Meg and I love seeking out great little yoga studios when we travel and we try to take a yoga class together whenever she's home. So before she headed off for her junior year of college, we managed to snag two spots at the special yoga class at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
There's still class openings and they continue through September.
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Monday, August 18, 2014
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Austin City Limits and the Monsoon
A weekend of amazing bands...with no kids. Sounds awesome and it was...at least until the monsoon hit (that's my unofficial weather term).
The trip started with a funny challenge. Because flights to Austin are not price-friendly, Greg cashed in miles for my flight and he used a voucher to offset part of his flight. He booked my flight first...no problem. When he booked his flight, he couldn't get on my route. United was more than willing to help us...for a fee of "ouch" dollars. Ok, so we will play the game of who-gets-there-first. I flew from CLE through O'Hare then Austin. He flew through Houston then to Austin. Would you believe we arrived within a half hour of each other. It was a gamble because O'Hare doesn't exactly have a good on-time arrival. We left Cleveland in 30 degree weather and arrived in a sweaty, humid 95 in Austin. Phew!
We checked in our hotel and began the sweltering 2.5-mile trek to Zilker Park to enjoy the afternoon and evening's lineup. Friday was amazing. Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Depeche Mode. Friday did not disappoint. We ended the evening with a margarita and chips and salsa...and a good night's sleep.
On our way to Zilker Park, I noticed a cool yoga place, Wanderlust. After a quick bowl of oatmeal and coffee, I headed over or a hot yoga session. Wow - loved this place! Great vibe, small room, really good and interactive instructor. I sweated through every layer of clothing during the 95-degree hot yoga session. Greg met me after class and headed off to Frank's for the most decadent and not-at-all-healthy hot dog. He had the Notorious P.I.G., a jalepeno and sage sausage dog with mac-n-cheese and BBQ sauce drizzled on top. I had the Southern Belle, which a basic dog with a spicy pimiento cheese drizzle and fried green tomatoes. Simply yum! Best of all, they didn't mind seating us with me being a seaty mess.
Saturday was equally as amazing musically as Friday. We enjoyed Wilco and Kendrick Lamar, before being treated to a kick-ass show by Kings of Leon. I was in complete awe of their live performance. And I definitely can't wait to see them in concert for a longer performance. But here's where the evening turned on us. As we were walking away from the Kings of Leon performance and heading over to listen to the last few songs by the Cure, a downpour hit. We ran to a big tree, which provided ZERO coverage. We knew we couldn't walk back in this mess and the pedi-cabs were hiding. So off to the bus we went. We stood in line for about a half hour before loading onto one of the most freezing cold buses. We probably would have enjoyed the A/C had our clothes not been wet and hanging on us. We managed to walk the mile back to our hotel from the bus unloading zone, took a hot shower to warm up and ordered room service. That may have been one of the most appreciated meals yet!
We woke up Sunday to the bad news that Sunday's lineup was cancelled. Bummer! Phoenix, Atoms for Peace, Franz Ferdinand, Lone Bellows and Eric Church would have to wait another time. In spite of it all, we can hardly wait to go back!
The trip started with a funny challenge. Because flights to Austin are not price-friendly, Greg cashed in miles for my flight and he used a voucher to offset part of his flight. He booked my flight first...no problem. When he booked his flight, he couldn't get on my route. United was more than willing to help us...for a fee of "ouch" dollars. Ok, so we will play the game of who-gets-there-first. I flew from CLE through O'Hare then Austin. He flew through Houston then to Austin. Would you believe we arrived within a half hour of each other. It was a gamble because O'Hare doesn't exactly have a good on-time arrival. We left Cleveland in 30 degree weather and arrived in a sweaty, humid 95 in Austin. Phew!
We checked in our hotel and began the sweltering 2.5-mile trek to Zilker Park to enjoy the afternoon and evening's lineup. Friday was amazing. Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Depeche Mode. Friday did not disappoint. We ended the evening with a margarita and chips and salsa...and a good night's sleep.
