Why is Yoga so expensive?!

Today I had a friend ask how much yoga was and all I could say was expensive. It's true, any studio you go to charges an average of $15 per class. The cost goes down a little bit when you purchase packages, depending on how often you go to the classes, but it is still expensive.

$100 for a month of unlimited yoga with limited class times? Or $10 a month for a gym that's open a lot longer? Hmmm.

Everyone is different. However, if you don't have a lot of extra money to spend, other priorities, etc, yoga classes can seem impossible. BUT WHY?!?!? I really don't know, I'm not a studio owner, actually have never taught yoga in a studio, but why I ask you? Why should yoga be treated as a luxury when the same people who endorse these high prices say it's a necessity?

Business. I don't get it. I never will.

I'm taking a class called Introduction to Public Health this semester, and this, the second week of school, has left me with so many questions. Why are healthy foods relatively expensive? Why are people less active? Why has the obesity rate gone up? Hopefully all these questions will be answered in that class.

Fruits and vegetables may seem like a no brainer to buy for some people, but honestly, some people just can't. Even on food stamps, it's hard. I wish everyone knew all the information and statistics I've learned these past couple of weeks.

If I were to make or marry into a substantial amount of money I would teach yoga on a donation basis. You can donate money, canned food, blankets, clothes, hygiene products, and give it away. I don't want your money! Teaching yoga isn't labor to me, it's fun!

Until then, I will continue to question everything I have just stated.

Peace out,
Dylan

Teaching All-Levels is HARD

So, as you know I teach yoga in a gym. Which is amazing because my manager never bothers me except to ask if I can sub a class, I can do my class my way with my music and my sequences.I always get paid regularly, there's no small business drama. I love the independence and freedom.

HOWEVER (there it is), it's so difficult sometimes. Unlike in a studio, where there are classes based on your level of experience, comfort, etc, my class is all-levels. Some people have never done yoga in their entire lives, some have been practicing for years and do headstands at inversion time and other complicated poses.

Every time I teach I have to find a balance that can make my beginners able to keep up with the class, but challenge my more advanced students if they so choose. So far, I've been able to do so, I have a notebook full of sequences that works.

The problem is, I really can't edit it or add to it much more. I've worn it out. Any other pose I want to add would be too complicated for my beginners. It also hinders the growth of my personal practice, because, right now, my classes ARE my personal practice. I have not made time to have a personal practice, because, come on, going to college, going to work, teaching yoga, AND having a personal at-home practice between maintaining my apartment, relationship, friendships, and doing homework? It's a little much at the moment.....Some would disagree. For me, that's the way it is.

I get bored sometimes, I do. That led me to taking up Aqua Fit and hopefully soon some other classes at LA Fit, cause I gotta make some money, man. Sure, I'll practice my crow and headstand at home, but it's not the same as going to an advanced yoga class at a studio or even with a YouTube video. I will have to suck it up and wait until the summer. I have more prevalent goals than growing my practice right now, maintaining it will have to do.

So yeah, all levels is hard sometimes, I can get bored, but I know my clients like it and I'm helping as many people as I can, and that is super rewarding.

Peace out,
Dylan

My Pursuit of Happiness

So today I reached my weight loss goal of five pounds. Not a big goal, but it's all I really wanted to lose, that holiday weight and whatnot.

I thought I'd be happier, feel better about myself. Well, the thing is, weight loss isn't the key to happiness. I will NEVER be completely happy about my body. That's just the way it is. There will always be girls with a bigger butt or a flatter stomach. ALWAYS. They make sacrifices for how their bodies look, whether it be eating super healthy or spending an extended period of time at the gym, or a combination of the above.

Quite frankly, that's not how I want to spend my life.

For a body that will last five, ten, maybe fifteen more years? And then the other fifty plus years letting nature just take its course? Eh.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm an aerobics instructor, obviously I have somewhat of a passion for fitness. I love how getting a good sweat or doing a complicated yoga pose makes me feel, or how great I feel after Aqua Fit when I know I've helped my older ladies. That feeling of having to add on reps or weight to the machine because I'm getting stronger, or learning a new technique. THAT makes me feel good inside, focusing on what my body can do rather than what it looks like. Yes, I got that from the American Girl Body Book, but it really is true.

And I f**king hate eating healthy. Ugh. Every time I see Instagram posts about cauliflower pizza crust or anything kale I roll my eyes. But I eat mainly healthy anyway, because I have more energy to do the things I mentioned above, and I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. I'd also rather not spend my life monitoring my blood sugar or worrying about a possible heart attack. So I suck it up and eat salads for dinner sometimes, but that sure as hell won't stop me from the occasional Mighty Taco run or baking for my family and friends (and taste testing of course).

So, by all means, if having a body like Kim Kardashian, or whoever, makes you happy, disregard what I just said. But, that just doesn't do it for me. Too much pressure. There's more to my self-esteem than what my body looks like.

Peace out,
Dylan

Yoga doesn't care, and neither do I

I teach Yoga and Aqua Fit in a super nice LA Fitness. Most of my clients are twice to triple my age, I get a lot of "yeah, right" type laughs and wide eyes followed by eye rolls. However, I try not to push my clients too much, I'm not a hard-ass Jillian Michaels type. 

Now, I'm a twenty year old blonde in pretty good shape, go to the gym five to six times per week. However, I used to be a thirteen year old blonde (I've always had my natural color) who was very overweight and wouldn't get off of the couch after school for any sort of reason. Fitness takes time and practice, it's a lifestyle!

I all sorts of funny looks whenever I go into a complex yoga pose, they look at me like it's impossible. You know why I'm so good at it? Because I've been doing it for FIVE YEARS. Five and a half technically, but if you do anything consistently for FIVE YEARS you're bound to learn a thing or two. And make a ton of mistakes. I've fallen more times than all my yoga clients COMBINED. 

I read something once on Pinterest (ah, Pinterest) titled: Yoga Doesn't Care: A Disclaimer that should be posted in every studio.It's exactly how I (and every yoga instructor SHOULD) feel. Read it here, it's amazing: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/11/yoga-doesnt-care-a-disclaimer-that-should-be-posted-in-every-studio/ 

I do not give a sh** how one does a yoga pose. I do not go around "adjusting" people like one of those instructors who are obsessed with alignment. As long as you're not hurting yourself, I DON'T CARE!!! I even say that at the beginning of my class, only some people believe me. (but I've been in their shoes before, I get it) 

Yoga doesn't care, yoga is just happy you showed up.

Peace out,

Dylan