Be Well STL

I attended the most amazing event on Saturday, June 29 called Be Well STL.  Click here to watch a video about the event.  For $20 (or $22 after fees) you could attend up to six exercise classes offered by local gyms and studios, visit the booths of local health and wellness vendors, receive a goodie bag with a sweat towel (which you will need if you take any classes), and enjoy lunch from Fit Flavors.

Onsite registration is available but since I signed up a few weeks prior, I was automatically sent a link to pre-register for my exercise classes. My plan was to skip the 6:45 a.m. class and start with 8:00 a.m. WERQ then attend the 9:00 a.m. Shred415 class, 10:00 a.m. Zumba, 11:00 a.m. Pilates, and 12:00 p.m. Balance Barre.  Since this was my first time attending this event, I didn't realize that this plan wasn't well thought out.

The Class Schedule:

Vendor Information:

What actually happened was this:
8:00 a.m. WERQ  This class is basically like Zumba but with hip hop music and dance moves.  It was fun and I burned 470 calories in the 45 minute class BUT I quickly realized that I am just as bad at WERQ as I am Zumba.

9:00 a.m. Shred415  I have loved Shred415 ever since I took my first class at the Brentwood studio.  I could go to one of their two studios any time but when I saw that one of my favorite instructors was teaching a 9:00 a.m. class, I knew that I had to be there!  At this event, Shred415 didn't have their treadmills, decks, or weights but we still managed to fit in plenty of cardio and body weight/resistance band exercises.  I actually ended up burning 427 calories in the 45 minute class!

10:00 a.m.  Zumba.  I took the Zumba class because it was being taught by an instructor from my own gym and I hadn't been to a Zumba class in a while, a long while.  Again, I am horrible at Zumba but I burned 470 calories in the class.

11:00 a.m.  I had signed up for Pilates but I was completely drenched in sweat and hungry after three straight classes, so I decided to take a break and eat my lunch from Fit Flavors.  The classes were all around 45 minutes each to allow time in between classes to visit the vendors, take a break, and get to you next class but I knew that I wanted and needed more than a 15 minute break.  Lunch included half of a chicken wrap and a kale Caesar salad.  It was amazing and really hit the spot.

Fit Flavors = Yum!

I thought ahead and packed a 2nd outfit knowing that I could get extremely sweaty with back-to-back-to-back classes, so I also used my downtime to change clothes.  After the Zumba class, I thought about leaving the event after I ate lunch but the little break gave me my 2nd wind!  I also used the downtime to walk around the vendor booths and I ended up picking up several samples as well as a few complimentary gym passes and class passes.  It was time well spent!

Vendors throughout the lobby

After my break, I walked past the various classrooms trying to decide which class I should take at Noon.  I finally decided that I would take the D1 Training Boot Camp after watching the end of their 11:00 a.m. class. But at 12:05 p.m., I still didn't see anyone in the classroom so I took MIXXEDFIT instead.  MIXXEDFIT ended up being a hybrid of Zumba and WERQ, so it was a lot of fun just trying to make my body mimic the moves of the instructors.  After another 45 minute class, I had burned another 500 calories!

Around 1 p.m. I walked out of the event almost giddy and humming to myself.  I hadn't worked that hard in a long time and it just felt amazing to sweat!  I can't wait until the 2020 event but some advice I have for any first-timers would be:

• Bring a 2nd outfit if you plan to take multiple classes.  Pack deodorant too!
• Bring snacks and a water bottle.
• Bring a yoga mat even if you don't intend to take yoga or Pilates classes.  We laid on the floor for some of the exercises during the Shred415 class and that was my 2nd class of the day, so I was already sweaty.  I didn't have a mat so I ended up leaving a big sweat puddle on the gym floor.  Meanwhile most of the other ladies had yoga mats to lay on, so they had nothing to worry about.  Next year I will remember to bring a mat!
• Shake, jump, run, just relax and have fun!  

Next year I am going to try to wait until Noon to take a lunch break because the 11:00 a.m. classes all seemed to be pretty packed but then the event started to noticeably die down at 11:45.  I wish I would have taken the D1 class at 11:00 a.m. since it was packed and then taken a lunch break, but I did the exact opposite and the last classes of the day at Noon were noticeably smaller.  At least I know what the flow is like for next year and I will just grab little snacks or samples in between classes to keep me going until lunch. 