On our way to Zilker Park, I noticed a cool yoga place, Wanderlust. After a quick bowl of oatmeal and coffee, I headed over or a hot yoga session. Wow - loved this place! Great vibe, small room, really good and interactive instructor. I sweated through every layer of clothing during the 95-degree hot yoga session. Greg met me after class and headed off to Frank's for the most decadent and not-at-all-healthy hot dog. He had the Notorious P.I.G., a jalepeno and sage sausage dog with mac-n-cheese and BBQ sauce drizzled on top. I had the Southern Belle, which a basic dog with a spicy pimiento cheese drizzle and fried green tomatoes. Simply yum! Best of all, they didn't mind seating us with me being a seaty mess.
Saturday was equally as amazing musically as Friday. We enjoyed Wilco and Kendrick Lamar, before being treated to a kick-ass show by Kings of Leon. I was in complete awe of their live performance. And I definitely can't wait to see them in concert for a longer performance. But here's where the evening turned on us. As we were walking away from the Kings of Leon performance and heading over to listen to the last few songs by the Cure, a downpour hit. We ran to a big tree, which provided ZERO coverage. We knew we couldn't walk back in this mess and the pedi-cabs were hiding. So off to the bus we went. We stood in line for about a half hour before loading onto one of the most freezing cold buses. We probably would have enjoyed the A/C had our clothes not been wet and hanging on us. We managed to walk the mile back to our hotel from the bus unloading zone, took a hot shower to warm up and ordered room service. That may have been one of the most appreciated meals yet!
We woke up Sunday to the bad news that Sunday's lineup was cancelled. Bummer! Phoenix, Atoms for Peace, Franz Ferdinand, Lone Bellows and Eric Church would have to wait another time. In spite of it all, we can hardly wait to go back!
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| Taking a break in the shade...Wow, it was hot! |
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Namaste
I have been making an effort to spend more time practicing yoga. I enjoy the mental and physical benefits of spending as little as 10 minutes or, if I'm lucky, one hour just being in the moment and appreciating what the body can do. At the end of each practice, the instructor ends with "Namaste". Not to look like an idiot, I, of course, bow and repeat it as well. But what does it mean?
According to Yoga Journal, nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Put together, it means I bow to you. The word derives from Sanskit 'namaskar', a deeply spiritual greeting. It is a form of gratitude and deep respect and is also considered a form of meditation.
Namaste.
According to Yoga Journal, nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Put together, it means I bow to you. The word derives from Sanskit 'namaskar', a deeply spiritual greeting. It is a form of gratitude and deep respect and is also considered a form of meditation.
Namaste.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Workout Wednesday: How to Headstand
In the past few yoga classes I've taken, inevitably the headstand is introduced toward the end of class. I don't know why, but I get intimidated when doing this pose in the middle of a room. Near a wall, I don't mind. But it just seems tough to flip my legs high in the air and maintain my balance. So this is the one pose that will be a work in progress. If you're interested, Lululemon walks you through How to Headstand.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Workout Wednesday: Yoga
I've been making an effort this year to be more consistent with my yoga practice. I know...we're just 7 weeks into 2013. But I find I perform better when I take in yoga on a regular basis. For work, I find that yoga helps minimize my stress level...and a clear mind is a sharper mind. For running, yoga keeps my hamstrings stretched and I notice that I perform better on my long runs.
But the hard part is finding the time and a teacher I like. For the past couple of years, I have enjoyed the classes taught by Jen or Kristen at Inner Bliss. I recently tried an instructor at a studio in Lakewood. She was so nice, but I just didn't click. There was a student in class who asked questions about every 5 minutes and I found it so distracting. I think it's important to feel comfortable with the instructor to ask questions about whether you're in a pose correctly, but the volume of questions was just so distracting. And her music just didn't work for me.
Music is an important piece for me. I love getting lost in a good song. I remember being in one of Kristen's classes when she played Eddie Vedder's Breathe about half way through and it just felt right.
I then tried a class near my work during lunch. It was convenient and priced at $10 a class. The class was actually not bad, but the music was a bit too spiritual for me. Just not feeling it here either.
