For the past few years, I've been incorporating a short 10-minute yoga or stretching routine into my morning schedule. This brief practice helps me start the day with better mobility, especially important since I spend considerable time at my desk. I've also made it a point to stretch before and after my runs, which has helped prevent the usual running-related discomfort I used to experience in my knees and calves.
Today, I decided to attend a one-hour Hatha yoga class at Cult Fit. Hatha yoga, which focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama), offers a more comprehensive approach to body awareness and flexibility compared to my usual quick stretching routines. The instructor led us through various traditional poses, emphasizing proper alignment and breathing patterns. The pace was manageable, allowing time to settle into each position and understand its proper form.
The butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana) particularly stood out during the session. As someone who spends long hours sitting and working, I found this pose addressed the exact areas where I typically feel the most tension - my lower back and hips. The instructor explained how this pose helps open up the hip joints and improve posture, which is particularly relevant for people with desk jobs. The gentle pressure applied while sitting in this position, combined with the forward fold variation, created a noticeable release in areas I hadn't even realized were tight.
After the class, I experienced a distinct difference in how my body felt compared to my usual quick morning stretches. The full hour of focused movement and controlled breathing left me feeling notably more relaxed and aware of my body's positioning. My shoulders, which typically carry tension from computer work, felt looser, and my overall posture improved. This longer format allowed for a more thorough exploration of each pose, something that's not possible in shorter sessions. Based on today's experience, I'm considering incorporating longer yoga sessions into my weekly routine, particularly on days when I'm not running, to maintain this improved level of flexibility and body awareness.