Meet Me in Child’s Pose

on April 7, 2011
in All Posts

It’s funny how my yoga practice can be a terrible suckfest one day, and awesome the next.  Yesterday’s class was torturous, but from the moment the instructor said, “Let’s meet in child’s pose” at 6:30 AM this morning, I knew it would all be good.

IMG_2283

Plus – now it’s 9 AM and my workout is checked off my to-do list! :)  Hot vinyasa never felt so good.

 

Something new I’ve been doing in class – instead of just plopping on the mat and staring at the ceiling while I wait for class to start, I’ve been banging out the ab workout from the Modified Boot Camp.  Since I’ve been out of running commission, I’ve been doing tons of ab and arm exercises – sometimes I even add in a couple of push-ups during vinyasa transitions during the class.  It really maximizes (physically) the time I’m on the mat, and I leave feeling like I got a great strength and cardio workout.

 

Breakfast:

IMG_2287

Oatmeal returns!

 

In the mix:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 banana
  • Chia seeds
  • Toppings:  Cashews and strawberries

IMG_2293

Everyday on Operation Beautiful, I post a Post-It Phrase of the Day.  I usually have some sort of theme each week, and today’s theme is gratitude.  Today’s quote is a great one:  “Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”  <3

 

Off to be productive!  I hope you have a great day.

{ 58 comments }

 

  • Christina April 7, 2011, 9:23 am

    I’ve been trying to remember to thank God in the morning when I wake up for giving me another day to live. Today I was feeling extra grateful to have a strong, healthy body.

  • Jackie @ Baking Charms April 7, 2011, 9:25 am

    Gorgeous picture! I actually love that time when I “stare at the ceiling”… if I don’t quiet my mind before it starts it takes forever for me to get into the class!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 7, 2011, 9:25 am

    I need to soak up your motivation and get to a 6:30am yoga class. I have been really good about working out in the mornings, but thats just because I have a gym in my apartment complex – getting out of the building is a whole nother story. Way to start your Thursday off right!

  • Emily G. April 7, 2011, 9:26 am

    Completely off topic, but what is your opinion on the government shut-down that may happen?

    • Caitlin April 7, 2011, 9:42 am

      I don’t have an opinion on the subject because I’m not really educated enough about it (personal rule!). What are your thoughts?

      • Emily G. April 7, 2011, 10:14 am

        Ehh..I have a lot to say about it! LOL! I just knew you were open-minded and not bias (I don’t think anyway!!) and just wanted to see what other people thought.

  • Freya April 7, 2011, 9:26 am

    I like that quote 🙂
    I agree with Jackie above – sometimes it’s nice to just …’be’..before a workout 🙂 I don’t do much yoga, but I do like the moment where I’m wiaitng for a Jillian dvd to load or something. I wish i did more yoga though :'(

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 7, 2011, 9:28 am

    I did a David Farmar podcast a couple of days ago and I’m still sore!

  • Kelly April 7, 2011, 9:32 am

    Morning workouts are best! I love checking off my workout before I start my day! Have a good one! 🙂

  • allison @ thesundayflog April 7, 2011, 9:36 am

    whoop! i have the same bowl. tj maxx?? haha

    • Caitlin April 7, 2011, 9:42 am

      yup!!!

  • Lana April 7, 2011, 9:37 am

    I love making the most of my matt time too! I haven’t been running as much either, but find that I’m getting stronger from all the yoga and other classes I’m taking. I hope your feeling the same!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged April 7, 2011, 9:39 am

    I love those beginning moments for a few downward dogs to get myself opened up and also for some ab poses (like boat) in case we don’t get to them in that class.

  • Marina April 7, 2011, 9:41 am

    The toppings on your oatmeal look divine, can’t wait for fresh first strawberries of the season!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 7, 2011, 9:41 am

    I love morning workouts — but this week I started running in the evening instead and I am really enjoying that too!

    I think Child’s Pose is my favorite yoga pose of all time. I could do that all day.

  • chelsea April 7, 2011, 9:43 am

    I used to be sooo good at morning workouts, but now I am more like a noon exerciser. Your oatmeal looks delicious!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 7, 2011, 9:44 am

    Caitlin, do you have a deadline for submissions for the OB book? I am going to get you an entry asap but just haven’t had a chance over the past 2 days! I’m so glad you had a great yoga practice. I haven’t done it in a while but I can reallllly feel that my body is craving it right now. Have a fantastic day!

    • Caitlin April 7, 2011, 9:57 am

      Do you mean the HTP book? OB is done!

  • Brittany April 7, 2011, 9:49 am

    I love the idea of making yoga feel like more of a work out….. I’m with you on that one 😉

  • Lauren April 7, 2011, 9:55 am

    That’s a great phrase at the end! My favorite yoga class always starts in child pose for 2-3 minutes. It’s such a great way to relax and clear my mind for class, I mentally prepare for class.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 7, 2011, 9:55 am

    Great photo! When a day starts like that, you know it’s going to be a good one!

  • Khushboo April 7, 2011, 10:01 am

    I haven’t done yoga for a week so I’m looking fwd to class tomorrow morn! Yoga Rlly is all abt the effort you put in. Classes that I totally immerse myself into it always leave me feeling on top of the world.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) April 7, 2011, 10:03 am

    I love doing my workouts in the morning. However, with my class schedule…it isn’t always possible!

