My "Oh Mother" Moment

Lady Gaga rocks Hot Yoga! No wonder she has an amazing body!



I always have a moment in yoga, during the first breathing sequence, Pranayama Breathing, where I think to myself "Oh mother (Mother is my swear word lol). I don't want to be here." And then I get over it, continue my practice, and end up with a great class.

I mentioned this in a previous post, but I really feel that finding something specifically for you during contest prep is very important. Funny that Jaime Baird, IFBB Bikini Pro, recently made a blog post about her taking on yoga breathing during her contest prep and it really helping with her stress level, and that during my very first contest prep I made a conscious decision to hold onto yoga for me. For others, it may be taking a long bath every night, reading, making iTunes playlists or blogging. But for me it is Hot Yoga.

Not only is it a "kick your ass" workout (and it is!), but the heat itself brings your mind either to a place of panic or, if you choose to let it, a place of meditation and peace. I really could go on about why I go Gaga (pun intended) for Hot Yoga. But I'm going to narrow it down to a quick list on why I think its awesome during contest prep (or any weight lifting series):

• It will stretch your sore muscles. The heat along with the humidity will literally prevent your muscles from cramping.
• It will bring your mind to a place of rest and peace.
• Your skin will appear so healthy & rejuvenated for stage.
• The intense stretching and massage will help release lactic acid from your muscles, aiding in recovery and allowing you to lift more during your next weight set.
• Increases flow of cerebrospinal fluid, helping release of metabolic waste products. (!!!! Hello!!!)
• Natural appetite supressant. (Side note: When I first began my weight loss and started Bikram Yoga, I would literally not be hungry all night after yoga)
• Increased organ compression allowing for waste products to flow and be passed out of the body.
• Aids in discovering balance, awesome for the ladies who aren't used to tall heels.
• Crazy core workout. Serious. Your spine & abs can be so so SO sore after this.

There are so many more benefits, but when I was practicing last night... These were what really came to mind.

Oh! I did a 25 min bike HIIT in the AM then Bikram Yoga in the PM.

Eats: (Low carb day, as it is considered a rest day)

600: 1/2 scp pp

700: 1/2 c tofu, 2 egg whites, 1 whole egg, coffee

900: 2 c spinach, 3 oz tuna, 1 tbsp olive oil, green tea

1200: 4 oz chicken, 1 c broccoli, green tea

1500: 1/2 scp pp (This meal and next meal was the result of not being prepared with my pre-scheduled meal, somehow it didn't make it into my lunch bag. However, I always keep a protein shake around for that reason)

1745: 1 scp pp (post-yoga)

1830: 6 oz steak, 2 c lettuce, 1 c mushrooms (I've never been so excited for steak in my LIFE!)

2000: Casein protein crepe w/1 tbsp pb

Total: 1523 calories, 205g protein, 38g carbs, 87g fat. 216 oz water.



Surprisingly, I had the "Oh Mother" moment, where I wanted to quit thinking that my tired brain & under-carb'ed body would pass out during yoga... Nope. I was just fine. I was shakey & ready for a protein shake right after, but just fine during. As competitors, our mental fortitude is what keeps us strong, and doing something that is "just for you" can only comfort.