Day 1 - Power Yoga and Candy Bars

I was sitting on the couch watching some TV, and decided I wanted some ice cream (more details on that tasty treat later) and realized something when I stood up. I'm sore! And excited about it! Granted, I may not be quite as excited tomorrow when I can't get out of bed, but for now it feels good. Really good.

I went to Power Vinyasa Flow taught by Jill at East Coast Fitness here in State College, with my friend Erin. She has taken the class a bunch of times before, and swore by it and the instructor. I was excited, but nervous. Here's the description I read earlier today, because I had no idea what I was getting into:

"Inspired by my teacher Baron Baptiste - Vinyasa means to move with breath... this 75 minute class is a flowing practice of sun salutations with strengthening powerful standing poses, integrating a balance series, breath & is an invitation to drop within yourself, allowing yourself to surrender into any challenge on the mat as you would a challenging moment in your day to day life. Vinyasa flow is a smooth, non-stop practice that truly invites you to practice life on your mat & take all you are on the mat into your day-to-day life on this earth... There is nothing like this flow!!"

Umm...what? Okay, so I'm not completely new to yoga. I took it in college and some classes post-college, but 75 minutes? And do I want to "drop within myself"? But I must say - I really loved it! It also didn't hurt that I had a great friend there motivating me, and giving me tips. If I can get to be half as flexible as Erin I will be happy!

Is it as challenging as a one-hour spinning class? I'm not sure - I think it's just different. Was I having trouble catching my breath? Not really. Was a sweating like a pitcher of ice water on a hot day? You better believe it. Were my muscles shaking? Still are actually. And right now, just walking from the living room to the kitchen (which is about 20 feet by the way), is making my thighs burn. And reaching into the freezer for my treat...oh yeah, by arms are definitely sore from all the down-ward facing dogs*.

*Side note - if you have taken yoga feel free to correct me - but there is no way that down-ward facing dog is a relaxing and rejuvenating pose! Come on now!

Now onto my tasty treat - my ice cream candy bar. I'm a big fan of sweets, and ice cream is no exception. Sometimes I wish I was lactose intolerant so I could have a good reason to not eat ice cream and cheese, but I'm not, so I'll just have to find low-cal options, and some self-restraint. And I did in my new favorite ice cream dessert!

It's made by Weight Watchers and it's called "Ice Cream Candy Bar". It has a points value of 3 and only 150 calories, and it's just like a Snickers Ice Cream Bar. I first heard about it on the Hungry Girl website (which is an amazing site if you've never been), and was skeptical. But I'm telling you - it's amazing. Even my husband, who can eat almost anything and still be thin, prefers them to the Snickers brand. Should I have had an apple? Probably. But sometimes I just needs some chocolate, so I might as well have something that doesn't make me feel like I just ruined my healthy eating for the day.

So, it's an end to Day 1 and I'm feeling good. Of course I know it's only Day 1 and I'm inevitably going to have some tough days, but right now I'm just enjoying the feeling of accomplishment. Started a blog? Check. Worked out on Day 1? Check. Felt excited and motivated for the first time in a long time? Check and Check. Til tomorrow!

~Catie

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has commented here, on my Facebook page, or have messaged me on Twitter. It means so much that people are reading and enjoying this! If you are trying to get healthy - tell me! Post your ideas, things you found helpful, anything!