yoga is not for me or i’m not for yoga?
So many people have suggested I take up yoga to compliment my surfing. From yoga teachers, which isn’t really surprising, to surf instructors, friends, seasoned yogis, new yoga converts and pretty much every article I read about surf fitness includes a yoga for surfing video or guide of some sort.
You can read about Kernow Surf Girl’s recent adventures in hot yoga for surfing here .
Despite taking up numerous activities I’ve managed to avoid yoga . Why? Well, I’ve been a bit scared of it to be honest. Seeing the lithe, slim, beauties coming out of yoga classes at surfcamps is intimidating. They look like they would have no problem getting into position, that holding their tiny body weight on one finger would be a piece of cake (or maybe not hence the lithe) I can’t even sit cross legged because my right knee won’t go down . I’ve always thought yoga just wasn’t for me and I’ve ended up seeking out bonkers, boisrous things like insanity and circuits.
The feeling that I’m not an ideal candidate for yoga is in part down to the way I’ve interpreted it, as the domain of the affluent, honey haired, yummy mummies and the Gwyneth Paltrows of this world where as I am more Rebel Wilson .
I’ve told myself that I have enough things I’m struggling to master without adding another one. I have visions of falling on my face and sweating like a beast in my first class , of being laughed at by the beautiful people who don’t have a hair out of place, then me sulking and never going back. So, the idea of yoga has been put in a box, sealed and hidden at the back of a cupboard.
However, my love surfing is greater than my fear of inadequacy and I need to improve and get out of the beginner stage I’ve been stuck in for two years. So, much to my delight and fear in equal measure, a friend who also happens to be a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultantt, co director of Santosa Wellness and all round goddess of peace and calm, suggested she could help me get started. Why on earth I hadn’t discussed this with her before I don’t know.
TOMORROW I’LL BE AN ABSOLUTE BEGINNER YOGI
Tomorrow I’ll meet her to get my bespoke yoga practice, we’ll go through it all together so I can be sure I’m doing things right ready for practicing at home, I can ask questions and she can catch me when I fall. She’s made me feel confident and comfortable that yoga is for anyone and I feel pretty excited. Report on my progress to come.
Surf, Sea & Shenanigans 
good for you 🙂 I hope you get on well
LikeLiked by 1 person
there will be entertainment, no doubt and who knows I might get on ok afterall. thanks x
LikeLike
Good luck!
With the proper teacher and the right outlook, you will like it. Just remember this…keep an open heart and eye on the poses and the breathing. You will see some of the poses can be associated with squats, lunges, etc. Martial Arts uses similar techniques. They all tie in together.
Also, remember there are so many types of yoga too. Some are done in mass classes with an instructor and women in fancy work out gear and others are more about the eastern methodology. I will not bore you to death. Just ask tomorrow in class.
Good luck!
LikeLike
Thanks for your encouragement. I’m excited to get started
LikeLike
the first of this is exactly my thinking hahaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just come back from a yoga/surf camp Surf Star Morocco and all of the beginner surfers who do yoga were progressing really fast with their surfing. I know it’s going to help me hugely and doing it at home means I can get it a bit wrong or fart and it’s ok hahaha!
LikeLike
so true and sooo relateable
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comment. I think it’s how a lot of people feel when embarking on something new. You forget that everyone has to start somewhere and everyone has been in your shoes as a beginner
LikeLike
such a cool picture! i might do myself some yoga!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much , do it , we can all fall over together !
LikeLike