What is great about this event is that every year is different.  Different gyms and studios attend and offer classes and/or have booths in the marketplace.  Lunch is provided and plenty of vendors are offering food samples too!  The atmosphere is very positive and you'll have fun.  I can't wait until the 2020 event!!!!

#WellnessWednesday - Introducing Dawn

On a dreary January day in 2017 I grew tired of the negativity in American news, so I went to the BBC News - UK website to see what else was happening in the world.  One of the top stories that day was about a woman named Dawn, a runner from the Greater Manchester area who finished last in a Parkrun, but was completely filled with joy at the finish line.

As I read the article I felt like I was suddenly reading my own story, only a much better-written version.  Once I got to the end of the article, I had to find Dawn on Facebook and reach out to her.  I wanted to tell her how inspiring her story was and that I wanted to follow her running journey as it progressed.

Within a few days, I received a response back from her just as her story started to spread more and more in the UK.  Dawn was being interviewed by bloggers and even BBC One North West.  Her amazing story was everywhere, yet she still took the time to answer a few of my questions.  Since I wasn't blogging as frequently when I first contacted Dawn, I recently re-sent her the same questions to see how her running journey has changed since I first started following her.  Her original answers are in black and her updated answers are in purple.

Why did you decide to start running?
My stepmum was diagnosed with cancer in march of 2016. At that point I did no exercise of any kind restricted by my weight and size. I signed up for the Race for Life which is a 5k event to raise money for Cancer Research. I felt this was my way of showing my support and helping in some small way. I started training, mostly walking and under the cover of dark. Somewhere along the way I started to enjoy running and thought if I did the race and then stopped my life would return to being sedentary and feeling a failure. So the weekend after the race I did my first Parkrun. A 5 km race on a Saturday morning in park across the country. I have now completed 15 Parkruns and can truly say I love it. I still can't run the whole thing and I'm never quick but I love it, something I never thought I'd say about exercise.

Now I’ve been running for a while, the reasons why I run have changed.  It’s a  part of my life now and a lot of the friends I have made are through running, so it feels more like time with friends than a run sometimes.  Also I love how it makes me feel about myself – I now see the strong and determined I can be if I set my mind to it.

Did you join other friends or co-workers who were running, did you join a group, start a training program, or did you just start your journey on your own?
My journey was very much my own as I was so ashamed of how unfit I was and how hard it was. My cousins started training with me but I was always the slowest and the sweatiest.

Now running and Parkrun feel like family – the support you get no matter how fast or slow is amazing – and I in turn now look out for those that are struggling or look like they might appreciate some company.

What set-backs, if any, did you experience and how did you overcome them?
Each time I see a picture of me running I come crashing down. I love how well I am doing and how empowered i feel running. The reality of the pictures shows a person I don't want to be anymore. I shows a body I am running to improve. Every so often it all feels a little hard, when I'm tired and all my body aches but I remind myself I can do it, I already have done it and the reason my body aches is because I am working it so hard to improve my now and my future.

Right now I am injured and that has taken some getting used to – I can’t do what I love so after a bit of a sulk and realizing I needed to be a bit kinder to myself I now volunteer most weeks at Parkrun and cheer others along.  My friend did her first half-marathon at the weekend in training for London marathon in 2019, so I went along and stood in the cold and rain to be there and cheer her along the way and tell her how proud I am.  I would still much rather be out there running myself but this is a close second.

What does your typical training week look like as far as running and training?
I get up at 6 a.m. to walk my 2 dogs before my kids wake up and before I got to work. 2 nights a week I run between 3.5 and 4 km once the kids are in bed. 2 nights a week I go to the gym. One work day lunchtime I run along the canal with a personal trainer. Saturday morning I get up for the 5 km Parkrun. Sunday morning I go horse riding. All of this is what I couldn't have done last year. This year I want to cover 500 km between running and horse riding. I see the 500 km as my gift as it is 500 km I could not have done before. My photo and story went viral and I want to show from many small things something great can happen. I asked anyone who saw my story and was inspired do donate £2. Cancer was the starting blocks of my story and it makes sense cancer research is the benefactor. I set up a just giving page for donating.

When I’m not injured, Parkrun is now the only way to start my weekend.  And then I try and get out a couple of nights in the week.  Or sometimes I go to the gym and then have a swim.  I use a PT sometimes to make me do a core workout as I hate doing those but know it is important but I need a nudge to do it.  Plus on a Sunday I go horseriding which I absolutely love.  So all in all most of my muscle groups are getting used in some form or another each week.

