Fitness Friday: Smarty Christy shares her new YogaSix journey

Hi Smarties, It’s Christy. Hope your new year is off to a great start. I’m just curious how many of you made new year’s resolutions that included some sort of lifestyle change or new exercise regimen? I, personally, gave up on resolutions years ago. I realized that January isn’t the only time we can forge a new routine or start anew. There’s simply no better time than now. . . it just so happens that as I write this. .  it’s January. 

Over the last year, I have been working to find solutions for some stomach issues I have been experiencing (that’s a story for another day.) While working with my nutritionist, I was also being told that I needed to introduce restorative exercise into my routine. Stress was wreaking havoc in my gut and contributing to some (not all) of my stomach problems.  

That was a slap in my face considering that my exercise of choice over the last three-plus decades has been CARDIO. . . . and LOTS of it: Running, indoor spin (which I taught for 19 years), and HIIT training just to name a few. But did you know that high intensity exercise stimulates stress hormones? Yup! It’s true. It’s not a bad thing, but if you are trying to relieve the stress in your life and heal a stressed belly, it may be time to find other ways to move your body. (Insert huge sigh and frowning face here.)

While change is hard in most aspects of life, it is necessary for growth. In order for me to heal (so to speak) and grow, it doesn’t mean I have to ditch all the cardo and HIIT training, but I do need to introduce other types of exercise and movement to my body. Exercise that is sustainable and restorative. 

This past week, I landed on the “doorstep” of YogaSix in Ballantyne. I’m not going to lie, I was intimidated. A “yogi” I am not. “Bendy” I am not. “Low Key” I am not. So here I was showing up as the complete opposite of what I envisioned someone who takes yoga to be. Abby greeted me with a smile and introduced me to Melissa, the instructor. I apologized in advance for how bad I was going to be, but each assured me I was in the right place and that I would be just fine. They were right! I took a Hot Power Flow class. It kicked my butt! But I left wanting more and excited to return to see how I can learn more and be a better student. 

My hope (a.k.a. assignment) is to document my journey with yoga throughout this year. I’ve committed to doing that with YogaSix. I hope next month, when we meet again here, I will have more wisdom to offer and that I’ll be able to move from Warrior 1 to Warrior 2 without having to watch others in the class to know what I’m doing. I can do this! And honestly, SO CAN YOU! We can do anything we set our minds to. It’s just that simple. So when you are ready, if you want to meet me on a mat at YogaSix in Ballantyne, I’d love to have some company. Your first class is FREE!

– Smarty Christy Quincannon

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Ballantyne
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Suite 105
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-684-8222
Email: ballantyne@yogasix.com

Cornelius
20619 Torrence Chapel Rd.
Suite 128
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-707-4442
cornelius@yogasix.com