I've always viewed Spring as a time of awakening, renewal. When things come back to life after being dormant all winter. For myself, this is also a time for change. This is the time when I go through my clothes, put away the winter sweaters (not that I wear all that many sweaters in Florida) and start to bring out the summery clothes. Spring is also a good time to make changes to routines.
In my last post I wrote about how I was in a rut and what I was going to do about it. Well, I did rejoin the YMCA and have started going to yoga and spin classes and, let me tell you, they have both kicked my butt! The first spin class I took I thought, this won't be so bad. I like riding my bike and how hard could it be to ride a stationary bike. Well, let me tell you, it's pretty hard. First off, the seat is not that comfortable. My butt seriously began to hurt during the first 5 minutes of class. Secondly, the intervals, going from fast to even faster, are pretty tough to keep up with. Pair that up with standing and pedaling the bike for long periods of time and you get quite a workout. I wasn't able to stay "up in the saddle" as it's called for the whole time, but I plan to continue with spin classes and, hopefully, I will get to the point where I can keep up with everyone else.
Yoga is very different from spin class. I never really realized just how much of a workout your muscles get during yoga. I always looked at it as stretching and breathing, focusing on meditation. In actuality, you do some stretching and you also hold your body in different poses, working muscles that I haven't used in a long time. The last class I took, the muscles in my arms burned so much I was beginning to wonder if I would be able to use them again. Well I was and the pain did not last that long. I am very surprised at the workout I get from yoga. I am also surprised at how refreshed and relaxed I feel after class. Here I am, holding my body in ways it's not use to, muscles burning and sweat pouring down my face and yet I feel centered. I am focused on my breathing and all the noise in my head quiets for that hour. It is a really great feeling and I have to say that I really enjoy the yoga classes I have attended.
So I plan to continue with yoga and spin class and I hope to try some of the other classes the Y has to offer. I feel really good about my exercise routine, it's not as boring and stagnant as it was a month ago. Next thing to work on changing is my eating habits, primarily my portion sizes, and we will talk about that in another blog. If anyone out there has tried another type of exercise or exercise class that they would like to share with me, I'm open to suggestions.
Happy Spring!