Tara Stiles has been getting a lot of buzz the past couple of years so I checked out a few of her YouTube videos and I'm hooked. I like her voice, the flow of movement, and I especially like how her videos are geared toward athletes and tight hamstrings. I found one that's just 7 minutes long and easy to do in the mornings. And best of all, it doesn't cost $10-15 per class.
Hope you're enjoying your workout today, whatever it may be.
But the hard part is finding the time and a teacher I like. For the past couple of years, I have enjoyed the classes taught by Jen or Kristen at Inner Bliss. I recently tried an instructor at a studio in Lakewood. She was so nice, but I just didn't click. There was a student in class who asked questions about every 5 minutes and I found it so distracting. I think it's important to feel comfortable with the instructor to ask questions about whether you're in a pose correctly, but the volume of questions was just so distracting. And her music just didn't work for me.
Music is an important piece for me. I love getting lost in a good song. I remember being in one of Kristen's classes when she played Eddie Vedder's Breathe about half way through and it just felt right.
I then tried a class near my work during lunch. It was convenient and priced at $10 a class. The class was actually not bad, but the music was a bit too spiritual for me. Just not feeling it here either.
Tara Stiles has been getting a lot of buzz the past couple of years so I checked out a few of her YouTube videos and I'm hooked. I like her voice, the flow of movement, and I especially like how her videos are geared toward athletes and tight hamstrings. I found one that's just 7 minutes long and easy to do in the mornings. And best of all, it doesn't cost $10-15 per class.
Hope you're enjoying your workout today, whatever it may be.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Nike+Fuel Band Update
I'm also learning what gets logged and what somehow doesn't get logged as much. Running on the treadmill does not have the same results as forward motion running on pavement. Also, I enjoyed an hour of Hot Powerful Yoga this week, a very exhausting class/practice, and yet the Nike+Fuel Band credited me with less than 100 fuel points. I was pretty bummed about an hour of intense activity not scoring many points, but I also realized that I was mentally and physically in a better place after yoga, so it's all good.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Workout Wednesday: Power Yoga Moves
Just returned from a short, little family trip to Phoenix to visit the relatives in the land of sunshine. We had a weekend of wonderful conversation, delicious food and a killer workout. Kim, Megan and I took a Power Yoga class at her gym. Let me tell you, there was no power left in this body after the class was finished! The best part, though, is that I took away a few helpful moves that I can easily incorporate into my 3x/week strength training that I've been doing. My favorite power yoga moves were:
1. While in plank position, we did jumping jacks. Amazing how hard this was, yet will make such an impact on my weak core.
2. The second killer move was also in plank positon, then you twist your right hip to touch the floor, move back into center plank position, then left hip twists to touch the floor. I collapsed on the first one, but kept giving it a try. I'm kind of excited to see how much I can improve over the next several weeks.
3. My third favorite take-away move was a variation of lunge. Hold the lunge position for 5 breaths, then do 20 knee lifts bringing the arms down to meet the knees, then move back into lunge for 5 breaths. I couldn't believe how much my thighs hated me!
Do you have a favorite strength training move you'd like to share?
1. While in plank position, we did jumping jacks. Amazing how hard this was, yet will make such an impact on my weak core.
2. The second killer move was also in plank positon, then you twist your right hip to touch the floor, move back into center plank position, then left hip twists to touch the floor. I collapsed on the first one, but kept giving it a try. I'm kind of excited to see how much I can improve over the next several weeks.
3. My third favorite take-away move was a variation of lunge. Hold the lunge position for 5 breaths, then do 20 knee lifts bringing the arms down to meet the knees, then move back into lunge for 5 breaths. I couldn't believe how much my thighs hated me!
Do you have a favorite strength training move you'd like to share?
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Pretty Good Week, and You?
Not a bad week for fitness here at the casa. Managed to sneak in two lunchtime runs as well as a longish run on Sunday, banking 12 miles for the week. Biked around the block with my girls and even met up with one of Bridget's friends and her mother on our ride. Enjoyed a yoga class Saturday afternoon with Megan, and learned that I have let my core go to hell. Holding a plank nearly killed me. And my down dog? Geesh, heels no where near the floor. Got lots of work to do! But five days of activity makes me one happy girl!
