Is Yoga Calling You?

I believe very often in life that we attract certain people, opportunities, and situations for a reason. Yoga has recently come into my life, and if it isn’t already a part of yours, I would like to share why you might want to consider giving it a try.

It all started when my left shoulder began to feel unusually tight around the holiday season. While I had full range of motion and could carry out my normal workouts, I knew that my body was trying to tell me something. Along with my tight shoulder, I started to notice that other muscles were feeling exceptionally tense and a bit overworked as well. As a trainer, I know this can be part of the territory. I’m incredibly active, keeping a pretty rigorous workout schedule for myself in addition to assisting my clients with many exercises throughout the week. Yet, so much of what I teach my clients and strive to incorporate into my own life is balance - exercise, nutrition, and soul nurturance all in moderation. And, while having a tight, tense body didn’t feel good, I took it as a sign that my own balance was a little off kilter…

So, a little begrudgingly I began to listen to my body and to what my tightly wound muscles were trying to communicate to me. I began to make some much needed adjustments to my training schedule, creating more balance to keep me injury free and to prevent burnout. And, it was at this time that yoga called to me as a way to honor my body and mind, instead of ignoring both of their stresses.

I had tried taking yoga classes in the past, but it did not resonate with me. My experience this time around however has been completely different. I do believe timing has a lot to do with our experiences, and that maybe I was just not ready to open up to what yoga was offering in the past. All I can say now is that I’m glad I gave yoga another chance because my experience this time has truly been life altering. In just the past few weeks of practice, yoga has opened up my body, mind, and soul. I no longer feel like my body is weighted down with knots. My mind feels clearer, quieter, and calmer. My soul is more grateful.

If you have never personally connected with yoga or if you have not given yoga a try yet, I encourage you to open up to the possibility. While I cannot promise that it will be life altering for you or at least maybe not at this time, there is always the chance that it is exactly what your mind, body and soul have been searching for.

If you are ready to explore what yoga means for you, please check out my latest review of ExerciseTV’s Yoga Sculpt led by Maura Barclay for a convenient in-home option - now available on ExerciseTV Video on Demand:
http://exercisetv.tv/lifestyle/page/2

Wishing you health and happiness always,

Your Trainer, Ashley