How many races and what distances have you now run?  
I did my first (and last) half marathon last year – I can say I’ve done one but it wasn’t my most favourite run – think 10k is where I am happiest.  I got to my 50 Parkruns milestone which was amazing. 

Any goals you want to accomplish in 2019? 
I would like to run the Great Manchester Run (10k) with my brother.  We don’t see each other very often and this year he did his first Great South Run (10 miles) and said the Manchester one sounded fun.

Where do you turn for running/fitness advice? 
Mainly friends – I have so many different running friends of different experiences and abilities – there is always someone for friendly non-judgy advice and support.

What I love about Dawn's story is that she cares less about pace and more about the friendships, being outdoors, and the physical activity.  I used to be obsessed with pace and finish times, but years of injuries have helped me realize that I shouldn't take the ability to run (at whatever pace) for granted.  I should just be happy to be healthy enough to use my feet to propel me forward! So the next time you feel down, search for a story or a new person that inspires you. Also, don't be afraid to reach out and let someone know that they have inspired you. A simple email or Facebook message can spread kindness and make you both smile.

#WellnessWednesday - Hip and Glute Strength Workshop

This past Saturday I attended a Hip & Glute Strength for Athletes clinic at Big River Running - West County.  It was an hour long clinic led by physical therapists from Mercy and it was totally FREE!

I arrived 15 minutes early and luckily I did, because the runners just kept coming and coming until the entire store was filled.  It was an amazing sight to see!  The physical therapists greeted us as we entered and gave each runner a resistance band to use during the clinic and to take home.  I believe there were four physical therapists present at the clinic.  Two PT's discussed hip and glute anatomy as well as typical problems and weaknesses they see in runners.  They also demonstrated specific hip and glute strengthening exercises.  After they would demonstrate a couple exercises, it was our turn to try them ourselves.  All of the physical therapists then walked around to correct our form and answer questions.

The exercises we learned are pasted below, in no particular order:

As the therapists demonstrated these exercises and explained their benefits, I kept wondering if there was a way to have my running form evaluated BEFORE I experience any (more) problems.  Luckily they offer a "Running Screen."

I think I will wait until summer to schedule the screening just so that I am running more consistently when I get evaluated, but I think it sounds well worth the money!  I also plan to work through these exercises a couple times per week and have already worked through them once at home thanks to my free resistance band!  We are really lucky in St. Louis to have a running store like Big River that offers FREE clinics throughout the year.  Click here to check out their calendar of upcoming events. 

#WellnessWednesday - iLoveKickboxing - Creve Coeur Review

iLoveKickboxing opened their second St. Louis area studio late this fall in Creve Coeur and as their Grand Opening approached, they offered amazing deals to draw new members in.  A co-worker and I decided to take advantage of one of their amazing deals which was five classes (a $75 value) + boxing gloves (a $45 value) for only $15.

Your orientation class is the first of your five classes, and we scheduled our orientation for Saturday, November 10.  In this class staff give you a tour of the studio, explain the class format, and really break down the basics of kickboxing.  What I LOVED about the orientation class was how they broke down the proper form and footwork for every move.  For example, I knew what an uppercut was but only because I watched my brother playing the Mortal Combat video game growing up.  I had no idea where you should be hitting the bag for a proper uppercut and that your feet were supposed to pivot as you punched the bag.  I also didn't realize that your other arm should be defending your face/head while you are throwing that uppercut.

Here are some of the pictures I took during our first tour of the studio:

First Day Fighters - That's me!

Here is what you can expect from start to finish in their own words:

The instructors will show you how to wrap your hands like a real kickboxing pro, but you’ll be hitting bags instead of people. You'll meet the squad, strap on the gloves and get right to business, calorie burning business that is.

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First: The Warm Up.

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Designed to get your heart rate up, the music kicks you into full gear. Each day, you’ll run a little faster, jump a little higher and even squat a little lower with the help of a variety of cardio exercises you’ll grow to love. Instructors join you on the mat and guide you to ensure good form and provide modifications if needed. Before you know it, the warm up is over and you’re anxiously waiting for whatever comes next.

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Second: The Stretch.

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With your muscles warmed up this is the perfect opportunity to get them nice and loose. You’ll need it to avoid cramping and get those kicks nice and high.

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Third: The Bag Workout.

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Did you know resistance training helps you burn more calories? Instructors teach you easy to learn punch and kick combos that real fighters use in the ring. You’ll let out the stresses of your day while learning self defense and hand eye coordination. It’s the full package of working out and all you gotta do is beat up the bag. Not bad right?

