Kosama

Since my soccer-playing days, I have all but abandoned the notion of hard workouts. I love practicing yoga, walking, and biking during the nicer months, but I do not have the gym or running motivation that I would like, especially during the winter. My friend Jacy and I were sharing a lovely evening of margaritas and mexican food when she mentioned a LivingSocial deal - $40 for 4 weeks of unlimited fitness classes at Kosama with the promise of "total body transformation." So, far a non-gym-goer, this sounded like an opportunity to get my butt whipped into shape via the inspiration and motivation of having a trainer and fellow classmates! Plus, they do not offer any gimmicks - you get out what you put in, and I like that mentality. It doesn't hurt that they started shop literally right next door to my apartment! Haha - I took that as a sign from the universe - time to return to those good ol' soccer-playin' days.

Kosama is apparently the fastest-growing fitness center in the country. They began 2 years ago in an Iowa town near Ames, and its caught on like wildfire. The co-owner of Kosama Madison told me that 50 locations just opened up in Chicago!

I have to say, I am super impressed by what I have seen and learned so far. Yesterday we had a full body fitness assessment so that we are able to track our progress. The gym is open 6 days a week and offers the same class at various times each day - and the classes vary day to day between K-4, KStrong, Kickboxing, yoga, kettleballs, and plyometrics. I'm going to be honest - I really don't know what many of these things are, but I am excited to find out. Today was BRUTAL for someone who hasn't worked her body that hard for years!! It was an hour workout, K-4, which I've read may be one of the most challenging Kosama workouts. Halfway through I contemplated, briefly, leaving - I was so dead! But luckily, because it was a class environment versus me personally working out, I stayed. The power of persuasion! Also, having a friend present is the BEST form of inspiration for those first few weeks, I'm sure! It was a 6:15am class, which is also brutal, but now it's 8:00am and I have more energy than I've had in a while, to start my day. I'm excited to persist through these classes. The goal is to confuse your muscles to help build strength and tone. I've read many good things - and everyone was super friendly. The class this morning had less than 10 people, so it felt very personalized and was another reason I stayed....too awkward to leave! And thank the UNIVERSE for that!

I'm excited to finally do yoga outside of the confines of my home, and to see what Kosama-yoga is all about. I will keep this blog posted with progress, and also to hold myself and Jacy accountable.

It feels good to return to my body. I hope you love your body today!

repetitive flows for breathing

I LOVE this flow because of the repetition between movements and how this relates to the breath. This flow really helps me to personally breathe better and focus on breathing, which is at the core of yoga. Sometimes, as we all know, that is much easier said than done!  Sometimes I focus more on the movements and on sustaining more difficult poses than I do on breathing deeply and fully - which kind of applies to everyday life as well. Do you ever suddenly hone in on your breathing and realize that you ..... aren't really breathing?!  That's where meditation comes into play. Here's to the dawning of a new spring and a new commitment to meditating so as to always have easy, peaceful breathing and an easy, peaceful life.

so much youtube goodness!

Lately there has been a surge in flows offered on YouTube. I am so grateful! Thank you to all of you yoga instructors who offer their beautiful services virtually. A special shout out to my two favorite online instructors via yogayak and EckhartYoga - I just can't keep away from you two; your voices are so soothing, and you really offer special flows. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Happy Leap Day 2012, everyone! Enjoy your day and namaste :)!

quote of the day

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.”

– Shakti Gawain

breathe, child

Breathing in, I know I'm breathing in.
Breathing out, I know
As the in-breath grows deep,
The out-breath grows slow.
Breathing in makes me calm.
Breathing out makes me ease.
With the in-breath, I smile.
With the out-breath, I release.
Breathing in, there is only the present moment.
Breathing out, it is a wonderful moment.

-Thich Nhat Hanh