New layout! Needed to spice things up a bit. Or cool things down, color-wise, anyway.

Fall is fast approaching, and I'm not actually talking about the weather (although it was bloody cold this morning), I'm talking about Fall schedules. I'm going to start having - count 'em - four regular classes per week, plus the Saturday Hatha class that I share. Two at the Y, and two at Spa Lady. I'm very excited and very happy for all of the opportunities that I've been getting. 

I've also decided to get my Fitness Instructor Certification through the Y this Fall, which will admittedly affect my class schedules, but I will let you know more about that when the time comes. I'm going to specialize in Choreography (of course), and since my cert dates conflict with the Zumba training dates, I'm going to hold off on my Zumba training until next year. So am I going to start teaching Step or Aerobics before the year ends? Who knows, we'll see. I'm mainly looking forward to learning something new in the realm of fitness, as well as a refresher on my anatomy and physiology (not that I need another refresher after taking it in my nursing AND yoga courses, but it sure wouldn't hurt). 

My passion for health and fitness is not restricted to the world of yoga; I love weight-lifting (hyphenated? Comment!) and I absolutely adore group fitness classes. Which is why I've finally decided to stop procrastinating and finally get my group fitness cert because I know it's going to haunt me if I don't, and that I'm going to need it in the future. I don't know why or for what, I just have a feeling. 

. . . What group classes would I teach? Cardio dance - anything dance - obviously. Step. And of course, ZUMBA! As soon as I get the latter's prerequisite training, of course. Which of course is counting my chickies before they're hatched. I can't do everything, and I certainly am not willing to sacrifice any time away from my nursing career. Which is why for now, I'm going to be happy just to get my group fitness cert and be able to sub on a volunteer basis at the Y when the need arises :)

Hey everyone! My new job at CHOICE has started, and I'm absolutely loving it. Unfortunately, my schedule has been quite crazy as of late, hence the lack of blogging.

I'm doing a lot of subbing over the next couple of weeks, so keep your eye on the "Upcoming Classes" schedule on the right. In addition to my regular classes at the Y and at Spa Lady, I have picked up extra classes at both locations as well as at a new fitness studio called, "Rogue". It's on the west end and features functional training classes in an intimate and personal environment.

My first 90 minute class at the Y started today, and I think it went rather well! Here's to another great week. Enjoy the sun everyone!

I have officially transitioned from YMCA Volunteer to YMCA Staff Instructor, and I am so grateful. I have wanted to teach Yoga at the CD YMCA forever . . . truly, truly, truly. First it was the location, then as I started to take the classes I realized just how dedicated everyone was. Such an honor to be doing this.

Yesterday Kate taught the 10 AM yoga class, and I taught the 11 AM class. It was so heartbreaking to see her go. She had such a huge following, and I certainly have some very big shoes to fill. 

Today, I taught my first prenatal class, yay! I enjoyed it, and they enjoyed it too. After that, I taught the drop-in lunchtime class, which went really well. I say this because I had a very strong class today - usually I am omitting poses from my planned sequence because the class tends to fatigue sooner than expected - but this time I found myself adding poses. This was also the first time I started the class with Savasana, which I think everyone appreciated because 90% of the Monday students usually attend yoga after having worked out already. I still maintain my Vinyasa Flow style incorporating lots of strength and stamina-building poses, but I certainly take everybody's physical condition into consideration, and wind the class down a couple of degrees (especially when compared to my Sunday routines). 

I think I'm going to reconsider not posting my routines. What the hey. Check back soon :)

Yesterday I took my son to Strollerobics at the Y, which we haven't done for almost a year. Anyway, the instructor incorporated the exercise bikes into the class routine, and a lot of us had never even tried spinning before.

It. Was. Awesome.

I woke up this morning and my inner thighs were actually sore - I've never been able to get a real muscle soreness in my adductors before! So, so, good. I sweated buckets and was panting like crazy but it was great. One part of me was screaming, "Yes, yes, we have to do this again!", and another part of me wanted to hide under a rock. That's a good sign.

I'll definitely be doing Cyclefit (as it's called at the Y; is the term "spinning" trademarked or something?) again. Might even do it today :) 

Another thing I want to try is ZUMBA . . . I bet I'll like it because I love dancing. I could also make an honest effort to go to Hip Hop class again. My schedule this month is just off the roof because we've tried to squeeze in as many orientation shifts as possible, on top of a bunch of casual shifts which I've already scheduled last month . . . But I'm sure I'll find some time.