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Lastly: The Cool Down

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Here the instructor helps you get your heart rate back to normal by guiding you through a series of stretches. You’ll close out class by giving a fitness tip to incorporate into your lifestyle outside of the studio too. Plus, as you stretch you can settle your mind and think of your battle cry for the next class!

After burning around 1000 calories by the end of the workout, you’ll be drenched in sweat, and chomping at the bit to do it all over again!

My co-worker and I completed our 5th class on December 10 and after five classes I can say that even though the format is the same, every class is different.  The only thing that really stayed the same was the fact that there was jogging around the studio during warm up.  All other warm up, bag work, and partner work moves were different.  


I enjoyed the camaraderie both during class and in the locker room after class (those conversations were the best).  We worked hard but also laughed quite a bit, especially when my co-worker and I would both get lost in the combinations, which happened multiple times per class.  I learned a lot during the orientation class and then at each class thereafter, the instructors really broke down every move: where on the bag you should punch, where the force of the punch is coming from, what your feet should be doing, how to reset for a roundhouse, etc.  Even though I had taken boxing and  kickboxing classes before, I had NEVER had the moves explained to me in this way.  I still have a tendency to get lost when there are more than a couple moves per combination, but at least I became very cognizant of my form during the combinations.  I can't remember how I even came across the package deal for iLoveKickboxing, but am really glad that we were able to take advantage of it and learn something new in the process.

#WellnessWednesday - CycleBar - Creve Coeur Review

This blog post has been a long time coming considering the fact that I have now taken 39 classes at CycleBar - Creve Coeur.  The first CycleBar studio to open in the St. Louis area was the Chesterfield location, which I blogged about mid-2017.  I attended a class during their Grand Opening and then used a Groupon for four classes there and blogged about that experience too.

Then shortly after returning from our wedding the CycleBar - Creve Coeur location opened, which is the closest CycleBar to our house.  The layout is pretty much the same as the Chesterfield studio except there were four shower rooms instead of two and all the lockers had usb ports in them.  The technology in the studio and the class format were also the same.

Check in area

Usb ports in all lockers!

When I attended a class during the Grand Opening at Chesterfield, I had no idea that you could sign up for more than one class.  So this time, I took full advantage of the Creve Coeur Grand Opening rides and rode three times, completely FREE!

During the Grand Opening you could also get the very best deals on packages, so I purchased the First Month Unlimited and then the 20 Ride Package because it was 30% off.

I had to use my Unlimited Month first, so I set a goal to come as many times as possible during that month.  CycleBar made it even easier to achieve that goal by creating a challenge where if you rode 10 times in the first 21 days, you would get $100 back in credit.  Needless to say, I achieved that goal because I really wanted that credit for future classes!

Because I purchased these deals during the Grand Opening, I was not eligible to purchase a Groupon for classes at this location BUT I did manage to earn two free classes in 2017.  One was by simply putting the CycleBar magnet on the back of my car and being spotted by CycleBar - Creve Coeur staff out on the road.  They posted an image to social media of my car, I wrote them to prove it was my car, and then a FREE class was loaded to my account.

The other was by having one of my post-ride Instagram posts re-posted to the CycleBar - Creve Coeur Instagram page.  Both instances absolutely made my day!

I have really enjoyed my time at the CycleBar - Creve Coeur studio.  I have tried different bikes in the studio, different class times, and different instructors.  Some classes come only with water, while others have coffee or wine waiting for you after your ride (those are my favorite).  Class themes change all the time and are always challenging and fun.

I was #1 in the class for one of those 39 rides and sometimes I manage to get into the top three, but normally I am happy if I can finish in the middle of the pack.  Some instructors show the performance screens frequently during class, while others barely turn it on.  I find my class ranking motivating, especially during those 20 and 30 second races, but it is always YOUR ride.  I can't do everything the instructor requests, I just do MY best.  Then after each class, you will receive an email with your personal stats and a link to the playlist.

The one time I was #1

Class times have changed a bit since the Grand Opening, but the owner is good about sending out surveys to previous riders to gauge interest in different times before he makes any changes. Staff have always been very responsive to any issues I have had with my account and are friendly every single time I enter the studio.  Every time!

If you have not taken your FREE Intro class at CycleBar yet, I urge you to click here to find your closest studio and learn more about scheduling a ride. New riders also get great prices on intro packs or you can call or visit the Creve Coeur studio and ask for the "Groupon pricing" to get a package of four classes at the Groupon price without needing a Groupon account.

