Three Ways to Stick to Your Resolution to do More Yoga this Year
So many of us set New Year’s Resolutions with pure intentions to fulfill our fullest potential and embark on our greatest year. Yet, so many of us fall short by our own definition and end up feeling farther away from the person who long to realize. If your deepest intention this year is to resolve to a consistent, rewarding and positive yoga practice these tips will help your resolution stick.
Test the waters
There as many different kinds of yoga as there are people. I like to use this equation – types of yoga are like types of cuisine + yoga teachers are like different restaurants in that food type. One bad sushi restaurant shouldn’t spoil your love for California rolls! So, test the waters. Try yoga at different studios, with different teachers, in different towns, at home, with friends, at different times of the day. There is a perfect match for everyone out there – it just may take some time to find it!
Pen it in
Make appointments to spend time with you. Some days that may be a 5 minute meditation, a few minutes to work on a restorative or challenging yoga pose, and other days it may be an hour long yoga class at a yoga studio. Finding the room in your schedule can be challenging – but it’s necessary for your sanity. Like any other appointment, PEN IT IN.
Find reminders + then purpose
Sure, accountability and reward are powerful things, but eventually the motivation they bring dwindles and you need concrete reminders as to why you continue to practice yoga. A journal with weekly reflections on your increased energy, a quote about transformation that reminds you of your purpose and intention behind working towards changing your mind + body, and maybe even a person who can inspire you to continue on worthy road of self-work.
Kate Connell is a local yoga teacher who infuses her teaching with energy, humor, and real life inspiration. Her zest for life is contagious and her message is clear: yoga helps you life a fuller, more passionate life.
If doing yoga is on your list of must-do's for 2013 check out one of her beginner group classes or Yoga 101 workshops. Visit her website for more information: www.kateconnellyoga.com.
Stephen Schmidt
2:25 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Kate, I was thinking of trying yoga but I have pretty good evidence that I would embarrass myself and potentially my ancestors if I went to a class. What's your advice for working into it as a beginner?
Stephen Schmidt
2:45 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Also, you mention there are several types of yoga, are there any particular types you'd recommend for beginners? Or, conversely, recommend that beginners stay away from?
maxine weimer
3:48 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
I am with you Stephen, I KNOW i'd embarrass myself! I want to know how we can learn to do alittle at home just to limber up eliminate alittle stress.
Julie Kirby
2:21 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
When I told my chiropractor that I wanted to try yoga, he looked at me like I was crazy. He did not recommend it. Yes, my spine is really that messed up, and looking at my own x-rays creep me out.
Kate Connell Yoga
2:56 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I have three tips for beginners:
1. Try a class geared towards beginners/foundations rather than an all levels class - all levels classes with skilled teachers can cater to most bodies but its always best to start out with the basics.
2. Consider doing a small group or individual session - having a teacher work with you one on one can accelerate the beginner process and gives you opportunity to ask questions. Consider splitting the cost with a friend interested in trying yoga, built in accountability!
3. Try a few different teachers and classes - you can have a bad experience doing yoga but don't let that keep you away!
Kate Connell Yoga
2:59 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Julie: I am so surprised to hear that your chiro recommended against yoga. While there are plenty of vigorous {and sometimes poorly instructed} class/styles, yoga at its core is a healing modality with room to built strength, flexibly, mental stability, and more. Perhaps your chiro is speaking specifically to your needs, but I'd love to learn more your goals if you are interested!
Kate Connell Yoga
3:02 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Steve: words like flow, vinyasa, power, and hot usually are describing physically dynamic classes. Look for beginner, foundation, restorative, intro and basics for more newbie friendly classes. Keep in mind that you can jump into various levels and styles but you may have a better experience starting of slow especially if you are working with physically limitation like stiffness, injury, or general out of shape-ness. My foundations class in Coralville is a perfect balance and the first class is always free!