Willpower and Grace

It's one of the moments when you walk in a room and realise that you haven't 'got the memo'.

I was prepared as any attendee to a yoga/body balance class in a gym would: black tights, no socks, trainers on, a towel....but a runner's short sleeve shirt. FINISHER, it boasted, from the latest jp Morgan corporate challenge.

Everyone was wearing black singlets, black tights.

Instructor welcomed me, and asked me to stand to the right hand side (inner side) as I was new, and asked for my name. Take my 'muddy' shoes outside and come back only with the towel and water.

The other 2 girls, relatively newbies: Tatiana and Polly smiled and relaxed me as we waited for the class to fill up. 7 in total.

The word of the day, on the mirror is DEPTH - as they say on the site: to do something
In depth, you need to work hard.

And thats what instructor repeatedly said, if you are not trying hard, you are not in my class!

But Bonnie, since you are new, you can put your hands on your waist! (while others hold them above their heads in various manoeuvres)

This class certainly has it's standards, and I'm not sure how long my concessions will last for if I come back another week!

The first exercises were some sole awakening. Lift and drop toes, roll feet from side to side. Highly recommended for runners! I love the way my feet felt against the new re engineered wooded floors, unlike the normal dance studio at a gym.

Then it got more intense, but not unmanageable. With music, core strengthening, dynamic plank. Yes, I have been there before, but not that long.
It felt good, towards the middle of the class I was sweating!
My heels were free of pain on those arches, a new experience since my last Pilates class when I was in full running training mode and had struggled with balance.


Another encouraging word from Polly during the water cooler break, that's why she kept coming back!

It's such a supportive environment, and a good stretch, almost as good as a (Thai) massage. I feel activated, and hopefully another slot in Thursdays calendar to improve my gym attendance rates!

Willpower is what everyone needs to have to succeed. Not everyone is born with Grace..and perhaps with a bit of persistence, it can be learnt!

Video of the type of exercises involved:
http://youtu.be/OuHVVyNQQes

The DOMS for the Willpower and Grace class (on further research, a proper method of conditioning), came on the next day, when my whole body ached as if I'd finished a half marathon the day before! It was so bad I skipped my Saturday Richmond parkrun for fear of a below par time as I've been building up since the 10k.

The lesson? Need to keep stretching and exert willpower, and those barefoot exercises, and you will carry yourself with Grace.



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