Ryan, the girls & I went for a hike yesterday and it got me thinking about the time when I had been working on cruise ships and spent a summer in Alaska.
Looking back, I remember how that experience dramatically changed my outlook on the world and my fitness life.
Alaska is a magical place and something about its untouched beauty inspires people the moment they step foot on its land.
As my musician friends would go off somewhere quiet to write lyrics and others would be snapping pictures of breathtaking landscapes, I would tighten up the laces on my hiking boots and explore a different trail every week.
The shift in listening & moving to music, as my dancer/fitness self only knew, to trekking up a mountainside solely with the sound of the huffing & puffing of my breath...changed me.
That same summer is when I started to play with yoga. I say "play" because I thought there was no chance in hell I was going to get into this thing they call a practice.
It wasn't even my idea.
I had just left another ship where a friend showed me a book on yoga sequences & postures saying, "You need to try this."
I thought she was nuts.
At the time we were partying our butts off in the Caribbean. And all of the classes I had ever taught were high intensity, jump around like a crazy person until you are drenched in sweat, style.
But something in the Alaskan air made me curious about yoga and moving to my breath. And so another chapter in my fitness life began.
Since then, I have come to love yoga's ability to help me fine-tune my movement skills and I even, dare I say it, enjoy being still.
Especially after having kids.
They can drive me batty. And during this quaratine time, it's elevated to a whole new level.
But even steal away just a few short moments of quietness & connection to my body has been glorious.
The amazing part is it spreads like wild fire into your daily life the more you do it.
Even your other types of workouts get better, strong and more fulfilling.
You attack your cardio differently. Your posture changes when you're lifting weights. You have more energy, more endurance, more strength. And the big one, better mobility. Better flexibility.
I promise I haven't drank any kool-aid. I just get so pumped up talking about this because it will transform how you look at your fitness regiment and your body.
I know because I have experienced it and I am deeply grateful for it.
Yoga, meaning union, is all about connecting the mind & body. It helps establish a positive self-awareness and heightens your appreciation for everything around you.
So, when I discovered yoga in Alaska...it was a magical time.
But you don't need to be in a mystical place to enjoy who you are and your surroundings. Tapping into the amazement of the human body is within you every day.
And getting to know every little nook & cranny within your body will elevate YOUR awareness for the positive too.
So, check out the "What's Happening" section below and play with yoga during this week to see for yourself. No kool-aid drinking required. You've got the goods built inside yourself. All you need to do is shake things up a bit.
Janine ❤️
What's Happening with JBird Fitness:
**NEW 3-DAY FREE TRIAL**
LIVE Workout Classes NOW AVAILABLE!!
(via our private facebook group)
Transform (aka Barre Fusion) - Strengthen, tone, and work on your mobility & flexibility all-in-one workout. Join us for this total body conditioning class, inspired by yoga, barre, dance & pilates. It will get every muscle in your body moving, leaving you in a feel good fitness vibe for sure.
Class times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am and Saturdays 9:30am.
No worries if you miss a class, ALL workouts are recorded & posted for viewing, after our LIVE session.
Includes free access to our On-Demand video library.
Join or take advantage of our FREE 3-day trial by clicking HERE
On-Demand Workout Videos via JBirdFitness.com: Click HERE to join.
The video library on JBirdFitness.com offers:
Quick 15 Minute Workouts, to fit every schedule
85+ Video Library, plus easy to follow Workout Programs
Exercise Routines can extend up to 60 minutes
Mix & Match Capability for your fitness needs
Fitness Tips filled with exercise techniques & motivation
An AMAZING Fitness Community at your finger tips
Join Our Facebook Community: It's FREE! Click HERE to join.
In the weeks to come, I'll be sharing fitness motivation, workouts and FUN!
Our Weekly Schedule will include but never limited to:
Mondays - a new 15 minute workout video will be revealed for #motivationalmondays. Challenge: You’ll have 24 hrs to complete the workout before it disappears.
Tuesdays - Community Fit Tip, Exercise Break-downs & Workout Ideas
Wednesday - Stretch/Yoga video of the week for #wellnesswednesdays
Thursday - I’ll be sharing my favorite music to "Move It Move It"
Friday - FUN Fridays where anything can happen, but most likely it’ll be a DANCE PARTY! 😉
