When the Spouse and I were first married we were somewhat mutually committed to fitness. We joined a gym and actually went a couple of times a week together for a {short} season. He found his workout groove lifting weights and sweating on the treadmill, and I found mine watching the “Today” show and slightly elevating my heart rate on the elliptical. It was a good setup and it felt fairly productive.
Then, we had the Kindergartener. And, I fell completely off the fitness wagon that I was only barely on in the first place. By the time we welcomed the Preschooler into our family, it seemed like all my extra energy was used up on things like… surviving. Now, I think it’s safe to say that at three kids in, I’m an unfit person with good intentions but no motivation.
So, I was nervously excited when one of my neighbors invited me to try out a new yoga class she has joined. I’ve never been into yoga, but I really want to work on building community with the people around us AND I need the fitness accountability. So, I said, “I’m in.”
This was my conversation with the Spouse before I left for the first class yesterday.
Me: I think I can handle this. I’m totally out of shape, but I think yoga is mainly stretching and toning. I’m toned don’t you think?
The Spouse: The only tone I’m familiar with is the tone of your voice. You’ve definitely got tone there!
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And, we both laughed about that for awhile because he speaks the truth in love.
Fortunately, I went to a beginner class because let me just tell you… It has come to my attention that I am not toned. Nor am I flexible. Or strong. Or able to correctly do any of the yoga poses on my own. And who knew that one could sweat while stretching?
The teacher {who was awesomely patient and encouraging} mentioned at the end of the class that there are several “hot yoga” classes available for anyone interested in doing a similar workout in a room heated to a balmy 95 degrees. I don’t know about you but that sounds to me like a formula for a medical emergency. Call me lazy, but I thought it was plenty challenging enough at room temperature.
I also had a moment of alarm when we were doing a pose designed to stretch the lower back and the teacher mentioned something about how this would be good practice for later doing handstands and headstands. Maybe she meant much later… like as in another lifetime. I do think, though, my girls would be super impressed if their mother mastered a handstand.
My flexibility/strength challenges aside, the class was fun. And, clearly, I need be doing something of this sort. I think it might be pretty useful strength-training for carrying a baby/toddler around and lugging carseats and strollers in and out of cars. So, I’m going to go back next week with a big bottle of water and a much deeper respect for “stretching.”
Thankfully, there are no pictures to document today’s class. But, this is one of my all-time favorite pictures of the Preschooler because it so captures her personality. She’s demonstrating her balancing abilities. And, I’m pretty sure I looked just like this trying to do most of the poses {minus the leotard}:
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