Yoga Benefits

I have decided to incorporate yoga into my training routine. My goal this year is to live a life more balanced and complete. I am guilty of ignoring  the importance of stretching and flexibility that should compliment my  training. If am truly striving for so much more than a trophy or my next show. I am striving to be a better, brighter version of myself. I also am eager to benefit from the other aspects of yoga principles such as meditation and yogi meals to help me continue to improve on my weaknesses with food and stress management. I have scheduled a daily yoga time at my gym. Luckily for me I have no excuses since they have a wide variety of classes and times during the week. I have included the classes I will be taking and their descriptions. I'll let you know on my video blog Friday how I did.

Monday - Hot Yoga
**Heated** In this class the teacher will use their own style to lead you through a vigorous sequence of yoga postures. The combination of heat, deep breathing, and challenge will bring you to new levels of awareness, balance, and well being. This is a multi-level class appropriate for any student looking to find their edge and grow
Tuesday - Slow Burn
From the slower progressive sequences, to the longer holding postures, the entire body and mind are brought into balance in this focused, intense yet calming class. It is a great option for newer students who may be nervous about trying yoga. You will be encouraged to explore all the benefits of each posture while finding equanimity between challenge and release. This practice is typically accompanied by soothing music. *for all levels
Wednesday - Fitness Yoga
Make the mind-body connection in this vinyasa-inspired yoga class. Working with the breath, you’ll be challenged through a dynamic flow of postures designed to improve strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. *for all levels
Thursday - OFF
Friday - Ashtanga Yoga
This vigorous practice, brought to great prominence through the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, focuses on a pre-set, progressive series of postures. Our short form version of the Primary Series will make great use of breath and concentration to help calm the mind as you strengthen the physical body.


Studies show that practicing yoga, improves flexibility, balance, muscle endurance and help promote healthy eating habits. Even Nicole Wilkins (IFBB Figure Pro) promotes incorporating yoga into your training routine. See her perform some basic movements here.
I have been admiring Bella Falconi's physique for some time. She recently posted pictures of herself practicing yoga. I love the grittiness of the muscles with the beauty and grace of the flexibility.

What are ways that you handle and deal with stress?
- FitWhitt

Fitness Bucket List

I have ran two 1/2 marathons in the past. I feel that it is the perfect distance for me. I have always had a wish to run a marathon, even just one, in my lifetime. I have a feeling I will hate it. I have a feeling it will be too long for me. I have a feeling I will injure myself terribly. Regardless, I must cross it off my list and what better time than now? I always like to have new and fresh goals to keep me motivated.

I am signed up for the Austin Distance Challenge. It is a serious of 6 races that all lead up to the final marathon in February.

There are 6 races in the 2012-2013 Austin Fit Magazine Distance Challenge: IBM Uptown Classic 10k - October 7, 2012 Run for the Water 10 Miler - October 28, 2012 ARC Decker Challenge Half Marathon - December 9, 2012 3M Half Marathon - January 13, 2013 Rogue 30k/10k - January 27, 2013 LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon & Half Marathon - February 17, 2013

In order to achieve this goal, I researched training plans. I am still training with my bombshell plan but incorporating my running plan into my cardio. I am also incorporating yoga twice a week to assist with injury prevention and increase my flexibility.

My ultimate goal is to be able to run the Disney marathon with Matt one year. The race is fun and flat and takes you through all of the parks. This a fitness dream of mine!

Here is my 20 week plan:

 

I feel the incorporation of yoga and meditation will also help with my chronic stress and anxiety. I feel the training plan gives me a balance between strength, edurance, conditioning and meditation which all work together to make me a stronger individual inside and out.

I am so excited for the possibility of finally checking this off my fitness bucket list. What are some of the items on your fitness bucket list?

- Whittney C.