I just can't say enough good things about CycleBar.  Each instructor teaches the class differently and no two classes are EVER the same.  I hope you get a chance to experience a class at a CycleBar studio near you!

Happy New Year!

November is National Running Safety Month

Almost overnight the temperatures have dropped and the leaves started changing color from their summer green to their fall reds, oranges, and yellows.  As summer fades and fall begins, tank tops and shorts are packed away and the long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and hats come out.  If you are like me, you don’t adjust the time that you run just because it is now dark at that time. You have races scheduled, and you still need to fit in the mileage every week.  Instead, you purchase reflective gear and lights to make you more visible during your runs.  Some of the gear I own, I purchased when I first started running before dawn when I lived in Washington, DC.  The streets were always well-lit and most drivers were used to runners and pedestrians.  

Where I live now in St. Louis County, the streets aren’t as brightly lit and seeing runners out before dawn or after dusk isn’t as frequent of an occurrence, so I needed different gear to adjust to my new surroundings.  November is National Running Safety Month and as our days grow shorter, I wanted to share my nighttime running gear recommendations with you.

My first purchase back in 2009 was this Nathan reflective vest, which once contained an LED light strip in the front pocket.  It was worth the money since I still use it today.

I picked up these flashing LED light clips for FREE at race expos.

At some point I purchased these Nathan LED light clips.  They have multiple flashing speeds to choose from. Like the clips above, you can clip these to your shirt, pants, or shoes.

These reflective slap bracelets can go on your wrists or ankles.

My new Amphipod fuel belt and my new Fitletic arm band both have reflective strips near the zipper.

Through the years, I have purchased several headlamps but just couldn't find one that I liked to run with.  Through a fellow runner, I found an amazing product to light my running path and they are called the Night Runner 270 LED shoe lights.  They are basically headlights for your shoes, have multiple settings, are rechargeable, and I LOVE them!

I accumulated all of my nighttime running gear over the course of many years but these days, runners can purchase an entire running safety kit with a few clicks.  This running safety kit includes many of the items I listed above, but for far less than what I paid!

In addition to gear I wear or add, I also ALWAYS carry my driver's license and medical insurance card.  I know many other runners who love Road ID.  I carry my phone in my arm band and only use it for music when running with a group.  I also always let my husband know where I am running, especially when I change my mind at the last minute.

The websites below also have great information and tips about winter and night running safety:

http://www.laceuplocal.com/nrsm.html

http://www.laceuplocal.com/nrsm-running-night.html

http://talk.brooksrunning.com/blog/2012/10/02/get-ready-november-is-national-running-safety-month/

http://pptc.org/safety/

Speaking of nighttime running, the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas races are November 11 - 12! Distances include a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K with all races starting  in the late afternoon or early evening.  This race has been on my bucket list ever since I ran the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon, which used to be run at night.  Now night races, especially races this scenic, are difficult to come by.  They actually shut down the strip for runners.  I can only imagine how amazing of an experience that must be and one day, we are going to pack our bags and I am going to run that half marathon!  The runner perks are pretty spectacular and make me want to sign up even more, but you can also check out this website for information on great package deals and this website for information about shows and other things to do once you get there. 

I have a few runner friends who have either run the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll races or are running it this year and I am truly jealous!  You won't need the nighttime running gear I listed above to run the races in Las Vegas, but you should consider investing in reflective gear or LED lights if you plan to run pre-dawn or after dusk this fall and winter.  Your safety is so important if you want to keep running for years to come!  Be safe, and good luck to everyone running the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll races next month.  #VegasStrong

#WellnessWednesday - CycleBar Chesterfield Groupon

Back in July, you read the post about my first experience at the CycleBar Chesterfield studio during their grand opening.  Several months have now passed, and they are offering a deal on Groupon where you can purchase four classes for just $40!!!!  I purchased this Groupon because it was such a steal and I finally completed the four classes.  You can read my original post about the layout of the studio, class format, and the little luxuries that are included with your CycleBar experience by clicking here.  My experience with using the Groupon warranted a quick post because it was such a great experience!

I used my Groupon classes very sporadically, so I stood out from the regulars in every class.  At each of the four classes, the CycleStar instructor sought me out and introduced themselves.  As I left each class, they told me "good job" or gave me a high five.  There were also cold, wet towels waiting on the other side of the studio doors after class, which is exactly what you need after a great class!

