Focused, Relaxed, Strong

My alarm goes off at 5:15 each weekday. I sluggishly rolled out of bed yesterday morning and gathered up my swim gear and headed to the gym. I considered just sticking my legs in the hot tub for a half hour instead of swimming, but I somehow found myself in the pool. I'll just take it easy. No one can have too high of expectations from the tired pregnant lady. So I started out slowly and just relaxed as I swam. Then I focused on keeping my underwater arm straight as I stroke, the technique point I've been working on lately. I found myself having a better focus on my stroke and the workout in general. I felt strong and like I've improved over the past weeks. I could feel the muscles in my arms, back, and legs that I'd worked the day prior. Despite this, I managed to stay relaxed and the swim was incredibly refreshing.

This morning, I slept in. Everyone in the house had slept deeply through the night so I took advantage a some extra snoozing. I did get El up and ready in time for an 8:30 yoga class. I hoped to get there early to talk to the teacher before but that doesn't always work when you are a mom. We started with several minutes of deep mindful breaths. I've tried the past few days to visualize a positive delivery, to practice relaxing my body, to breathe negative thoughts out. The beginning of the practice helped me to each a great point for that. I felt open, relaxed, and that there was space left in me somehow! I focused throughout the class, and was especially gratefully when the teacher told us to engage out pelvic floors. I stretched myself gently, modified when needed, and felt very strong for my 32-week pregnant state. I loved the class, appreciated that the teacher noticed I was pregnant and gave me good modifications, and I will be back to her class soon.

I have had two great days, workout-wise. In both the swim and yoga practice, I felt focused on what I was doing, stronger than I expected, and free of tension. They have been two great workouts.

It is so important to listen to your body. Yes, challenging it is good, but so is pausing and focusing on what your body needs. It will tell you if you take a moment to listen.

Yoga Jungle Gym

I have been trying to take things easier, and so far I have had less pain. One thing I usually do is wake up at 5:30 to exercise (if I went to bed before 10:30, this wouldn't be a challenge). Lately, I still set my alarm, but if it is too hard to get up, I wait until 6. Today I slept in a bit and did not get a chance to exercise before El woke up at 7 (I chatted with the husband and then did some cleaning). Yoga or pilates was on the agenda for today, so I rolled put my mat, shut doors I didn't want El to wander into, and pulled out the baby Legos.

I got to practice for about 10 minutes in peace. El was in her playroom, playing with her kitties and climbing the LoveSac. Then she came to find me. And saw that I was doing something cool. She grabbed some of her Legos and stacked them. The perfect place for them was on my pink mat while I rolled my hips and went through a few sun salutations. Not in the way. And the next place to build a tower was under my legs while doing a warrior series. And then, since I was only planning on about 30 minutes of light yoga, tickling my toes and climbing on me during savasana was also ideal for El.

I was actually really happy with how well she did while I practiced. She wasn't too in my way and didn't want me to play with her. El just wanted to be there with me. This gives me hope. Maybe I'll be able to exercise when she's awake after the new baby comes!

Some Yoga

Last night, I started my free trial at LA Fitness. And just walking in, I knew I liked it better than tho their place. Talking to the sales rep was great; he did not badger me and cause me stress. And the equipment is much nicer. Plus, they have a pool, classes, and racquetball courts! Andrew says the salesman probably didn't stress me out because they aren't competing for my business. They just let me loose and let the facility convince me. Then, when I want a membership, the stress will begin.

Anyway, last night I went to the yoga class. I like yoga and I felt good after the class, but I did not like the style the teacher taught. I like a little more flow through the asanas. She practices Kundalini yoga, which I guess is about energy flow. We flowed between two poses for a few minutes and then did a completely different pose. It wasn't my kind of yoga, but that's ok. There were about 30 people there, which I thought was really cool.

Tonight when Drew gets home, I'm going swimming! I'm so excited. We went to a nearby pool on Saturday and I have been itching to get back in the water. There's a part in the movie Big Fish when the Dad gets in the bathtub because, he says, "I'm drying up." I understand exactly what he means. Maybe I am more swimmer than runner? Ahhh well, we shall see.

I haven't done much running lately. It's been nice to just go on walks with my neighbor and El in the stroller. Sometimes taking things slow can make you like it more when you start back up again. Or it can make it harder to start.

Do you swim? What's your favorite cross training?

Do you like yoga? Do you have a favorite yoga blog?