just me and my mat

For a few weeks I've gotten myself acquainted with hot yoga classes. It's something I've talked about doing for what feels like years but had not given in until I had the time (and energy) in between jobs. I tell you what ... it's as good as everyone says it is. 

So good, in fact, that I've officially signed myself up for the "Fall Challenge" at the yoga studio I attend, which means 30 classes in 30 days. My friend says her first challenge changed her life, and I'm confident that I'll get a lot of benefit from this commitment, too. Those are TBD in .. 28 days (I'm two days in!). 

If completed, you do receive a nice discount for an entire year, which is certainly a very attractive reason to sign up. Not to mention, the price to sign up is a discounted rate to the normal unlimited package. Double whammy. 

However, what I've already realized since exploring hot yoga for the first time in early September, is that very few workouts feel as good (or better) than a hot yoga class. It's a detoxing, relaxing, strengthening and centering workout. It's about the building the breath and building strength. Oh, and it's hard (and there is always something you can do to make it harder). 

It's a different kind of workout than I'm used to. I'm not dealing with the kind of soreness you might get from a long cardio session or weight training, but I feel just as good, if not better.

Before starting the challenge, I was managing to get to class four to five times a week. Upping that to seven classes will be difficult, particularly on the days I work both my full-time job and my part-time job, but Sam has already agreed to push me out of bed to get to 6 a.m. classes when necessary. 

So, wish me luck. Oh, and don't be offended if I turn you down to go to yoga. For the next month, it's my priority. October is the month I'm dedicated to my mat.

sunday thoughts: five things

My, oh my. There is so much happening around here. To kick off the week, here are five things on my mind: 

(1) As I mentioned last week, I've officially started a new job. It's going great so far, and I still feel confident in the change it's bringing my way. After a week full of training, overview meetings and wrapping my brain around all the moving parts associated with my new position, I hope to hit the ground running tomorrow by owning my tasks and getting sh*t done! Bring it on, Monday.

(2) Speaking of new jobs, Sam starts his new job tomorrow. Yeah, we planned this well, didn't we?! After a few years in the corporate world, he's venturing into real estate - something I think he'll be happier doing and also crazy good at. Sending good vibes and all my love this week (and every week)! 

(3) I think I've found another love in my life: YOGA. For a few months, I've gone every Saturday morning I can to free classes hosted at the Fashion Mall's lululemon store. It's been great for learning postures and really getting a good feel for this kind of workout. And, after months of putting it off, I finally tried The Yoga Studio, which offers hot yoga classes. Like 90+ degrees hot. Because I don't love being hot, I figured it wouldn't be "my thing," but I was SO wrong. I'd go as far as saying I almost crave it now... and it's only been a week! Namaste.

(3) Budgets are my enemy... or are they? Because of said job changes, we're having to set and stick to a budget. Real estate doesn't bring in guaranteed money, so our goal is to live off of my salary. It isn't going to be easy, but I already can feel myself stepping off from various things that used to cost money - eating out and impulse shopping, particularly.

(4) With budgets came meal planning. Today I feel like I've been cooking like crazy - ribs, potatoes, banana bread... this kitchen smells delicious. I've also be successful packing lunches every day and planning grocery trips accordingly to ensure we have food we want and that we'll eat without making that "ugh" face. It's working. Bravo!

(5) This weather is lighting up my life. Seriously. Every year summer winds down and all I want is fall weather, and it's finally here! I'm already thinking of all the fall outfit combinations I want to bust out. Scarves! Boots! Leggings! Chambray shirts! Sweaters! AH!

That brain dump felt good. Happy Sunday!