Yoga with Cats!

So as you know I've recently taken up yoga, and in the process met some fellow yoga lovers. One of which being a regular friend at the coffee shop named Matt, who teaches it at the Dayton Yoga Club. He clued me in that he was doing an event with SICSA(Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals), which featured doing yoga with Cats. Well we all know I'm more of a dog person, but when I was little I was obsessed with cats. When people asked me what what I wanted to be when I grew up I would answer "a cat"(not a bad answer huh? Cats have it made). So I was like 'count me in!!' I invited some friends and Tia ended up being the only able to make it. She picked me up and we had such a great time! SICSA provided towels to those who didn't have a mat and catnip and treats for us to entice kitties with. Matt's class was perfect and calm for the cats and the dreary early Saturday morning. The cats were super cute and entertaining, Tia and I giggled just about the entire time. Two fights broke out so a few cats had to be rotated out, and in the end there were two kittens!! We even got a tour of the facility at the end! It was a super cute way to start the weekend :)

Speakeasy Yoga

Tori!

I'd set a goal for myself to take a class this year, but I wasn't set on what kind- maybe a dance class, maybe take Steve to obedience class and get human lessons, you know. One day at work, some lovely coasters showed up with all the flyers. The design peaked my curiosity, and I realized this lovely lady I know, Tori, had opened her own yoga studio downtown! I went to the website that night and was so into the idea, and the beginner discount was something I could swing no problem. So I signed up and got my roomate to sign up to(which sadly she only made it to one class because her job got so hectic with the Easter holiday). I have become OBSESSED. I love it so much you guys! Finally some exercise that I enjoy, and I really feel it. I can feel myself becoming healthier, and stronger, and more flexible, its so neat!

The front lobby.

Ideally what I wish my house looked like.

Merch

Line up your mats, and get ready!

The lovely view from inside.

sThe practice is in a room where the temperature is kept around 90 degress which you know I'm into because I'm a cold-blooded lizard lady who wants to live on a hot rock in direct sunlight at all times. So that right off that bat adds an element of difficulty, and I'm usually drenched in sweat by the end of class. There's three different classes: Strong- which is a fast paced kick you butt in a good way work out, Simple- which is good for beginners and a more gentler paced class, and Slow motion- which is good for stretching it way out and holding poses and getting really in tune with yourself. All classes focus on breathing as well which is nice because I've always liked meditation but have a hard time clearing my mind. This is like moving meditation, so my mind is focused on positioning my body correctly into each pose and keeping my breath steady and strong. Perfect.

They've got everything you might need to borrow - mats, blocks, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies to keep your mat in tip-top shape, and straps. There's also a shower room in case you have to hurry and head somewhere directly after class! Changing rooms as well.

I really love Speakeasy, I love how I feel after class- so fresh and new and strong, I love learning new moves and strengthing. I love getting to know new people there, and the teachers getting to know me and tease me like old friends. I love pretty much everything about it! If you're like me and you want a good work out and are not into running, you should probably give it a shot. Check out the website here and give the new student discount a whirl!

Yoga-ing it up!

So I've kept the yoga ball rolling in my own way, and decided to do a whole handful of poses in one day, because some days I get to busy to get around to it, and others I have a lot of free time. Here's what I've managed so far.

Day 20 - Rae, Visvamitrasana

Pretty much 100% positive I did this wrong, thus the picture of me laughing as I Jared walked up to me basically pulling my leg up. I tried to do the variation, because I didn’t want to die, because the girl in the photo looked like a pretzel standing on a hand and a foot, and I know I'm not on that level yet.

"I am thankful for this beautiful day! Its so warm and sunny, it feels awesome outside :D"

 

Day 21 - Rox, Three-legged wheel

I was really really surprised I could still do this. I used to do backbends all the time as a kid.

"I am thankful for Jared! He works so hard to provide the best life for himself and for Bufford and I. He’s so driven and focused, and sweet and patient and generous with me :)"

 

Day 22 - Angie, Reclining ankle to knee pose

 Easy peasy and chill, I do something similar standing up at work because I’m weird. I just kinda put my leg on the desk sometimes… anyway. I think it's interesting that I do some stretches that are actually yoga poses already.

 "I am thankful for the bus route in my city, which takes me right to work!"

This is an unflattering photo.

Day 23 - Ola, Goddess pose with arm variation of choice

Okay let’s talk about how fabulous the goddess pose makes you look, because damn I look devine. Don’t let it fool you, I thought it looked really easy, until I squatted down and my thighs started screaming at me. I love it though! It's my favorite that I've done so far.

 "I am thankful for my family, who are always there for me when I need them. Who love me unconditionally and are all around wonderful."

Google took all my photos and made me into a gif I guess, lol!

 Day 24 - Marion, Reclined twist pose with eagle legs option

Yet another pose I've done before knowing anything about yoga. I just do this while rolling around in bed sometimes. I'm always doing stretches to crack my spine.

"I am thankful for my job, which is fun and interesting and full of great people. Its easy, pays well, and is all together enjoyable!"

Attempting Yoga

I've been wanting to try yoga for a while. I met a girl on tumblr named Leah who posts her poses daily and she looks so elegant and relaxed while she does it. There are also a handful of women at work who do it and rave about how awesome it makes them feel. So I finally decided to look into this 30 day challenge Leah posted. I'm 19 days late, but better late than never. Also note that I am a couch potato in the most extreme way, so this is gonna be a rough start! Hopefully I can progress well and become stretchier than a rubber band :) So without further ado, I give you...

Day 19 of #blossomingyogis Revolved Triangle Pose

Sorry these are super out of focus, I was more concentrating on doing the post right than taking beautiful photos.

My little helper! hehe.

I wanted to do this inside, but I lost most of the daylight while reading up about the challenge, and tips for beginners. But it was actually pretty nice out since the rain had finally stopped.

You're also supposed to write one thing you are thankful for each day.

I am grateful for Bufford! He is always there by my side to make me smile, especially if I am sad. He's the best cuddle buddy(when he's willing) for watching the X-files with :)