Sweet Escape Yoga

Have you ever thought about trying yoga, but felt too intimidated or unsure whether it’s something that you can do?  Or if doing yoga will actually benefit you in any way?

When I first started doing yoga (years ago), I thought: well this looks easy enough, but why am I doing something that isn’t really pushing me to my limits (like running)?   After a few weeks of practicing yoga, I started noticing changes – not to mention the soreness after my first few classes.  Yoga has really helped me build my balance and increase my flexibility.  Which, of course, has helped tremendously both when I used to dance and how in my kung fu/tai chi training.

We caught up with our dear friend Kristen Leigh of Sweet Escape Yoga during one of her fantastic outdoor yoga classes.  Kristen Leigh is a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-240) in the Metro Atlanta area.

Q. What is Sweet Escape Yoga?
Kristen: Sweet Escape Yoga organizes yoga classes and events in natural (i.e., outside) and creative (i.e., cool, hip, or artsy) spaces in the Metro Atlanta area.

Q. What influenced you to start practicing yoga?
Kristen: Honestly, I was just curious.  I had seen yoga cross my path in various random ways from celebrities practicing to wellness professionals recommending it, and thought I’d give it a try.  Just like a lot of people, I didn’t really know what to expect, but thought maybe it was going to make me stronger or healthier somehow.

Being a big chicken to try it out in public, I bought a DVD instructing on the basic yoga poses.  It didn’t take long before I felt comfortable with my minimal knowledge and starting trying classes at a variety of gyms and studios.  After practicing for about five years, and telling those who would listen about the benefits of yoga, I decided to get my teaching certification and launch Sweet Escape Yoga.

Q. What health benefits (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed from practicing yoga?
Kristen: A regular yoga practice can help reduce stress, improve overall physical health, and increase strength and flexibility.  In addition to each of these benefits, I have truly become more aware of my body and breath and know when to push things a little further and when it’s time to rest – both on and off the mat.

Q. Why do you think some people feel intimidated by yoga or avoid trying it out?
Kristen: Often we’re intimidated by the unknown.  Will I be participating in some strange religion?  Do I have to be able to twist my body into pretzel-like poses? Will I look silly if everyone else knows what to do, but I don’t?  The answer to all of these questions is “no.” Though, yoga has a history with some eastern spiritual practices, poses and breathing can easily be incorporated into anyone’s routine in order to compliment your existing fitness and spiritual practices.

One of the great things about yoga is that it’s all about a practice that works for you – and that can be different from day to day.  You can increase strength and flexibility and become more adept at the postures, but even still there are days when just a little is okay.  If you can’t stretch as far today as you did yesterday — it’s okay — you may go farther tomorrow.  It’s about noticing the tiny advances and appreciating each phase you’re in.