I first tried yoga when I was 19 years old. I was a dancer/figure skater through high school and hoped to maintain some of the flexibility into my college years and beyond. So I signed up for a weekly class at the local YMCA. Because it was held on the top floor of a high rise building, we were often treated to spectacular sunsets that greatly enhanced the yoga experience.
Since then yoga and I have had an on and off relationship. I’ve taken many classes. I’ve followed several videos. Probably most often I squeeze in my own practice as time allows. Although I haven’t been as consistent with yoga as I’d like, this much I can say:
- Yoga gives me a special sense of calm and groundedness, especially in chaotic times.
- I depend on it to counteract the negative physical effects of long distance running (hello tightness and strength imbalances).
- I run my best and most injury free when I do yoga 2+ times/week.
- It’s something I hope to enjoy well into old age.
Recently, in response to back-to-school turmoil and the schedule upheaval and demands that go with it, I opened my ‘yoga den’. Simply a spot on our backyard deck where I spend time, usually first thing in the morning to breathe, reflect, stretch and set my intentions for the day.
What I did not know when I opened my yoga den, was that September is National Yoga Month. My friends at Athleta have a whole slew of exciting ways to celebrate:
Among the goodness, you’ll find yoga poses for runners, swimmers and cyclists.
Plus each weekend this month enjoy FREE yoga classes at all Athleta stores.
Instagram Photo Contest!
Check out Athleta’s Embrace Yoga Tutorials and submit an Instagram photo of you completing one of the poses.
Six lucky winners will receive a $200 Athleta Giftcard and Satya Jewelry!
Step 1: Roll out your mat and follow the Embrace Yoga tutorials.
Step 2: Follow @Athleta and @SatyaJewelry on Instagram
Step 3: Take a photo of you completing one of the poses from the Embrace Yoga tutorials.
Step 4: Use the #AthletaEmbrace hashtag, mention @Athleta and upload your photo to Instagram.
Step 5 (optional): Share your #AthletaEmbrace Instagram photo with friends on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, etc. (Our panel of judges might be extra impressed if your entry has a lot of likes and comments.)
One entry per person. Entries must be submitted by 5:00 PM Pacific time on Sunday, September 30th. The Winner will be announced on the Chi Blog on or before October 12th.
Special thanks to Athleta for sponsoring this post!
Do you practice yoga? What is your favorite pose?
i havent tried yoga before, but i am really intrigued to try it out! thats a great giveaway! wow! spa love to ya!
Love Athleta’s yoga clothes. I highly recommend everyone checking out their new fall line. So many great new things. And the in-store classes are really fun.
I knew for a while that my runner body NEEDED yoga, it just took me a while to admit that my Type A mind needed it too. I’ve been slacking this summer, but I’ve committed to once a week as a train for the Army Ten Miler.
I used to take yoga classes at my gym, but haven’t really done it since I quit the gym.
I loved when I did yoga along with my running. Those days of peace and quiet seem so distant right now. It would be wonderful to get back into the habit…and get my kids to respect my need to have a few moments of quiet while I do it.
Instagram? I don’t even have Twitter! Ha.
You look really cure doing that pose…so peaceful. I’m sure I’d break my back.
Love yoga and I’ve been missing it something terrible lately. When I lived downtown I used to go to Core Power Yoga 2-3 times a week and it was a 5 minute walk from my house, but quit my membership at the beginning of August and have been craving yoga high ever since.
Such a neat idea! I finally have Instagram but have yet to fully utilize it as a social media tool. I’ll definitely look to connect up for this yoga challenge. Do I follow you on Instagram? I think I need to go double-check 😉
I love practicing yoga but don;t do it nearly enough. My favorite pose is a toss up between Camel and Half Moon pose.
Hi fellow Ambassador! We are on the same Yogi wavelength!! I posted my Yoga story today too. Thanks for the info on the Instagram contest ;).
Love that you set up a yoga den! I have been lacking in my practice the last couple of weeks, but luckily my favorite class starts again tonight!
I love yoga, but seem to have a hard time keeping it in my life. I think it complements my running and it certainly soothes my stressed out mind.
I love crow pose because I am just now able to do it. It makes me feel strong. And I’m working on headstands, so I love them, even if I need support to stay there. They just feel so good.
How fun! Love, love Athleta. Tweeting this!
I think that they posted a picture of me at the yoga asylum of someone to not ever, repeat ever, allow inside again.
Never tried yoga but it sounds like it would help my lower back pain. Just not enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do.
I’ve only been doing yoga this year and only off a DVD. But I’ve found the same centredness and calm. It helps me sleep better too.
I haven’t tried yoga even if it sounds very interesting. My fault; I had other priorities and lack of time but I am sure I need to follow some classes.
I started Yoga a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I enjoy the Awkward Pose…is that Awkward 😉 I also like the Warrior and Toe Stand poses!
Oh boy, I really need to get Instagram… I might be making a trip to Verizon this weekend!
I haven’t done yoga yet, but I really should try it!