You can choose between a wide-variety of themed or classic rides: Confidence Boost, Throwback Thursday, Wine Down Wednesday (yes, there was wine waiting after class), and Dance Party were the four that I took.  No matter what the theme is, the song when you work with the arm bars will always be my favorite part of class!

I had a few issues while trying to book my Groupon classes using the app, but management responded quickly to my emails and were able to resolve the issue on their end.  So easy!

As I finished my last Groupon class I received an email with a link to special Groupon Extension pricing, which offeres six rides for only $60!  This is a great deal considering the drop-in rate for a class is $20.

I am not sure how much longer the Groupon will be available but if you were on the fence, I hope that this will sway you to click the purchase button.  It's a great workout!!!

#WellnessWednesday - Cat Yoga

We had our wedding reception in my hometown in Central Illinois on June 3.  Knowing that weekend would be stressful, I took the following Monday off of work and signed up for a cat yoga class at Five Acres Animal Shelter in St. Charles, MO at 12:30 p.m.

This was the first time I had ever been to Five Acres Animal Shelter, and I was very impressed with their campus.  Cat yoga is scheduled only on Mondays because Five Acres is closed to the public that day.

The class was held in a building that only houses cats.  There were signs on the other buildings to guide you there.  

I arrived shortly after Noon so that I would get a good spot and have time to play with the cats before class.  Once you entered the building, you checked in and you left your donation (minimum $12 required donation).  You enter into a large open room with cat towers and cat condos around the perimeter.  There were several litter boxes in the room, but you could not smell them at all!  There were also cat shelves mounted at varying heights on the walls.

Once I set up my mat, I continued down the hallway to the various cat rooms.  Some rooms were open to allow the cats to roam throughout the building, while others were kept closed.  All of the doors had information about the residents of that room written on and mounted to the glass.

At the end of the hallway was a door that led to a "catio," which is a screened in porch just for the cats.  

After making my way through all of the rooms, it was time to start the yoga class.  The room was full of other participants by that point, but I never felt crowded.  There were two cats that pretty much slept on their cat towers the entire time while two others roamed during class.  Staff gave us toys to attract the cats, and they were definitely put to use.  Of the course of the class we managed to get in a good workout while also giving the cats plenty of attention.  

After class, I went into the only room I had not visited yet.....the kitten room.  There were two kittens out in the center of the room, and they were so adorable that I did not want to leave.  

If this yoga class was not on Mondays during work hours, I would take it again.  It was a great way to de-stress and support a good cause at the same time.

Because I had a great experience at the Five Acres Animal Shelter cat yoga class, I decided to sign up for a weekday evening class at Tenth Life with a friend, for what they call Cats N' Mats.  Tenth Life is located on Cherokee Street, which is a neighborhood known for it's amazing Mexican food.  For this cat yoga class, you pay online in advance through Eventbrite.  The total came to $16.74 and since it supports a good cause, I didn't mind the fee.  

This was my first time in the Cherokee Street neighborhood.  I showed up early because I didn't know how difficult it would be to find a parking space at that time of day, but there ended up being plenty of parking available on adjacent streets.  The doors opened shortly before 6 p.m. and we checked in and were told that we could set up in either of the two main rooms.  My friend and I picked our spot and immediately started playing with the cats.

By 6 p.m. both rooms were filled with participants, yet there was ample room to spread out.  The instructor positioned herself in between both rooms so that we could all see her.  Despite being new to yoga and only being familiar with a few of the terms, I could just feel the difference in the flow of this class vs. the cat yoga class at Five Acres.  Neither was better or worse, they were just different.  Some of the poses were the same in both classes while others were completely new to me.  There was substantially more laughter during this class, but there were also more participants and more rambunctious cats roaming about.  

The classes at Tenth Life fit my schedule better, so I will most likely be a repeat customer.  I could technically do a "cat yoga" class at home with my own cat for free, but there is just something about the opportunity to attend a yoga class at a shelter that warms my heart.  

The St. Louis area is filled with low cost and even FREE opportunities to attend a yoga class, many of which are listed on the Eventbrite website.  Click here to check out the list of upcoming classes.  It is a pretty extensive list this time of year, with both indoor and outdoor options available.  There have also been "Yoga with Bunnies"and "Goat Yoga" classes in the area, so I am definitely open to attending more nontraditional yoga classes in the future.  I will keep you posted on what else I come across....