I will be the first to admit, I know next to nothing about yoga. However, I do understand the benefits of stretching, relaxing, and meditation, and working on balance. I have been following the blog and facebook postings of fitness model extraordinaire, and long time yoga instructor, Michelle MacDonald. It was her that really pushed and inspired me to start to incorporate yoga into my fitness regime. I am perpetually sore and stiff, I can't even poke my hamstrings without pain, and using the foam roller is like torture, so I figured it is time to force myself into a routine.
        I have now taken 4 of Roberts Yoga Fuzion classes at Yonge Street Fitness Club (my part time place of employment). I could not believe how tough they were! I was struggling to hold poses, stretch, breathe, and hold my balance, which is not my forte. I feel like such a beginner, but I trust that eventually I will get better, and looser, and it will become a habit. I'm still forcing myself to class each week, even though I know I will feel better and how necessary it is for my tight, aching muscles. I really do not enjoy the hatha or vinyasa style, and am very excited to start bikram in the fall. Including yoga or some form of stretching and relaxing is part of the finding balance within my life.
     Michelle is also a nutritionist and chef, and to me, is the queen of balance. Here is a link to her fantastic blog www.yourhealthyhedonista.com 


     On another note, I got a chance to teach a wonderful bootcamp style class at YSFC today. I just adore teaching and kicking some butt! If anyone is interested, I am available for bootcamp style classes on the weekends. You can grab a group of friends, and this is an affordable way to have a semi-private style training session, along with social time with your pals. Heres a photo of the participants, who are all devoted to their fitness. Unfortunatley, I seem to have cut off one lucky participant...

Stay tuned tomorrow for some recipes and favourite diet foods that get me through the competition season!