CIII: Core Lessons

For the past few Thursdays, I've been taking a 7:00am Core class at my usual yoga studio. The first class I went to was extremely strenuous: I could probably only do 40% of the exercises and was very intimidated by the fitness level of everyone else in my class. The next class I went to was much, much better. I could do about 80% and didn't feel like it was as difficult. I felt fulfilled.

Today, however, was not as easy as last week -- I'll blame it on the fact that I haven't done as much yoga the past few days. What I'd really like to bring to your attention, though, are the wonderful characteristics of my instructor. He's probably in his early fifties, he brings a fun, comedic mood to the class, and he is tough. As in he's got some difficult moves in store for us.

At the beginning of his classes, he tells people to walk around and introduce themselves to everyone in the room. Very atypical for a) yoga and b) Vancouver. Then he makes us repeat some special chants back to him. These are not Sanskrit but comprise of the following:

1. "I swear that I will hold my stomach in for the rest of my life. I swear."
2. "I'm strong. I'm great. I'm BEAUTIFUL."
3. (While slapping our bellies) "I love my belly!" (He makes us look down at our bellies) "I love you!"
4. (While on our bellies on the floor with our arms and legs extended to the sides) *Skydiving noise* - sounds like whish
5. (Similar to #4, but with appendages extended in front/behind) *Superman flying noise*

I think you should take a few seconds out of your day to simulate a skydiver. You would be surprised how much it can make you smile.