FYI, you can find ZUMBA classes at Spa Lady, and the BEST Hip Hop classes at the CD YMCA (no, really). 


Back to Strollerobics - the most awesome thing about it is the time I get to spend with my son. All the babies stare at us from their strollers with the most puzzled looks on their faces (why are they pedaling so fast just to get nowhere?), and of course they're eating their goldfish crackers or their rice crackers as they do so (Mommy's hungry! So hungry!). Jonathan further amused the other mommies by climbing on my back when we were in plank (and yes, I kept doing it, albeit on my knees) and riding my back while we were doing push-ups (again, I did them anyway; I'm used to it). Love my bebe. 


Anyway, that's all for now. Happy Thursday!

So I had hoped to make it a habit of posting my yoga sequences after each class, but unfortunately I don't think that's gonna happen, and I will explain why.

I always come to class with a planned sequence - always, always, always - since I usually have a "peak pose" (or two) which requires certain poses to properly warm-up the muscles. However, 100% of the time, I always end up veering off my planned course, and changing a few poses here and there, where appropriate (although they will still target the same muscles as the original "planned" poses).

This happens for many reasons: sometimes I over/underestimate my classes' strength and flexibility; somebody will come in with an injury/post-surgery/pregnant (all it takes is one); and plain spontaneity. Also, if I know that one of my students (and again, all it takes is one) is brand new to yoga, I will definitely alter my sequence. 

Anyway, after changing my planned sequence, I tend to forget how I changed it, and of course I would rather post the sequence we actually did especially since it always turns out monumentally better than the original plan.

So that is why you are reading a random blurb instead of tonight's sequence. 

After all - and this applies to every aspect of our lives - we can always have a plan, but it rarely goes accordingly, and usually for the better. 

However! I still plan to post some sequences anyway, maybe some choreo'd flow snippets you can add to your home practice. Vee shall see. I've got hi-i-i-gh hopes for this website.

Aight. Namaste. 

I'm happy to report that the Family Yoga class went very well. I was quite nervous about it; I had taught yoga to pre-teens before, but never to a group that ranged from 5-year-olds to their parents. Anyway, I made the entire sequence off the top of my head so unfortunately I can't really post what I did up here. 

I love it when kids do yoga. They get so into it! They're so naturally flexible, strong, and earnest. I discovered yoga myself when I was eleven, and the light, limber body I had then gave me the ability to look at a complicated pose and think, Can I do that? and do it. Totally not recommended for those of us over the age of 15! (Because somewhere along the lines, an overly critical and sourly pessimistic adolescent mind sets in, freezing our cartilage and hardening our muscles; most of us are lucky to be aware of it and maybe even eradicate it sometime in our adult lives.) Anyway, back to the topic . . .

There was a huge turnout, and my sister, my aunt - and my manager! - attended as well. The whole day was just wonderful. I have to say that the Youth Leaders did an absolutely amazing job orchestrating Family Day (because they did everything from the dance choreo to deciding what activities they should offer), and I'm so proud. I hope my baby grows up to be a Youth Leader too :)

I have an interview today to officially seal in my employment at the Y (because up until now I've been teaching on a volunteer basis). Also, there will be some changes to the summer schedule; most notably, there will only be one Sunday class (the 10:00 AM class), and there will be no Monday classes over the summer. And I'm going to assume that "summer" means July - August, although I'm really not 100% on that. I will update the schedule as soon as I'm sure. 

Everything will resume as usual in the Fall however, so don't worry. Plus we are thinking of offering a Family Yoga class, much like the one I taught yesterday, as a drop-in. And just like with everything at the Y, if you really want something to happen, fill out a comment card! Apparently people really do fill these things out, and the management reads them on a regular basis. I was even told that I've received very good feedback via the comment card route as well (thank you!). 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday. Shanti, shanti, shanti.

This Saturday, June 6, 2010, the Castledowns YMCA is hosting Healthy Kids Day. There will plenty of free activities for the entire family to enjoy, including a Family Yoga Class at 2:00 PM. This class will be free, and open to children and adults of all ages. 

Due to the anticipated large size of this class, I encourage you to bring your own mats if you have them, as we may not have enough mats to supply the entire class.

