A while ago I bought a deal through Living Social for a yoga studio here in Vegas. And then I broke my foot and was stuck in a cast, thus out of commission for a little while. I got my cast off and cashed in my Living Social deal about 5 days after that, on the day before the deal had to be redeemed or else it expired. Cutting it a little close there!
I started my yoga journey in a studio in 1996. I had heard a little about yoga and was intrigued, wanted to try it out. My university offered a continuing education yoga class in conjunction with a local studio, so I signed up. For one credit hour I got two 90 minute classes a week for an entire quarter. (This was back in the old days before the university switched to a semester calendar!) I loved my class, I looked forward to each and every class. My instructor said a lot of things that were pretty hippy-dippy or new-age-y… and I loved that too. So I stretched my spine to “let my inner lotus flower reach to the sky” and I let my “mind drop back into a pool of deep blue refreshing water.”
I took that class a couple times during college, but then the teacher closed up her studio and moved away… ending the class. I started practicing with videos, tv shows, DVDs, podcasts, online classes (that’s a progression of how I did things, there weren’t podcasts and online yoga when I started.) But I rarely made it back into a studio. These past two weeks have been UH-MAY-ZING! I truly question why I am not in the yoga studio more.
My 30-days of unlimited classes will expire on September 21 and just the thought of that makes me really sad. I’m considering eliminating my monthly massage from Massage Envy and applying that money toward classes. I adore the Sunday Sunrise Yoga class, the teacher is so calming and it has been a phenomenal way to start off my Sundays.
I have a Groupon for a different yoga studio that I will try after this one expires, but I really can’t imagine wanting a different studio. I also have a Groupon for a few classes at a pilates studio too, so my run training until the end of the year will be supplemented nicely with classes.
Yes, there is a physical benefit that comes from the yoga practice. It stretches me out, it opens my hips and loosens my shoulders. But the mental side effects are so much more worthwhile. (Maybe I should swap my monthly therapy sessions for the yoga studio?) Everything about practicing in a class makes me feel strong, centered, peaceful and beautiful. I love it.
I’ll still continue a home practice. (That’s actually garnered me a lot of praise in class. Praise always feels nice, huh?) But I can’t go this long without studio check-ins anymore.
Jill Will Run 
You need to listen to your readers more! I think I’ve told you to get your butt back in the studio for 3 years now. 🙂 But seriously, there really is no substitute for the benefits you receive in a class/teacher directed setting, compared to a home practice. It will do wonders for your mental state, Jill!
Yes, you have been telling me this for years… and I believed you. But there was still a small part of me that felt like I was not worth the expense of buying time at a studio. I needed to work through a lot of negative self-worth issues!
I started doing some prenatal yoga videos about 18 months ago and have done other videos pretty regularly since then. I’ve been interested in actually going to a class/studio, but have never gone out and done it. What do you look for when you choose a class?
I really like the way my body feels after a yoga practice, but I’ve never really enjoyed the mental benefits while doing it at home. It’s hard to fully relax when you’ve got two kids who think downward dog is a tunnel to crawl through or a mountain to push over. 🙂 A class sounds like it would be a nice getaway.
Jade thinks the same thing if I do downward dog around her… but I never crawl under her when she does the same stretch! 😉
If you can find a Groupon or Living Social deal to a studio near you that allows you to explore a bunch of different classes, jump on it! But in my personal opinion… I wouldn’t jump in with a Bikram yoga class. If you are really looking for relaxation benefits, try finding a hatha yoga class. Iyengar uses a lot of props to help you with alignment and proper form. Anusara is a good flow based one that isn’t quite as intense as a “Power yoga” or a strong Vinyasa yoga. Look for classes that say they are for beginners or for rejuvenation/relaxation specifically. Those are usually good places to start.
Thanks, that will help!
I have been loving yoga lately! I only started attending classes about 6 weeks ago, but I have never felt better! My gym has classes included in my membership, which is really nice – if it wasn’t for that, I would be scrounging up $$ to go.
I hope you can find a new Groupon or a great deal!
Kim
I just love yoga. I just love the way it makes me feel. I don’t do it enough.
I am thinking I bought a similar LS deal for bikram that expires in September. My friend called and they said you could keep using it. Not sure if it’s the same place but it might be worth it to call and ask.
We should do yoga together!!!