So y’all like barre, since you’re here at Meet at the Barre. Or you’ve read about it and want to try it. Or maybe you just like the awesome barre fashions our girl Amanda posts (especially since she’s so great at deal hunting and sharing those links with all of us!) If you love barre here is why you should try yoga. From the barre to the mat, here is my intro to yoga.
I love barre classes too! They tone, lift and build overall lean muscles. Who doesn’t want that?! *Nobody raises hand* Right, we all do. While I’ve gotten into barre in the last two years and it’s been great, my first love is yoga. And do you know what? It tones, lifts and build lean muscle… AND calms the mind and teaches you to breathe!
I know that you’re thinking. “Um Paige, we already have the whole breathing thing down, thanks”. I thought that too. But this is different. How many times have you caught yourself stressed out and holding your breath? Or you get stuck in unanticipated traffic and you start to breathe heavy and sweat with annoyance? Yeah, I’ve been there too.
One of the greatest things about yoga is that it teaches you to breathe through physically challenging poses. Then it gives you the mental tools to transition that breathing practice into real life mental situations. The result? You handle stress better. You (over)react less. Instead of panicking in that unexpected traffic jam, so sit back and enjoy some tunes.
Have I enticed you yet?! Let me recap: Lean muscles that are toned and lifted AND less stress.
Gottcha now? Good! What’s that, you say? Going to a yoga class is intimidating? You’re not sure what to do or bring, what to expect, or what to wear? Don’t worry. Follow these tips and you’ll have a successful experience that will bring you back for more.
1) Show up early! At least a half hour before the start time of the class. This will give you time to buy a class or a package, fill out paperwork, and get a tour of the studio. It also provides time to chill on your mat before class and settle in.
2) Go to more than one class! You don’t go to one Crossfit class (or barre or run one road race) and emerge buff, so you won’t come out of your first yoga class as enlightened as Gandhi. Go several times. In fact, go several times a week for a month or more if you can!
3) Wear form-fitting clothes! Loose shirts slide up over your face in down dog and show all your goods to the class. Running shorts will do the same, and prevent gaining any flexibility! Wear form-fitting yoga pants or capris and a tank top that stays down around your waist. You’ll be the most comfortable to move and try new poses this way! Don’t forget your water bottle, either.
I hope this both encourages you and makes you feel good about trying a yoga class! Check out my blog (www.anuncomplicatedlifeblog.com) for more tips on various yoga poses. You’ll also find funny baby stories, healthy recipes, and honest (and sometimes hopefully funny) posts about life as a wife, new mom and Southern transplant in Dallas, TX.
I’m totally one of those people who forget to breathe while working out! I have a tendency to hold my breath no matter how hard I try not to! Great tips!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
These are great tips! I’ve been doing yoga for years and totally agree with all of your tips! Pinning this to share the love :)
Paige – this is such an awesome post!! I always feel so intimidated to try yoga, but when I’m there I can’t get my mind to just shut off – which i feel is really what you’re after! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I LOVE me some yoga! These are all great tips!!!
Great advice! I love yoga and barre!
Traci
http://www.waltzmetoheaven.com
Great tips! I love yoga, it’s my go to. It helps with anxiety and mindfulness and is an all-over great experience.
Love these tips! And I’ve noticed a big difference in how I breathe while working out since attending yoga and barre classes this past year. It’s amazing how we don’t even realize we’re holding our breath when we shouldn’t :-P
these are such great tips Paige! love this post. i thought the breathing was a bunch of hooey but its amazing how much my breathing has improved. and i totally agree with showing up early, even if it’s not your first class – i hate when i show up ‘on time’ or cutting it close and i have to settle for an awkward spot. i like to be in the back lol so i need to get there early!
These are great tips and funnily enough I’m sharing my top five must haves for hot yoga classes! Great minds think alike. I can’t wait to check out your blog.
xoxo,
Meghan
Southern Belle Secrets
I have to constantly remind myself to breathe while doing push ups – makes them so much harder!
Great post – I have a love hate relationship with Yoga – I love the concept, I love the idea of it – but HATE any of the classes held by me. I want calm and zen and I get competitive and loud. UGH
I workout about 5 days a week, but I’ve been considering adding some yoga to the mix. I would really like to be more flexible! Thanks for sharing these tips. They were really helpful!
Thanks for the great tips! I’m a big fan of youtube yoga at home but I’ll have to give a class a try soon :)
– Svetlana @ Life with a Side of Wine
If I didn’t have vertigo, yoga would be a regular thing in my house. Great post!
I like yoga but I love pilates! Great post!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Great tips! I am a notorious breath holder, but have come a very long way. Still nervous to try a yoga class, but I am planning a barre trip soon!
I’m one of those gals who uses the “I’m too embarrassed,” excuse when it comes to attending yoga classes regularly. /: I’ve attended a handful and felt so amazing afterwards. I try to do small YouTube workouts 4 to 5 times a week alternating in Barre, Yoga, and Zumba. It’s not ideal, but at least it keeps the blood flowing!
Paige is my go-to yogi answerer! (yes, that’s a word)
Love these tips!! Great post!
So many good tips- I think I’ve only tried a yoga class once or twice a few years ago and it wasn’t my favorite experience, but I’ve been meaning to go again!