The Benefits of Yoga

I realize how much I need to practice, and the impact yoga has on my life when incorporated into my lifestyle. I love practicing. I love feeling not only the effects yoga has on my body, but my attitude also. I walk out of class feeling cool, calm and collected. There's really nothing  like it. I've tried yoga in all the different form provided. I love them all. There are days when I just want to relax, slowly move into each pose, and hold. Then there are days I am pumped to enter a room of 100 degrees, moving quickly from one pose to the next, and sweating from places I didn't know I could. [Like the elbow...what? I know right]. If I could start my day with yoga, hot yoga mid-day, and end my day with yoga, I would be one happy lady. One day, when my work hours allow it.

 

--After Class--



 

--After a few months--

 

 

--After Years--

 

 

Yoga has helped me in more ways than one. My mother can tell you, I rave about how amazing yoga is, and how everyone should try it. Not only does yoga help me maintain a healthy weight, yoga has helped me maintain my anxiety. I don't have to take medication, and my panic attacks are fewer and further between; almost non-existent. It's amazing really, feeling stressed the entire day and becoming de-stressed in class. I've tried to think about what was bothering me during class, and find it no longer has the same affect on me as it did. Amazing, right?

Hope you all have a great night!

Feeling sick

I have come down with something ugly. I wasn't able to do anything this weekend, and may be leaving work early. Pray that I get better, because....well...tomorrow's my birthday...and I don't want to be sick on such a grand day! I will hopefully be back on Wednesday.

 

Hope you all have a great day!

Ballantyne Corporate Fitness Trail

During my lunch break, I like to explore the business park. I have walked to a number of shops, restaurants and just simply walked around the block. Today I decided to go a different route and stumbled upon the most interesting thing I have seen since working here. A fitness trail! Is this a thing? Do other business parks offer this wonderful trail? If they do, please excuse me while I allow my crazy flag to sway high.

[How I found the trail]

 

[An overview of how the fitness trail should be used]

 

 

 

The trail is great! As you make your way down the white gravel path, the stations are located to the right or left with the "equipment," example and description of how to use the "equipment," and the body part that is being activated.

 

Genius! Genius! Genius! 

 Another wonderful thing about this trail, is that it is shaded. Genius idea and wonderful location!



 

Have a wonderful day all!

Zumba Benefits

I envy those that have the willpower and ability to stay on top of a work out regimen, especially those who create the regimen. Treadmills, the elliptical, weights and the StairMaster...I can't even begin. I am the type of person that thrives from group classes. I need to be told to what to do, how fast, how high and how long to do the exercise. If you are anything like me, you also want to ensure you feel the burn. I walk away disappointed if I don't feel like I had my bottom handed to me.

I first became addicted when my friend Isra invited me to the Zumba class she attends every Thursday evening. I walked into the class unsure of what to expect and walked out of the class, drenched in sweat and soar all over. I was beyond amazed and hungry for more. So, I joined the YMCA. I have tried other Zumba classes and have yet to find anyone that can conduct a class like Dawn can. Zumba allows you to feel the music. Each song contains 4 or 5 steps that are repeated throughout the song, once you learn the steps it becomes very easy to keep up. 

But I'm not just here to tell you about my Zumba experience, lets go over the benefits shall we?

ZUMBA BENEFITS

·        Burn approximately 300 to 700 calories each class

·        Increase your stamina and push a little harder

·        Increase your bone density

·        Improve your balance and tone your muscles

·        Decrease your body fat percentage

·        Lower your blood pressure