The Oasis in Your Gym - The Mind/Body Studio

by Clarissa Adkins | More from this Blogger

22 Jan 2007 08:10 PM

Hopefully your gym has a pleasant room, probably with hardwood floors and a window, where all of the yoga, Pilates and other group classes take place. The one in my gym is an escape from the masses right now. It appears that everyone who made a New Year's Resolution to get healthy is at the gym every night, waiting for the parking spot, the treadmill or the free weights. Don't get me wrong - I am more than happy that people are taking care of themselves. I'm full of hope that a great number of them will find joy in their lifestyle change and stick with it.

It is just wild to get through the front desk, the locker room and finally through the doors upstairs, to enter the serenity of the studio; like I've finished some chaotic safari. The doors are great at blocking out a lot of the distractions of weights clanging and people socializing between sets. Although I truly enjoy exercising (most of the time), I'll admit that I'm a studio girl. I feel most in my element when I'm on my mat as a teacher or as a student. It's quiet and thoughtful in the middle of all that frenzy. The yoga is the same.

I believe that a lot of people feel their way through what their gym offers. They try out different machines and classes. Sometimes they try coming at different times of day to see what the culture is like. A lot of people get turned off by the gym atmosphere. I'm hoping that these people, whose senses are constantly tuned up, find their way into a yoga class. Some people say that yoga is watered down in the gym setting, but I believe that it can still thrive in the quiet studios within.

This isn't to say that you can't love all parts of your gym. That's even better! If you find yourself drifting away though, try spending a little time in the studio side. You may be surprised by the heart of the storm.

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Learn more about Clarissa Adkins

Clarissa is a wife and mother, a yoga instructor and a freelance writer. She most recently has moved back to her home state of Virginia.

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