Adventure Racing Holiday Gifts: Day 10

Posted by Grant on 14. December 2009 22:01

We're into double digits with the gift ideas, so let me bring on #10.  

I like this next gift idea because it's something that improves athletic performance without clogging up the gear closet.  It's also something others can participate in, without having to have a big base of endurance (or any endurance at all, actually).  I'm talking about yoga classes, and I think it's a good gift for anybody who exercises and wants to improve balance, flexibility, core strength, and overall fitness with a low-impact activity.  Get a gift certificate to the local yoga studio, and go for it!  It's an activity that can be done with friends, family, or kids -- finally, some "training time" that builds some non-endurance relationships!  Yoga can be an adventure that is done indoors and, for once, you don't get muddy doing it!

You might be tempted to go the route of a yoga DVD, but if you've not done yoga before I would discourage that approach.

Attend some classes and learn some foundation movements, pay attention to your breathing, or else you won't get the same benefit.  Personally, I try to get an hour of yoga in each week and I think it really helps my flexibility and strengthens muscles that I don't work the same way during more conventional exercise.  It also gives my metabolism a nice boost for several hours after the fact.

There some good "beginner yoga" links on the web, so google some up if you're looking for more info.  For example, this beginner FAQ on yoga will explain that you should dress comfortably and plan to not wear shoes or socks in the yoga studio -- yoga is done barefoot.