The cats and the cows

I have been using up the last of my vacation days (before I leave on maternity) and used one on Monday to visit a girlfriend of mine who lives in Hunstville.

We spent this BEAUTIFUL fall day walking the streets with her 2.5 year old Cali. We went into some cute shops along the main strip and got some Christmas gift ideas...probably should have just bought some things but I couldn't get in the mood with the 20 degree weather outside.

Unfortunately I had to miss Yoga class and I hate doing that. Its the only class I am doing right now.

I found a great prenatal stretch to do from home is the cat/cow stretch. You don't  have to be pregnant to feel the benefit, your spine gets such a good stretch from this.


image reference here

Make sure you move slowly from cat to cow pose to get a really good stretch.

I hope to be in class next week, I will be at full term (37 weeks) so we will see how that goes.

The power of the mind

Another great class, although the poses are getting tougher and tougher. I am not going to stop going though, even if I sit out a few, I know that I am still doing some good. Sandy of Body Design assures me that what I am doing is beneficial for my body and the baby's. 

This (above) was one of the new poses we did last night. Its called eagle pose. Great for improving balance and strengthening legs and shoulders. 

We talked about inner strength and goals and at this point I need all the strength I can get to make it through these next few weeks not to mention labour. I think a lot of these meditation ideas I have learned here are going to be so helpful when the time comes. 

Sandy also gave is a great quote I thought I would share; 

"Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny."     Upanishads

Loosen up...you're too tense

Okay everyone, fall is a weird time. We tend to start new things, classes at school, projects before winter and in this lovely province we call Ontario, its a very short season. I don't know how many times I have heard "are we already in the middle of October?"

Let's take the tail end of the fall and the beginning of...yes...winter (its inevitable Ontario) to learn how to unwind, loosen our joints and take care of our stiff necks and backs.

Many things cause stiffness, sitting at a desk all day, driving in the car, lounging on a couch, sleeping the wrong way etc. If we can learn to relax using some Body Design yoga techniques we can help relieve or prevent these types of unpleasant injuries.

Sandy (our Body Design yoga instructor) suggests this seated yoga move to help with back and neck pain.
 Click here for video instructions.

She also recommends this one for neck stiffness.
Click here for video instructions.

Overall another positive class. These yoga active poses can be done anywhere so keep it up and stay loose!

Shorter days and shorter attention span

This weeks class was quite nice and I am noticing the shorter evenings by the lack of light in the room towards the end. It's kind of nice doing our end relaxation in the dark.
We focused on clearing the mind which is becoming more and more difficult the bigger this baby gets. As I lie still trying to focus on my breathing, I get kicked from the inside which knocks me right out of my meditative state. Not that I am complaining, it has to be one of the most amazing feelings in the world.

I think my the best part about the class is that it changes for me every week. As I grow, my positions change and  my balance gets slightly worse. It's new every time.

Want to try something new? Body Design is offering a one day "Test Drive Your Fitness Class" this Saturday at the Mount Albert Community Centre. Come by if you can and try out some new and exciting classes.
Check here for schedule!

I hope to see some familiar faces!

Making it your own

So its back at it for my Monday Night Body design Yoga class. This time around I got my mom and mother in law to join! I think they are going to love it.

It was interesting going back to class after a 3 week hiatus. Apparently my belly has grown a little since then. Child's pose has become a little tougher

You can see how this might be difficult with a little one in your belly. But if squat down lower and turn your knees out a bit (as shown in the second image) it makes it a little more comfortable. Not much though.

The great thing about Sandy (instructor) and this Body Design yoga class is that it is really easy to go at your own pace. When you don't feel comfortable doing something, you don't do it. There aren't any intimidating mirrors or a large class size to force you to push yourself.

With little knowledge (and some reading) I have been able to turn this Essential yoga class into my own little Prenatal yoga class.

Back to class!

Here is a list of exciting Fall classes being offered by Body Design in Mount Albert and Uxbridge.

Check it out here!

What are you getting into this weekend?

Okay so its Labour Day  boo hoo summer's over (pretty sick of hearing this and the weekend has just begun)

So what are we getting into?

Labour Day Weekend means BBQ's, the Toronto Ex, cottages etc. Here are some easy peasy Labour Day treats to go along with whatever it is you have planned.

Try Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter


Or Roasted Zucchini & Pesto