Monday, March 31, 2014

Instructions for a bad day

I came across a post on Instagram by the AWESOME (and now local) yogi, @tjhark linking me to a YouTube video- Instructions for a Bad Day
If you don't already follow him, you should - even if you're not into yoga icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything! TJ's light shines so bright and he's got great, uplifting things to say! Love him!


I listened to this on a day I needed it most. Some Mondays really kick you down. Last Monday, in particular was a rough one.

I was called "a weak woman."

If you know me, or know anything about me at all...this felt like the ultimate insult.
I'm not always cheerful. I second guess myself more often than I should and I don't always think the best of myself, even though it doesn't look like that on my social media. I'm actually my toughest critic; I've always been very hard on myself. And when I heard the worst things I think about myself, confirmed through another's mouth...it crushed me.
I know she didn't mean it to be so hurtful, she was trying to motivate me to do better because I'd made a lazy decision...and she was calling me out on it.

Listen up people, because this applies to everyone: if you want to motivate someone, you do not pick out their "flaws" as a means of encouragement, a way to say "You don't want to be like that anymore, DO YOU?!" "You know bikini season is right around the corner, RIGHT?!"

There's a thin line between being motivational, and being an asshole :-)
I've seen alot of this lately and this plague only seems to be growing. You've seen 'em. Gym memes:
"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"
"Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going"
"Suck it up now and you won't have to suck it in later"
"You can feel sore tomorrow or you can feel sorry tomorrow. You choose"
..and my personal favorite, "What's your excuse?"


If these "motivational" quotes work for you, great! Make it your phone's wallpaper. But quit making everyone else feel bad just to build yourself up.

What the person who said I was a weak woman, and the people who judge others for not leading a lifestyle exactly as theirs, have in common is: they are bullies. And just like a schoolyard bully, these people are fighting their own personal battles.

"Feeling kicked? Feeling down? Landed hard and don't know which way is up? Stop. Breath. Find your grace and enjoy the struggle. Feel yourself getting stronger and learning. No matter how long it takes or how hard it might seem, GET. BACK. UP. Then, shine on." TJ Harkness

Sunday, March 30, 2014

What I'm reading


I ran across this gem at Holy Cow Yoga and skimmed through it before a class one night. For each day of the year, there's an inspirational reading and last night's is definitely worth sharing!

March 29 - A teepee on Mars
The mind is restless; it is always looking for a change. That is the nature of the mind. It can never be satisfied. It might rebel and you want to go live in a teepee in the mountains. After a while it won't be happy with your teepee on the mountaintop; it will think that only putting your teepee in the valley will make you happy. Once you are in the valley, it will want a teepee on Mars. There is no limit for the mind's restlessness.
You have to educate the mind. Ask it, "Why do you want to go to the mountaintop?" "To find peace there." "Why do you want to come down?" "I am tired of that and want to be with people."
What does it all mean? That you are trying to borrow happiness from outside. Once you realize that peace and joy are always within you, you will be happy no matter where you are. Whether you are in the valley or in the mountains, it is the same thing.
Wherever you are, you should have a purpose. Go to the mountains for a purpose; come down for a purpose. And don't let the purpose be a selfish one. The purpose should be for the benefit of others, for service to humanity. 

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Why Yoga Barre? What IS it exactly?

I've had several people ask what IS Barre, exactly? 


Barre is the perfect blend of Pilates and ballet flow, with a dash of yoga. You don't have to be flexible to start. You don't even have to be coordinated! Whether you're looking to gain long, lean muscle, improve flexibility, or lose weight, it is an all-around great cardio experience.

Using small isolated movements, the exercise lengthens and tones major muscle groups. There are a few props used during any given class- 2-3lb weights, a playground ball, and a resistance band. "Problem areas" are targeted, and you can expect to see visible results within just a few classes. And believe me, you WILL be sore for at least 2 days after your first class icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!

What I love about Barre is that it can be modified for anybody and any body type, and you don't technically even need a ballet barre to do it. You can use a chair of the back of a couch, so developing a home practice is really quite simple! Just devote those 3 minute commercial breaks between reruns of Modern Family to lift and tone your muscles!


So why Yoga Barre?

I started going to a Pure Barre studio before I even became interested in yoga. It was actually because of my classes at Pure Barre and the yoga postures incorporated at the beginning and end of class, that got me interested in attending my very first yoga class. I started practicing at home first, because I felt that if I was to sign up for any classes at The Yoga House, I should at least be able to touch my toes and stand in Warrior II without falling on my face. Ahh, it was my ego talking! Since developing a steady practice (unless I'm injured, I try to devote a little time each day at home if I don't go to a local class), I have had a deep desire to teach. But not just yoga. I want to teach Barre classes too. So why not do both?

I found a teacher certification being held at a nearby gym and signed up immediately!

Being able to share this FUN and energetic class with other people is absolute joy. I'm looking forward to this summer, when I will begin my 5 month long yoga teacher training.
I. Can't. Wait.
How yogic of me :-) Maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to be more patient!


Have you ever been to a Barre class? Tell me about it!
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Friday, March 28, 2014

Y'all, it's happening!!


Pivotal Fitness is revitalizing their image and has been revamping their gyms in Summerville and West Ashley over the past few months. The renovation of a brand new Barre room (which will double as a hot yoga studio...more on that later) is almost complete. I am SO pumped to jump on board with the company during their time of growth as their Barre instructor!! Can't wait to develop this program and make it my own!

A kickoff event is tentatively scheduled to take place at West Ashley Pivotal on Monday, April 14. The event is open to new and existing members, and is free to the public (ahem...that means I expect to see alllll my friends and family there). Yes, free, which essentially means you have no excuse not to attend icon wink C. Wonder Weekend Sale    40 50% of everything!

After the kick off event, regularly scheduled classes we're aiming for Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9:00am. I'm hoping to also incorporate a Sunday "Happy Hour at the Barre" detox class that will be heated...to sweat off your sin from your Friday and Saturday shenanigans! The class will be bring in held yoga postures similar to hot yoga, but modified a bit to fit the nature of a Barre class. April is sure to be a very busy, but exciting month!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Under Construction!



Check back again soon for full schedule

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