This event will be held at the Hall. The 11:00 AM Yoga class will be cancelled for the day; but the 10:00 AM will run, and it will be in the Studio (not the Hall, where we meet regularly). 

Oh, and yes - I will be teaching the Family Yoga Class :) Kate will be teaching the 10:00 AM class. Hope to see you there! Bring the kiddies!

It's been quite a while since I last blogged, and rightly so. I have been very fortunate to have been kept quite busy since graduating.

And yes - I graduated, and am now a Licensed Practical Nurse! I also received my Registered Yoga Teacher designation, so now I am "Timmie, RYT, LPN". 

A week before graduating, I had an interview at Kipnes, got hired immediately, and so literally went from Last Day Of School Friday to First Day Of Corporate Orientation Monday. Very pleased. And now that I was an internal employee (finally, my foot in the door!), I was able to apply for internal postings. One thing led to another, and next thing I know I'm being offered two more amazing positions. I took the one at CHOICE Dickensfield - my dream job! I start in July, just in time for my permanent license to come in (which I will need because I will be working independently; nurses on a temp license have to work with other licensed nurses during the same shift). In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying working at Kipnes. I have no plans of leaving my casual position there. 

As well, my yoga teacher at the Y has decided to leave and has graciously recommended me as her successor . . . so I now have a permanent teaching spot at the Y, starting mid-June! Four classes - two on Sunday; and two on Monday, one of which is a Pre- and Post-Natal Class! Wow. So, so, so blessed.

I will also be teaching regularly at the Northgate Spa Lady during June, and I frequently sub at that location as well. 

Speaking of - I will be subbing at the Castledowns YMCA this Sunday, May 31st. The classes are from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM. 

Also, on Sunday, June 6th, the Castledowns YMCA is hosting Family Day and I will be teaching a Family Yoga class at 2:00 PM. Bring the entire family - all ages are encouraged to attend! The event is free to both members and non-members. It's gonna be wild :)

I'm just brimming with joy right now - and stress! So much stress. Exam stress, interview stress, REGISTRATION EXAM STRESS, scheduling stress, life overhaul stress, omg-I'm-the-nurse-now-so-that-means-I've-got-to-fix-this-and-I'm-supposed-to-have-an-answer-for-you stress . . . So I'm doing my best trying to chill out as much as possible. 

One of my strategies was to take up my passion for art - again! Today I bought some charcoal and a sketch pad and went hog wild. I've never used charcoal before, and I LOVE IT. I can't seem to find my watercolor paints, so I may have to buy some new ones . . . but in the meantime, I'll keep drawing away. 

Alright! 'Til next time. 

Dear Future Self,

Sometime over the next couple of months, you may find yourself considering taking a night shift. I am writing because I want to remind you of a very important fact: YOU HATE THE NIGHT SHIFT.

Yes, your body gets used to it, and if it was the only shift you did, then that would be one thing. But the erratic switching from day to night makes you very grumpy, completely screws up your sense of time, and is not respectful of the natural rhythms of nature. 

At work, you become drowsy and your brain is not as sharp. You're not as quick a thinker, and you're not as alert. This may not be so bad since night shifts are usually "relaxed", but remember that THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS RELAXED AND SOMETIMES EVERYONE DECIDES FOR THEIR SHIT TO START HITTING THE FAN AT 0300H ALL AT THE SAME TIME. And then your drowsy, slow, brain is going to do you no favors. 

On the whole, no, they're not that bad, and yes, sometimes they might be necessary. But for goodness' sake. Remember that YOU REALLY DON'T LIKE THEM. 

I would like to remind you that you will never be in a position where you will absolutely HAVE to take a night shift, and if you do find yourself thinking that you are, then it's just your foolish, egotistical self being ungrateful for everything you've got. 

You have the option of day, afternoon, and evening shifts. You also have the option of 12-hour days. You will not need to work a night shift. ESPECIALLY NOT AT A HOSPITAL. 

I'd also like to mention that right now you are doing everything you wanted to do in your surgery clinical, and you are officially "proficient". Therefore, I no longer find it "cool", as it has become just another nursing skill. In fact, they're no great shakes. Yay, IVs. Starting them, maintaining them, whatever - a lot easier than it looks, and really no big deal once you get the hang of it. I've done it. Sure, I still feel like Supergirl every once in a while, but really, no biggie. Good for you.

