yoga] Pose” Posts

p.s. I love Adriene’s “Foundations of Yoga” series on her blog. Check it out!

Is Bridge Pose in your practice? How about Wheel Pose?

What’s Your Favorite yoga pose?

This post is linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

Try Something New!

Sorry this is posting a bit late! For the Fit Dish Link-up this week, the topic is “Try Something New!”

I like trying new things because you might end up finding something you love. For example, I used to hate running. I played sports way back in high school, so running was a punishment. In college I took up running for exercise because I needed a way to de-stress and I didn’t need any special equipment. I ran nearly every day. I got in great shape and ran my first 5K. I always go back to running first when I need to get in better shape. (Because I know I’ve let my fitness slide more than once! Yikes.) And now I’m training for my first marathon! Who would have thought?

Then a couple years ago, I found yoga. I found out that I loved it, and it’s one of my favorite exercises. It’s a fantastic way to center yourself and strengthen your body.

Finally, a couple months ago, I went to my first Body Pump class. Man, it was tough, but for some reason I loved how I felt after. I finally found a group fitness class I like! And I’m finally seeing muscles! Woo! Even though the class is challenging, I can’t get enough. Now I get so excited to increase my weight on the bar and make it through sets without breaks.

Here are some tips for trying a new class.

Think about the type of exercise you’re lacking in your routine. I was missing strength training, so I first took up yoga and then, later, Body Pump.
Check out your local gym’s schedule. Are there any classes on there that you’ve heard of but never tried before? Pick one that fits your schedule and check it out.
Go to at least three classes. The first class is always weird because you’re unfamiliar with how it’s run, the instructor’s style, etc. Three classes gives you enough opportunity to get used to things and see whether you want to continue.
Pick out the positive. If you end up not liking the new class, what were the things you liked the most? Use those positives to pick out the next class. For example, if you find you don’t like Pilates, but you really enjoy the stretching, maybe you can try yoga next.
Remember that no one is judging you. If you’re trying a new class, you might feel uncomfortable. This is totally normal. Take a deep breath and focus on yourself, have fun, and maybe you’ll just find the right class for you.

I’m linking up with April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Patty from My No-Guilt Life, and Erika from MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run! Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

This post is also linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

What’s your new favorite class?

Yoga or Pilates?

How are you doing today?

Top 5 All-Time Health and Fitness Decisions

I’ve been thinking about my top health and fitness decisions, and I was surprised how fast this list came to mind. In recent years, I’ve had a better grip on my mental and physical well-being, and I can attribute it to the following five things:

Quitting My Full-Time Job. I had such a hard time at my previous place of employment. I was good at my job and working in a field that I thought I loved, but, really, I didn’t. It didn’t bring me that much happiness or even a sense of accomplishment, and honestly, I became stressed, depressed, and unhealthy because of it (overeating, migraines, etc.). Since I gave up that toxic part of my life, I don’t get migraines, I’m not depressed, and I am so much happier (and I eat better too!).
No Soda. I’ll be honest, this is something that I constantly have to work on because I love Dr Pepper. I used to drink it all the time, but now I only very rarely drink any kind of soda. I just feel better when I stick to water, and the smaller waistline is a bonus.
BodyPUMP. I’m fairly new to this fitness class, but it’s totally my jam. I love to go to class, work hard, and feel empowered after. Now I can do push-ups like they’re no big deal, planks aren’t scary, and, the best part, lifting weights is awesome. If you don’t have a strength routine, I highly encourage you to find one you like. I feel and see myself transforming, and I love it.
Yoga. I love everything about yoga. I can kind of be all over the place, and yoga centers me, helps me set an intention for my day/week/life, and helps me get stronger. I’m so glad I have found a place for yoga in my life.
Running. What started out as a stress-reliever in college has transformed me. I have met wonderful people and have done things I never thought I was capable of doing (half marathons and triathlons and other races). I don’t really know what else to say about running except that I never thought I’d love it and now I don’t know what I’d do without it.

There you have it, my five all-time best health and fitness decisions. This post is linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

I’m also linking up with April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Patty from My No-Guilt Life, and Erika from MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run!

What are your all-time best health and fitness decisions?

Do you drink soda?

Have you ever attended a pump class? Would you?

Check out my goals for 2015.

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