Working Out/Working In

My physical self needs major attention so I am attending my first Zumba class tonight. Ugh.

I have always hated hearing women talk about Zumba like its a cult they belong too. Of course I hate exercising for exercising's sake, and that is what this is, but I need to get off my bottom and get moving.

A great place recently opened in Newfane, the village closest to me, where they offer Zumba as well as yoga, so I'll be attending yoga classes there, too. It's called Yoga Here & Now Movement Center, and Margaret Kaiser is the owner and yoga instructor. Yoga is first on my list but I thought the Zumba might be a nice addition to my line-up of physical challenges.

I have taken Hatha yoga classes in the past but these classes are Iyengar-based which is new to me. About.com has this to say:

What is the Iyengar Method?
Iyengar's method, a form of hatha yoga, is based on giving primacy to the physical alignment of the body in the poses. In the Iyengar school, it is taught that there is a correct way to do each pose, and that every student will one day be able to attain perfect poses through consistent practice. Once this balance is created in the body, it will be reflected in the mind. One of Iyengar's major innovations is in the use of props. Today it is quite common to see blankets, blocks, straps, pillows, chairs, and bolsters being used in yoga studios. The use of these props is comparatively new in the history of yoga and comes directly from Iyengar. The purpose of the props is to assist the student in attaining ideal alignment, even if the body is not yet open enough.

Props? Straps? Sounds a little naughty. Hmmmm.

We shall see. I need to keep myself motivated in positive ways, not just the negative repulsion I feel when I see how unfit I have let myself become. Oprah refers to it as loving yourself enough to take care of yourself ... I'm working on the love.

And then writing. This is where I'll be this summer, researching, organizing and oh - writing. 'Getting my ducks in a row right now so there are NO EXCUSES.