And we're getting back to eating cleaner here. Meg and I are trying to limit our "processed" foods and up our fruits and veggies. We've even decided to adopt the Meatless Mondays movement. Got some great ideas and I think we're leaning toward a nice frittata with fresh fruit this Monday. Mmmm - sounds good!
Enjoy the week!
And we're getting back to eating cleaner here. Meg and I are trying to limit our "processed" foods and up our fruits and veggies. We've even decided to adopt the Meatless Mondays movement. Got some great ideas and I think we're leaning toward a nice frittata with fresh fruit this Monday. Mmmm - sounds good!
Enjoy the week!
Monday, August 15, 2011
OST Begins Today
Operation Strength Training (OST) officially begins today. In my quest for fall PRs, I know I have to strength train. In my past training plans, I have always made sure I log in my log runs. But I've been lax in building up arm and leg strength, both of which are key to building speed. Fortunately, I have found two different 15-20 minute plans, one incorporating weights and medicine ball and the other incorporating yoga moves using your body as resistance. And I like doing both of them. So I have penciled in four weekly sessions, alternating between the two plans. Since each plan is short in time, I can do them while Bridget is watching a Strawberry Shortcake or My Little Pony and never be missed!
So what's your secret to fitting in strength training?
So what's your secret to fitting in strength training?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
My Life in Lots of Poses
Earlier this week, I finished reading Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses by Claire Dederer. The book is 332 pages in length and since I'm a mom, wife, full-time worker and part-time runner, it took me nearly a week and a half to knock out. Glad I hung in there because I really enjoyed the book. She's very witty and I loved how she could tell a story about a certain point in her life and relate it to a single yoga pose. I'm not a fan of yoga how-to books, but after reading her book all I could think about was attending a yoga class...and stat!
Throughout the book she discusses her teachers - what she likes and dislikes, their style of yoga taught, music, chanting, meditation. It got me thinking about what I enjoy about yoga. For me, it's the music first. I simply do not enjoy that new agey (sp?) kind of music. If I wanted to listen to Enya, I'd download songs on iTunes (who am I kidding, I'd go to the library where it's free!). I enjoy more modern songs because I like getting lost in the music...and isn't that partially what yoga's about...getting lost in your practice? There's a teacher at my yoga studio, Kristen, who mixes in Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Radiohead. She's my favorite. She's also a runner and teaches a more athletic class that focuses on the legs, which let's face it, runners are weak on leg strength. But her music brings me back every time.
Last night, my daughter Meg and I attended a class with Jen. I had taken one of her classes before and I consider her music selection top notch, too. After the basic warm-up of Om, we moved into poses. Her first song was Just Breathe by Pearl Jam...the acoustic version.
So today's guilty pleasure will be beautifully done acoustic songs - and I'll leave you with this one:
Throughout the book she discusses her teachers - what she likes and dislikes, their style of yoga taught, music, chanting, meditation. It got me thinking about what I enjoy about yoga. For me, it's the music first. I simply do not enjoy that new agey (sp?) kind of music. If I wanted to listen to Enya, I'd download songs on iTunes (who am I kidding, I'd go to the library where it's free!). I enjoy more modern songs because I like getting lost in the music...and isn't that partially what yoga's about...getting lost in your practice? There's a teacher at my yoga studio, Kristen, who mixes in Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Radiohead. She's my favorite. She's also a runner and teaches a more athletic class that focuses on the legs, which let's face it, runners are weak on leg strength. But her music brings me back every time.
Last night, my daughter Meg and I attended a class with Jen. I had taken one of her classes before and I consider her music selection top notch, too. After the basic warm-up of Om, we moved into poses. Her first song was Just Breathe by Pearl Jam...the acoustic version.
