For the new year, a lot of us are making resolutions to lose weight or exercise more. Perhaps you have thought about starting a new activity like yoga, but didn’t know if it was for you or where to even start. I would highly recommend taking yoga in Annapolis. My favorite studio is Yogavibez, but I’ve also taken classes at Ruah. Believe me, though, I didn’t always love yoga like I do now.
I always feel better when I am active. Swimming was my primary sport in high school, college and in the masters program. In addition to swimming, I would work out a lot on my own at local gyms. Whether it was weight lifting or cardio, I navigated the workout on my own.
My Yoga Story
After completing my third Chesapeake Bay Swim and turning 40, I decided to take a break from swimming and start running. Almost immediately, I was having back and knee pain and muscle tightness. A few friends encouraged me to take yoga classes; however, my perception of yoga was sitting around and stretching which I felt I could accomplish on my own. After finding little that helped my back pain, I gave in and went to a yoga class. Suffice it to say, it was a humbling experience. What I thought would be easy stretching ended with class participants inverted and in poses I couldn’t hold. Even though I was frustrated, my muscles felt amazing and within a few weeks my back pain had subsided and I felt great! Now, if you asked me my favorite poses, I would have to say that I love head stands, pigeon pose and child’s pose.
SUP Yoga
For the past three years, I have continued to practice yoga and have added SUP (stand up paddling board) yoga to my routine. SUP yoga combines my two passions: yoga and being on the water. I currently take SUP yoga at Sunrise SUP. While you can’t take the classes on the water during the winter, it does give me something to look forward to in the warmer days ahead.
Every community in Annapolis has a great yoga studio and I do recommend you ask your friends and neighbors for their recommendations. I’m also happy to provide advice on some of the studios that I know and love. Just contact me for more information. Hope to see you doing yoga in Annapolis this year!
