Ooooh baby. I just did one very intense hot yoga class – and feel like I sweat out a month worth of toxins. In the olden days (like six weeks ago) I would wander into a 7AM hot yoga class every once in a while (like every six months)  after a late night spent with girlfriends drinking red wine. The alarm would go off at the crack of dawn and with a quick espresso shot I would tear off to Moksha. Whoa – what a bad scene! Woozy and light headed, speeding on java – I often had to just lie on the floor, unable to finish the 90 minutes of inferno stretching. I’m happy to say that the class I took today, although challenging, was a complete success. I didn’t feel insecure while watching uber flexy yoga women downward dog – because I was able to follow every step of the way. I still may have a hard time touching my feet – but I blame that on my ridiculously long torso.

This whole breakfast thing is working wonders into my actual life routine – I kid you not. By simply changing one bad habit, my overall health seems to be positively affected. Each day begins properly and with a moment of reflection, not in haste. This week I’ve been obsessed with Special K Vanilla Almond. I’ve been throwing blueberries on top and if the dog is going for an extra long walk in the cold I may enjoy with a side of multigrain toast with peanut butter – and of course CBC Radio’s Metro Morning. Further to my happy morning groove, I’ve also been keeping a litre of water by my desk and sipping it throughout the day – which is essential for hydration in winter months – especially so if you are going to break the chill and profusely sweat in a sauna.

Hot yoga is not something I will commit to on a weekly basis – but it is a rewarding experience every so often. There is something totally gratifying about staring at yourself in the mirror, holding a pose, consciously breathing and watching beads of sweat hit the floor. You feel really clean afterwards – but at 90 minutes, it is a time commitment.

What I’d prefer is to do some yoga on the beach, AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I’LL BE DOING IN ABOUT TWELVE HOURS. Yes folks, I’m heading to PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO!!! It’s a seven hour rocky drive south of Acapulco, and I can not wait to rip off my clothes and dive into the ocean. I haven’t been on a vacation in TWO YEARS. I am so excited to lie on a beach with a good book, toss in the waves and watch the sun rise over the Pacific ocean as I wake up with some low key yoga stretches. Guess what? I’m not bringing my Blackberry – and this is important as it fits back into my 2010 resolutions….taking time for myself to relax.

I’ll tell you all about it on Valentine’s Day….this is my honeymoon after all.

Along with some fancy lingerie – I’m throwing in my Special K skipping rope for some sandy skips along the beach. Photos to come!  (me skipping, not lingerie)

Must. Pack. Now.

xo
Jen

P.S – no that is not me in the yoga photo because A: it’s creepy to take photos in a yoga studio and B: What? You don’t think I can get to this point in my eight week challenge?