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Yoga: Restorative For the Body & Mind

Sep 2, 2016 | Cross Training | 16 comments

Yoga good for the mind and body

I entered Another Space in Covent Garden on Wednesday night for my first yoga class in about there months. My body was tight and I was looking forward to a good stretch, however I wasn’t prepared for the mental element of the class.

I recently read Nicole’s post about the mind-body connection when stretching, and after finding my mat in the dark, warm scented room, and immediately felt the stress and noise of the city melt away.

It wasn’t a conventional vinyasa class, like others I’ve been to in the past, we spent most of the session in the dark with awesome music complementing the flow. I loved laughing our way through 100 jazz hands, tried my best in dolphin pose, and enjoyed every down dog, warrior and triangle as I felt my muscles stretch.

Our teacher, Chris, encouraged us to go at our own pace, using modifications to make moves easier or more technical as needed. I found myself modifying to the more simple positions, or recovering in child’s pose more than I have in any class I’ve taken since starting yoga, however I was totally OK with it, and just listened to my body.

Admittedly, I sometimes clock watch during yoga classes, but I embraced and enjoyed every moment of the 75 minute session. I’ve been super tense recently, with the move, wedding planning, work, blog admin and financial stresses, and this has translated into a very anxious, often grumpy girl. During the class I  could physically feel the stress leave my body, and I left feeling happier and lighter than I have in weeks.

Speaking on the phone with my Mum the following day, she even commented that I sounded calmer, less worried – asking if I’d ticked some things off my to-do list. Well yes, that and I’ve been to YOGA!

Now just to find a great studio in Henley so that I can maintain the calm! Does anyone else find this?

16 Comments

  1. Tess @ FitBits

    Ahhhh I love it when you find your flow at yoga. This is the one thing I *never* make proper time for but the one thing that I know sorts me right out. It’s funny isn’t it, how we consciously make these decisions?! I’m trying to get to yoga at least once a week just to feed my soul ?? Sweaty Betty is ace as it’s free, there are so many classes in Brighton but most are quite expensive!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I know – I make time to run but hardly ever to stretch out when it is so beneficial! SB is great, and there are lots online for free too, although I’m not quite so good at doing it on my own!

      Reply
  2. Kathy

    I’ve found that with yoga, there is such a huge variety of studios, classes, teachers and styles out there that it really takes awhile to find the right fit. It can be frustrating to attend loads of classes that aren’t quite working for you, but once you find the right style and teacher, it’s really worth it.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I totally agree, I had my fave class in Hammersmith on Sundays, now I need to find one in Henley!

      Reply
  3. Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com

    Sounds like you had an awesome class!!! I am glad that it helped to relieve some of your stress!

    Reply
  4. Happy Fit Mama

    It’s the best when you get that yoga high and it carries on off your mat!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Yes totally agree!

      Reply
  5. sarah@creatingbettertomorrow

    Oh I sooooo need to get back to yoga…we don’t really have any studios by us…I use to go twice a week and it was sooooooo good for my always on the go mind and my type A personality (hand held, clock watcher right here too!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I actually loved that there was no clock or phone or anything in the studio!

      Reply
  6. Lesli fit & happy

    Completely agree! Love the feeling during and post-yoga, although I’m sometimes guilty of the clock-watching too. I’m doing a 30-day yoga challenge this month to see what it does for my health and mental state. Feel free to join in! It’s just 15 mins a day of whatever sequence/style suits you in the moment.

    Reply
  7. Lesli fit & happy

    Totally agree, love the during and post-yoga feeling, although sometimes I can be guilty of clock-watching too. I’m doing a 30-day yoga challenge this month to see what it does for my health and mental wellbeing. Feel free to join, it’s just encouraging anyone who wants to to get 15 minutes a day!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Ooh that sounds interesting! I might do that in October when I go back to uni and could really use it!

      Reply
  8. Pippa @ Pip in Motion

    I love another space! Chris is such a good instructor, i really enjoy his Wednesday and Sunday classes. I find them a good balance of relaxation and strengthening. Plus, it’s such a nice studio!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      ooh will have to try one of his Sunday classes soon!

      Reply
  9. Mandi | No Apathy Allowed

    My favorite kind of yoga is restorative yoga. I push and challenge myself way more than enough in my running and in every other facet of my life, so sometimes I just need permission to relax and stretch it out. Glad you were able to find your groove!

    Reply
  10. Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales

    I love complimenting running with yoga! I have done a lot of flow, vinyasa and power classes and they are great from getting used and comfortable with the discomfort so common to running… along with building mental strength. But I’ve recently started doing yin yoga – long held deep stretches. Great for long run recovery!

    Reply

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