A year ago I would’ve never guessed that I would be doing the Downward Dog or the Trikonasana in a steamy room that’s over 104 degrees. A year ago I would’ve never willingly stepped foot in a room this hot. But after quitting basketball, which I had previously dedicated four seasons yearly to, I decided I needed something to get exercise. I had heard various fitness fanatics say that the key to living a healthy lifestyle is to workout by doing something you love. I thought it would be impossible to find a workout I loved until I came across Power Life Yoga.

Power Life was so different from what I had practiced all my life (playing sports with a ball) so I was a little hesitant to try it at first. I thought that since I can never sit still in Mass or even sit down to read a book,  I would never be able to hold a yoga pose while focusing on nothing but the pattern of my breath. I was so convinced I would hate it because of my lack of patience and inability to sit still, but going for it was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve made. Even just within the first week of doing yoga at Power Life, I felt the healthiest I’ve ever felt and had more energy or “power” than ever before. At first I didn’t get how something so simple yet so physically straining could improve both the mind and body so severely. There is something that is incredibly satisfying in sweating out the toxins and stretching muscles while focusing on your breath. The stress relief is almost immediate.

  The times when I find yoga to be the most effective is when I do it in the morning before school at 6:45 a.m. I’ve done it a few times, and every time I have, it has of course been a struggle to get out of bed so early, but it is 100 percent worth it. I get more done on those days and have more motivation than ever. By exercising, focusing on the day’s tasks, your motivations and goals before heading into your day, you’re bringing awareness of yourself and your surroundings into your daily life.

 The main focus at Power Life is awareness, and it’s definitely this awareness that has affected me the most. It isn’t just the awareness of breath that relaxes me, it’s the awareness of the opportunities I have and the people and things around me. I have no doubt in my mind that doing yoga in the morning after a healthy, balanced breakfast is the best way to start your day. If you don’t believe me, you can try a free week at Power Life Yoga and see for yourself.

  Overall, the whole system does an amazing job of making the experience personal and beneficial to the mind and body. One of the locations is right down the street from St. Teresa’s just off of Main. It’s very accessible at the rate of $80 a month, the same price as a gym membership or dance lessons. I would highly recommend Power Life Yoga to anyone who is stressed out, needs a break from homework or just needs a change, because I promise it’s the change you need.

5/5