BB&W Exclusive:Super-Star Yoga Master, Shiva Rea!

oekmama You guys, I'm working on the beginner video as we speak. I HEAR YOU! And what's worse, is that we often don't see women of color doing these exercises, which can make it a bit more intimidating.

Christelyn Which is why one secret pleasure of mine is just watching you do the exercise of the week. Just to see you *blush* as a BW flexing your muscles.

Christelyn

Have you tried hot yoga? If so, what are your thoughts?

ASwirlGirlChristelyn Haven't tried it. I live in a small town and would have to travel too far to get to the nearest class. In theory sounds good, but it would be all water weight that you're sweating off.

Yes, and I hate it. It's totally unnecessary IMO. You can get the same results in a comfortable room that not over 100 degrees. ASwirlGirl

Christelyn Oh, ok. I have a friend who does it and she raves about it. It wasn't appealing to me.

Karla How could you hate it, Karla?!

Christelyn Well, for the last two years, I've been giving different types of yoga a try. I'm currently doing Hatha, have done Bikram and Kundalini and did Vinyasa yesterday. I just can't seem to find my footing with the right yoga instructor. I consider myself a beginner but I keep getting this stuff about "flow in the moment", etc. I am like an elephant with four feet and sometimes, I'm just demoralized by the people who can put their feet behind their head; I don't expect to be able to do that but what good does it do me to see it? What I really want is a true beginner's class so we're all at the same level and I don't feel like the only idiot in the room. And yes, I know it's not a competition; I get that and I don't feel that I'm competing. I just feel I'm in the wrong place. In my Hatha yoga practice, my instructor is also my friend and she's very encouraging. She started a beginner class and I was doing well because she had the time to correct my posture, etc but then other ladies came who were intermediate because they wanted to take another class with her (she's very popular) and the class quickly escalated to beyond my reach. I've been sneaking behind her back to find someone who can do a true beginner class but it's like finding a needle in a haystack; everyone wants to do mixed level classes. My idea of beginner is: 1) explain the history of yoga and how it helps the body; 2) What muscles should be engaged with each posture; 3) Get help with postures; 4) Start with simple postures and work up. My friends who don't do yoga say they don't for the very reasons I've put down here. All this introspection began with the Vinyasa class I took (I was out of my routine but did it for a friend). It just sucked and I wasn't the only one who thought so. Several ladies left in the middle of it.

KarlaChristelyn

I've done it and I love it, but concur with Karla's desire to find a TRULY "beginner" class. I can also say ditto to the 4 things she labeled as "beginner." Seems like getting the pace I want will require one-on-one classes. Right now I'm sticking with the gym and free weights because doing that doesn't seem as complicated.

I'm working on a dvd (it's taking a bit longer than I thought) that's for beginners. No head stands or anything, just the basics. It's designed to help you build enough confidence to go to another level, or into the studio with a bit more confidence. ASwirlGirl Karla

Christelyn ASwirlGirlKarla Great interview. You anticipated all my questions and I almost didn't notice you being giggly at all. :-D

Interesting what she said about the eating and the length of sessions. My ears perked up when she said 'hardcore'. I was like, ''Yup, that's how she got that Yoga-body. Yogathon."

Inspiring me to roll out the yoga mat, right here, 9:30pm. Christelyn, the things you have me doing!

oekmamaASwirlGirlKarla YES! This makes me so happy! My goal is to indoctrinate the entire BB&W Crew to having beautiful long, lean, and curvacious bodies! Let's show 'em what we've got!

Christelyn ASwirlGirlKarla But I'm halfway through my post-valentine's glass of champagne. This could get either really funny or I could hurt myself. Will let you know.

Christelyn ASwirlGirl Yeah, that DVD can't get made soon enough. I obviously love yoga or I wouldn't have put so much time into finding the right class or style. I love how I feel afterwards and how I'm beginning to look but why does it have to be so hard? Motivating myself has become a full-time job.

KarlaChristelyn ASwirlGirl Yoga is definitely going on my vision board.

KarlaChristelyn ASwirlGirl Rephrase Shiva Rea's BODY is going on my vision board. A girl's gotta have goals!

oekmamaKarlaASwirlGirl GURL! Mine too! And what's great is that it's TOTALLY attainable. Many, many people who practice yoga have bodies like that.

Christelyn KarlaASwirlGirl I just need to curb the cravings... then I will be there.

I'm about to unroll the mat, but Abiola and her Bombshell Academy were distracting me. Aah. That girl is naughty.:-D

Christelyn KarlaASwirlGirl Wish you all a good night. See you in the am.

oekmama Good night! *Waving*