Let me start out by saying “thank you” to a dear friend, Brandon. I recently spoke with him as he continues on his path of being a traveling artist, and he asked, “So Morrill, whats the deal with that blog?” I embarrassingly had to admit I hadn’t written anything and never seemed to “find the time.”
Sound familiar?
Recently, over the last month, I’ve started regularly attending yoga classes at a studio near my apartment. It is a 12 minute walk, if I’m crawling. I began going for the #1 reason of getting in some exercise and moving my body. My day job is not an 8 hour a day job (I wish!). I work from home 3x a week. On the days I work from home, I’m lucky if I walk around the block. I know, I know. Lazy. Get up. Do more. Experts say to move your body once an hour. What about my cardiovascular health? I get it.
But something always got in the way. Not least of which, motivation. I hate working out, I would tell myself. I hate sweating, that little voice in my head would chatter. You already showered today, Megan, do you really want to have to do it again? You don’t have cute yoga clothes. You aren’t a ‘yogi’ and have no idea what you’re doing. The list goes on and on. You can relate, right? How many times does the little voice in the back of your head tell you – you ignoramus you really can’t be thinking about this again.
In comes The Yes Studio in Bushwick. I found it during a random Google search and decided to check it out. They have a 2
week intro for $20; unlimited classes. So I signed up. My first class had me AS NERVOUS as when I went to take the SATs. Will everyone be skinny and fit? (Yes) Will everyone be judging my post-baby jiggle? (No) Will I spend all of class thinking everyone is judging me? (Actually, nope) The benefits of this studio could go on and on.
Before I talk about the overall benefits I’ve found in (4) weeks of yoga, let me paint you a picture of me pre-yoga classes. First, I associated yoga with “zen” and my inner “chi” and pretty much wrote it off as a bunch of bullsh*t. Literally. Secondly, I figured there was literally no way on this earth that I would be able to touch my toes, so clearly it’s not for me. Thirdly, if I want to sweat, which I don’t really want to do, I’ll run. Why do I need all these Lulu Lemon wearing moms judging me? (This was even before RJ) Also, I hate the smell of patchouli. It reminds me of my university days at the University of Vermont where 98% of the campus had that smell. And approximately the same percentage of students smelled that way. Heck no. To this day, if I smell patchouli, I run, not walk the other way. It’s possibly the only negative I have to say about UVM.
But I’m here to give a couple benefits, in my humble opinion, from yoga.
- The sweat is real. This isn’t a cardio workout where you’re running/bicycling/whatever-ing and sweat is dripping off you. You are doing specific movements, with cues about moving your hips, shoulders down, breathing a specific way, returning to your breath. And sweat is dripping off you.
- Mind clearing. From the minute the instructor starts talking my To Do list vanishes. It requires insane concentration to breathe in & out on their cues. They time everything. Certain movements are to be done on the inhale, others on the exhale. It is virtually impossible for me to think about Richard’s diaper supply, or dinner, or that pivot table I may have screwed up, or our bank account, or our debt and breathe in and out, and follow cues. I M P O S S I B L E. If you had a stressful day/week/month/life, take a class. Suddenly its all put into perspective. Now I’m not going down the inner chi rabbit hole. I’m simply stating that by taking an hour out of your life to focus purely on your breath and movement, clarity on certain above mentioned problems finds its way to the forefront.
- Friend making. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a bunch of really great gals and guys in these classes. Truth – I’ll talk to a wall if it will answer. But that’s not the point. Getting out, talking to people, raising your heartbeat and generally being present are all beneficial.
- Better sleep. For 4 weeks now, the night of a class, I sleep better than the baby. Just ask my husband. That baby can wake up crying anytime between 10 & 6 and the odds are, I won’t hear. (Have no fear people, I’m also fully aware Adrien will hear)
- “Me” Time. I don’t care if you’re a woman, man, either, neither, mom, dad, fur-parent. If you are a human you need “me” time. A moment (or 60) when the world isn’t pulling at you. No cell phones. No work. No deadlines. No requirements. No worries. No anxiety. Trust me when I say the apocalypse won’t hit. Trust me when I say <insert loved one/boss here> won’t die. Trust me when I say <insert problem> won’t get worse, go away, or change in any way. Trust me when I say – your mind health, emotional health, physical health will all improve.
Now look, all of the above are the benefits of any kind of exercise in a group. We all know exercise is paramount to success in so many areas of our lives – all areas. Relationships (romantic & not). Work. Family life. Finances. 
I am far from being a ‘yogi’ and even further from becoming a yoga instructor. But I will go on record that this Jersey girl, who still rocks her acrylic nails and Amazon.com purchased workout clothes loves yoga. If you live in NYC and want to come with me to a class – send me an email or IG message or fill out the form below. I’m here and as I’ve said – I’ll talk to a wall, so an actual human coming to a class with me is a huge bonus.
Xo,
Megan