Tales from the Mat: Dharma Studio (Classes 2 – 11?)

When I started this blog, I promised myself I’d write every day Monday through Friday, which I’ve since realized is a lofty goal. Live and learn I suppose, right? Truckista is definitely taking up more of my time, as is life in general, but I’d still like to keep a regular schedule. On that note, if you haven’t checked out Truckista yet, please do (just don’t do it hungry)!

Now that that’s out of the way, I’d like to tell you about what I have been doing. Yoga! Yep, that’s right, I’ve actually lost count of how many classes I’ve taken at Dharma Studio. This is the best yoga practicing streak I’ve ever had and I have a few things to thank for that. I don’t want to pat myself on the back too much yet, since it hasn’t even been 30 days, but if you’re searching for the same motivation I have right now, here are a few key things that are helping me.

1. a good studio

While I think this is really only half the battle, having found a place where I’m comfortable and feel like I’m actually learning something is key. I’m sure they’ll probably continue to grow, but the small class sizes at Dharma are great. Having personal attention is really helpful (even if sometimes I’d rather blend in) and the instructors actually remember my name.

2. a good buddy

They always say having someone to motivate you can make a huge difference in sticking with any sort of workout program and I think that’s true. While I get lots of support and motivation at home from Chris, having an actual yoga buddy has been a tremendous help. Knowing I’m not the only one setting an alarm for the 9:30 AM class on Saturday mornings and knowing I’ll have to tell her if I cancel keeps me from doing so.

3. a short-term goal

While the benefits of yoga are endless, having a trip planned to Mexico in May has been a great motivator for me lately. While I know yoga isn’t exactly going to give me a bikini body in a month, slowly getting stronger still aides in my confidence and motivates me to want to be healthier all around … and of course … thinking about tank tops definitely helps ease the burning biceps when I’m trying to do chaturanga.

I know none of this is really earth shattering, but I still find it helpful. A good combination of these factors has kept me going for the last few weeks and hopefully it will continue.

 

Tales From the Mat: Dharma Studio (Classes 1 & 2)

It’s been a while since my first, and only, class at YogaSource Los Gatos. I won’t make any excuses, but I will tell you that I finally broke down and joined 24 Hour Fitness two weeks ago to get back into spinning, and I’ve been going to three classes per week so far.

While I’ve definitely been focusing my efforts on the gym lately, I haven’t given up on yoga just yet. My intent was to check out a class at the gym, though gym yoga isn’t really my favorite, and also to get myself back to YogaSource. Well, that all went out the window when I was having coffee with a new friend last week. She’s also a yoga newbie and has been studio shopping too. She had just purchased a LivingSocial deal for 30 days unlimited at a Dharma Studio in Santa Clara, and before you could say “namaste,” I whipped out my iPhone and bought one too. I have a problem.