When did you first start yoga and what do you love about it?
The first yoga class I ever did was at Transcend Health almost 12 months ago. I loved that I would leave feeling relaxed and in good spirits, even if I’d arrived stressed after a challenging day. It’s been in the last month or two that I’ve really started to notice the benefits, more strength and flexibility. I’m doing back bends now that I wouldn’t have thought were possible for me because of a lower back injury. Sometimes I use the breathing techniques when I’m stressed or having insomnia, it does help! I love that yoga is as much for the mind as it is for the body although I do love the physical challenges. There are quite a few poses that I would love to be able to do, they will be a work in progress for a while, so I have some goals to work towards.
What would you say to people who want to try yoga but are worried that won’t be good enough?
I would say there’s no such thing as not good enough. There are always different options to suit everyone’s levels and abilities. Some poses you will be able to do and some you won’t. It’s that way for all of us. Focus on the benefits, not what you can’t do because you will improve in time. Most of all just have fun with it, Transcend Health provides a relaxed, encouraging environment, not a competitive one.
How would you describe the Movement?
Now that’s a hard one. Lol. Like no other exercise class I have ever done before! Classes where I laugh a lot and have so much fun I forget I’m there to exercise. They are always varied, from weight-based exercises and circuits to handstands and bar work, they’re different every time. As with Yoga there are always a range of options to suit everyone’s levels and abilities. There is encouragement to try new things but certainly no pressure.
What do you get out of coming to Transcend Health?
I used to go to exercise classes purely for the physical benefits. It became like a job I had to force myself to do, I wasn’t getting much enjoyment from it. After a 2-year membership I still didn’t know anyone’s name except the instructors. Now I look forward to my exercise classes at Transcend and catching up with the instructors and other members. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. There’s weekend coffee’s and hikes on offer and often other social events. You can be involved as little or as much as you want, it’s up to you. I love how fun the classes are and that we can all have a laugh, sometimes at each other and more often at ourselves. Sometimes I talk too much and forget to count my reps, ok, well most of the time I do that. The fact that I’m getting better physical results now than ever before is a bonus.