So today's guilty pleasure will be beautifully done acoustic songs - and I'll leave you with this one:
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
What I'm Loving: Tara Stiles
Women's Health magazine featured a 2-page yoga workout developed by Tara Stiles in their September 2010 issue. The workout consists of eight poses to "tone up and slim you down." Each pose must be held for 5 breaths cycling through the workout twice. You move through plank, down dog, down dog split, down dog knee to forehead, low lunge, high lunge, high lunge with twist, rotated triangle. It's geared toward building strength and I can't believe how exhausted my arms are! I'm hoping that the cycling, yoga and physical therapy exercises will keep me conditioned enough for a nice return to running!
I'm on the waiting list at our local library for her Slim Calm Sexy Yoga book. I like that she's no-nonsense and all about strength without the new age crap. Can't wait!
I'm on the waiting list at our local library for her Slim Calm Sexy Yoga book. I like that she's no-nonsense and all about strength without the new age crap. Can't wait!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Feeling Centered
It's only Wednesday and I am feeling relaxed and all body parts are feeling recovered. Yesterday I attended an Ashtanga yoga class. I left class feeling so centered and balanced (translation: too tired to lift my arms or get out of my chair) that I didn't even feel the slight bit stressed or frustrated sitting through a day long union contract negotiations session. Amazing. This morning I contemplated canceling my pre-paid hot powerful yoga session due to the early morning time of 6am. Glad I didn't (and glad i pre-paid!). It was challenging and exhausting, but damn if the coffee didn't taste better after a nice hard session (t.w.s.s.). Another added benefit of this morning's class is I found another instructor I really enjoy.
Even better, my Achilles is no longer feeling sore and stressed. It's been difficult not running. I've been like that dog in "Up", but instead of saying "squirrel", my family just has to say "runner" and I stop dead in my tracks and stare!
Tomorrow is my 8th consecutive Cleveland Turkey Trot. I'm only running the mile with B in the jogging stroller (she's too young to resist my co-opting skills), so I'll get a sense of how well the healing (or heeling lol) is going.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Even better, my Achilles is no longer feeling sore and stressed. It's been difficult not running. I've been like that dog in "Up", but instead of saying "squirrel", my family just has to say "runner" and I stop dead in my tracks and stare!
Tomorrow is my 8th consecutive Cleveland Turkey Trot. I'm only running the mile with B in the jogging stroller (she's too young to resist my co-opting skills), so I'll get a sense of how well the healing (or heeling lol) is going.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, January 15, 2010
FNY
Friday Night Yoga - FNY. Week two and I'm thrilled with my new (or renewed) routine. Tonight Kristen led the 5:45 class. Her style was different from Jen's, but just as enjoyable and enriching. I continue to be amazed at how yoga can really help you release negative thoughts and energy and let you focus on the present. Best $13 I've spent this week.
Off to brew me a cup of green tea and enjoy my husband's wonderful popcorn (he's a popcorn rock star in my eyes).
Happy Friday!
Off to brew me a cup of green tea and enjoy my husband's wonderful popcorn (he's a popcorn rock star in my eyes).
Happy Friday!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Just Breathe
Even though it's also a Faith Hill song, it represents instead my yoga class tonight. I had been remiss in my yoga attendance the last six months or so. Earlier in 2009 I had gotten into the habit of attending at least one formal session a week. But then that proverbial "life" kept getting in the way in the form of duties associated with being a mother, wife, friend, worker, etc. But this was a pretty stressful week and husband could see that I needed my yoga time so he insisted I book myself for a class and commit. So I did. And it was freaking wonderful. The Warm Powerful Flow class was led by Jennifer at Inner Bliss and it was transformative. I was exhausted after the first 15 minutes - a sure sign that I had been lax in my practice. After an hour, I didn't want to leave the warmth and serenity of that room. I will sleep beautifully tonight.
Namaste.
Namaste.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Another Wonderful Yoga Session
Today I attended a yoga session with Robert at Westside Yoga...for two hours, I worked on poses that help strengthen the spine and core. Absolutely exhausting but it left me with this incredible warmth. I was lucky enough to learn some valuable poses which should help improve my overall running by creating a stronger core and helping to reduce injury. Flying Pig look out - you might be my PR!
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