I want to remind you that right now as I am looking forward to my fourth straight day of 12-hour shifts (2 days followed by 2 nights), that I am seriously missing working in the community in DAL. 

Thank you for deciding to switch your final practicum from long-term care to surgery, because now I know that rather than wishing I lived close enough to a hospital to work at one, I know that my true feelings toward working in a hospital involve me going, "THBTTTHHHHHHHHBTHHH JOG ON!". 

Not that I'm not enjoying this. Don't get me wrong. I have seen the COOLEST STUFF I HAVE EVER SEEN. And by cool, I mean bloody, rippy, screamy stuff. Very cool. Very cool. Done some pretty neat stuff too. So, thanks for the experience, but remember - YOU LOVE WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY. DON'T FORGET THAT. Because if you do, you might do something stupid like accept a bitch-shift position at a hospital and make yourself miserable for the rest of your career. 

Do what you love. Who cares what other people think. Everyone's gonna say that you should work in a hospital first to "keep your skills". Well, you're well aware of the many other skills you get to use in DAL, and you enjoy being in a leadership position where you get to work to full scope. DO. WHAT. YOU. LOVE. 

And don't forget to apply for that medical esthetics gig. Because you never know. 

Shanti,

Present Self, April 8, 2010

So it's over! My mental health practicum ended yesterday. Bitter, bitter, bittersweet. I am really going to miss everyone. I had such an awesome learning experience, and I would consider myself very lucky if I got a position there after graduating (which I was basically offered; the Director told me to call her after I graduate, so we'll go from there).

My comprehensive practicum (surgery) starts this Monday, and I'll be doing 7 12-hour night shifts, then 5 12-hour day shifts, then 2 12-hour night shifts. So 14 shifts over a 4-week period, with 2- and 3-day breaks in between shifts. I'm really excited. I remember really loving my first surgery practicum and thinking I would give anything to work on a surgery unit. Now I get to see if that's still true :)

Throughout these past three weeks, yoga has been my absolute saving grace. I remember how fatigued and stiff I felt after my very first clinical last year when I hadn't mastered the art of juggling a school-practicum-wellness schedule. That's not to say that I've mastered it now, but I've made a point of doing as much yoga as possible, especially on my days off. On days that I did a 12-hour shift, sometimes I could only get in 1 - 3 asanas, and seriously that's all it took to make me feel better. It didn't matter if it was Yin, Hatha, or Kundalini - my body just went, "Ahh..." afterward. 

On Thursday, I finally bought myself a new pair of 3 lb dumbbells and did a total-body weight training circuit. It. Felt. Awesome. I mixed it up with some yoga to warm-up, between poses, and of course, as part of my cool-down stretches. And a much-needed savasana. I think 1-2 weight training workouts a week is sufficient, considering I already do a lot of yoga. Here's the workout I devised:

Warm-up:
Surya A x3
Surya B x2

"Yoga Abs":
Single leg raises x5
Double leg raises x5
Navasana x4 (hold 30 sec)

Weights:
Chest flyes (pectorals)
Double arm row with tricep extension (upper back + triceps)
Lat raises (shoulders, lats)
Hammer curls (biceps + forearms)
Concentration curls (biceps)
Squats (glutes)
Reverse lunges (glutes, quads, hip flexors)
Deadlifts (hamstrings)
2 sets of 12. Cycle through the series with no rest between exercises. After the circuit, rest in savasana for 1 - 3 mins. Repeat circuit once more (or twice more, if you're in the mood). 

Cool-down:
Pretty self explanatory. Whatever muscles were worked, stretch via an asana. Examples include uttanasana, janu sirsasana, etc. Don't forget a shoulder and bicep stretch. End with a 5 - 10 minute savasana.

What an awesome workout that was, let me tell ya. Bear in mind, I haven't weight trained in a long time, so 3 lbs and 2 sets was more than enough for me. Also, rather than exhaling upon exertion, I used ujayii (how do you spell that?!!) breathing and tried to prolong my inhalations and exhalations. That means I would inhale to two reps, and exhale to two reps, etc. I should create my own system ;)

I'm thinking of posting this workout (and any other ones I come up with) up in it's own section in this site. Depends if I have the time. 

All right, stay healthy and enjoy! Till next time!