    Have a great day Caitlin! 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman April 7, 2011, 10:05 am

    Great idea. My arms generally feel like jelly after yoga, but I’m guessing I’m not in as good of shape as you. When they stop doing that, I’ll steal your push-up idea. 🙂

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) April 7, 2011, 10:15 am

    childs pose sounds really great right now…

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy April 7, 2011, 10:22 am

    Aw, I like that quote! I will certainly be very grateful today- since’s it’s my birthday! (23- woot woot)

  • sarah (sarah learns) April 7, 2011, 10:28 am

    oh i love your purple pansies! sarah from theSHUbox also wrote this morning about how her yoga practice was completely different for the past two days!

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch April 7, 2011, 10:33 am

    I love that first picture of your mat!

    That’s a great idea to do some ab stuff before class starts, gets you warmed up a bit too!

  • Megan @ Megan Mumbles April 7, 2011, 10:40 am

    What do you think of your non-slip thing?? I am looking for one for yoga (as my hands are always slipping) and they are pricey and can’t decide if it is worth it or not?

    • Megan April 7, 2011, 11:22 am

      I have a Yogitoes towel and it is totally worth every penny! Makes practice so much easier when your not worried about slipping/moving around.
      I got mine on amazon for I think around $40…

  • Heather April 7, 2011, 10:57 am

    Gratitude is a great way to start the day! Thank you!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss April 7, 2011, 10:58 am

    Child’s pose always feels sooo good whether it’s after a tough class or an easy one. It’s one of my favorites! 😉

  • Jordan April 7, 2011, 10:59 am

    I would live my life in child’s pose if I could 🙂 I know exactly what you mean about yoga being great one day and awful the next! I’m glad it treated you well today!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews April 7, 2011, 11:07 am

    I love the pretty flowers in the background!

  • Sana April 7, 2011, 11:22 am

    I hope you have a lovely day 🙂

  • chloe@ 321delish April 7, 2011, 11:34 am

    Child’s Pose and Happy Baby are my favorite 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) April 7, 2011, 11:42 am

    I always feel so relieved when I hear the instructor say child’s pose! My favorite for obvious reasons 🙂

  • Lauren @ LaDolcePita April 7, 2011, 11:43 am

    Love that quote! I love this one from Angela’s (OhSheGlows) blog – “Do you what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 7, 2011, 11:47 am

    Stawberries are the best fruit ever. Mmmm. I can’t wait till they’re fresh up here…just a couple more months 🙂

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 7, 2011, 11:47 am

    Corpse pose is definitely my favorite because by that time you’ve earned a rest! 🙂

    check out my pups birthday post on my blog since you’re a fellow pup lover! 🙂

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic April 7, 2011, 12:07 pm

    beautiful pictures! I love seeing the sun-rise & the bowl of oatmeal out with the flowers! gorgeous!

  • Jamie@everydaydolce April 7, 2011, 12:13 pm

    I love the bowl your oatmeal is in! Good for you for getting up early and getting in your workout…you deserve a treat for that 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife April 7, 2011, 12:14 pm

    Oatmeal is IN! Yah 🙂 Love your bowl, ps-where did you get that?

  • Amelia April 7, 2011, 12:34 pm

    Love checking off the workout early in the am! I’m not always motivated to wake up earlier, but it’s such a great payoff when I do.

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 7, 2011, 12:38 pm

    I love a good morning yoga class! It actually really helps to wake me up and helps me start my day out right. Glad it went so well for you!

  • Natalia - a side of simple April 7, 2011, 12:42 pm

    Your first picture makes me actually WANT to get up super early and try yoga! Gosh, I really need to try it. I feel like such a traitor to my body for never having taken a class yet!

  • gabriella @ embracement April 7, 2011, 12:47 pm

    What a great quote! I’ve been really into reading inspirational quotes every morning and before I go to bed, it can change your whole mind set. I need to get yoga back in my life ASAP.

  • Laura April 7, 2011, 12:53 pm

    In case anyone needs some new running shoes, Gilt.com is featuring women’s brooks running shoes today-I just got a $140 pair for $79! They have a few other brands as well.

    • Caitlin April 7, 2011, 3:59 pm

      Nice, thanks for sharing!

  • Katherine: Unemployed April 7, 2011, 1:21 pm

    what a fun, intriguing saying! I’m not sure I know much about yoga at all but it sounds lovely

  • Kiran April 7, 2011, 1:50 pm

    I need to get early AM yoga back into my life 🙂

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) April 7, 2011, 2:36 pm

    i love early AM yoga because it means the hardest part of your day is OVER!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 7, 2011, 6:33 pm

    I wish I had your motivation to workout at 6:30 in the morning! There’s nothing like a little yoga to start off a day!

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out April 7, 2011, 7:28 pm

    Great quote! I’ll remember that one next time I want to roll my eyes at my boss 😀

  • Kacy April 8, 2011, 10:30 am

    Yoga sounds wonderful right now. I finally bit the bullet and cancelled my gym membership in lieu of monthly yoga at my favorite studio. It’s going to be just what I need.

  • Michele April 10, 2011, 10:34 am

    Caitlin – looking to purchase a Yoga video – totally clueless, not sure where to begin. Recommendations??

    • Caitlin April 10, 2011, 10:38 am

      There are some recs in the comments section! I don’t know any good ones though.

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