Project 52: Power Yoga

I've been seriously slacking in my Project 52 updates, but I have actually done several things on my list.  One item I wrote down was to attend at least one Power Yoga class this year.  I've been pretty diligent about attending Gentle Yoga and Yoga Flow, but I've been reluctant to try the more intense class.  Honestly, the only reason I went when I did is that my mom was here, and she wanted to go.

So, how was it?  Well, it was hard.  I wouldn't say the poses themselves were more difficult.  The movements were essentially the same, but in power yoga, it was all done more quickly.  It was more of a cardio workout than the other yoga classes I've gone to.  At one point I had the thought, "I can't decide whether this is horrible or wonderful."  That pretty much sums it up.
I mentioned to a co-worker this week that I went to yoga, and she was completely shocked.  She stopped me mid-sentence and asked, "So are you like super flexible?"

No.  I'm not.
Then she asked, "So, you can't like cross you legs behind your head?"

No.  I can't.
It's not really like that.  At least not where I go.
I adore my yoga teacher.  (I may or may not have mentioned that before.)  I think she does an incredible job of helping each person focus on yourself, your body, what feels right for you, etc...  She encourages everyone to follow our own breath, and she always shares modifications to make each pose more or less strenuous.  She talks about letting go of competition and judgement, both of others and of yourself.
It's amazing.  And for me, it's about stress relief, not about bending into crazy positions.  All I know is, I feel better after I go.  But I'm not planning on going to Power Yoga again anytime soon.  I"ll stick to the two easier classes.