Pre-Conference Yoga/Stretching?

[mikeschu]

I wasn't at CGW #1 but I wanted to ask about this anyway to set an intention and see if others are interested.

I've been to a few seminars where they have an optional morning yoga and/or stretching session before the first conference session of the day in an open space in the back of the conference room. These sessions are about an hour long and focus on some light stretching since peoples' ability to stretch vary widely and a lot of people may be in their conference clothes.

I think it would be great to have something like this at CGW since it coincides with the "Health" principle that Steve will be covering over the weekend. Personally, I've found that stretching before the first session each day gets my blood flowing better and carries some momentum throughout the day. I tend to stay more active and remember more than when I don't go to these sessions or if they are not offered.

If this were to be done, I would recommend holding the sessions on Saturday and Sunday and allow a little time between the stretching and the start of the morning session. That way people can sign in and/or change if they are staying on the premises or have clothes with them to change. As an example, if we're starting at 9 we can have the stretching session from 7:30-8:30. I do not recommend doing this on Friday since that is the sign-in time for the workshop.

As much as Steve hates yoga , I have two questions:

1. Are any people interested in such a session?
2. Do the logistics (room space, availability, etc.) allow for it?

The only question for Steve is who can lead the sessions if it's possible to have the sessions. In most cases a yoga instructor is hired to lead the session, but I imagine if someone in the workshop has the training/certification necessary they could strike a deal with Steve to lead it.

Questions and suggestions are always welcome.

[babuji]

If there is space and interest.. I'll gladly volunteer to teach Yoga in the morning..

I agree that Friday morning would be hectic perhaps.. but Saturday/Sunday could work out well..

The big variable is how many people would want to do it.. as space for 10 people is easier to manage than 30 or more..

Any thoughts on this?

[Mabel]

I am interested.

Thanks,

Sonya

[yoopersmith]

I have never done any Yoga...is this a sweat inducing event?

I was planning to do a 20 minute work out in the AM before the class then head out to the conference center...

...if I can participate with this yoga/stretching thing without working up do much of a sweat...it sounds like fun.

Alternatively, if there was somewhere to shower in the conference center that would work as well...

Great idea by the way!

[mikeschu]

Originally Posted by yoopersmith

I have never done any Yoga...is this a sweat inducing event?

It's not usually sweat inducing. I would put it on par with an easy gentle yoga class or a warm-up stretch before a run (or any exercise). You might build up a little heat from the stretching, of course, but not enough to look like you've been on the treadmill for a few miles. I make no claims about sweating if you're one of those people who is consistently warm/hot in 70-degree rooms.

If I can't get to a shower, I throw a stick of deodorant in a bag and reapply before the start of the seminar. I've also thrown the day's clothes in a backpack and changed before the seminars and have had no problems that I'm aware of.

I wouldn't count on any available showers in the conference area.

[yoopersmith]

Originally Posted by mikeschu

It's not usually sweat inducing. I would put it on par with an easy gentle yoga class or a warm-up stretch before a run (or any exercise). You might build up a little heat from the stretching, of course, but not enough to look like you've been on the treadmill for a few miles. I make no claims about sweating if you're one of those people who is consistently warm/hot in 70-degree rooms.

If I can't get to a shower, I throw a stick of deodorant in a bag and reapply before the start of the seminar. I've also thrown the day's clothes in a backpack and changed before the seminars and have had no problems that I'm aware of.

I wouldn't count on any available showers in the conference area.

THANKS! Sounds like I could bring a bag and change post yoga...sounds like fun!

CHEERS!

[babuji]

Mikeschu is right, there's usually not too much sweating involved.. unless you're specifically doing a Hot Yoga or a class with many active postures.

However, for the purposes of the conference, I would see an ideal session be a great way for people to loosen and relax their muscles. In addition, allow people to ground themselves (almost like a meditation in motion).

And as mentioned earlier.. one can always bring a spare set of clothes and simply change if necessary.