Column: Moderation is the key - How to prepare for summertime

I was on the beach today for my first Bachelorette Party Yoga Practice of the season. These sessions are some of my favorite. I love being outside. I love looking at the lake and the mountains. I love sharing in the practice of Yoga for such a joyful event. I am also very good at connecting with and recognizing how prepared each group is for the practice that day.

It’s Been A While Since I Did This

Living in Tahoe provides the unique opportunity to remain physically active all year long. During Autumn I can bike and hike. In the Winter I can ski. In the Spring I usually go to the gym until the snow has melted and I can get back outside to run. Summertime, though, is the BEST! I can hike, bike, paddle, run, swim, waterski and, during the really good years, backcountry ski ‘till my heart’s content.

If you don’t live this lifestyle or haven’t been out there getting after it, it may have been a while since you went for a run, hike, bike or ski. Keep this in mind as you consider the next activity you are going to attempt. Your body may need a little warm-up.

Moderation is Valuable

Just because your friends are moving full speed ahead, it does not mean that you need to. In Yoga we define the word Brahmacarya as moderation. Technically, it is the moderating or controlling of your sexual fluids, but that isn’t how I typically describe it to modern practitioners. Instead, I explain that it is the recognition and valuing of your energetic needs.

Your ankles and feet may be used to standing, walking or sitting. To begin running without any preparation is like trying to stand up after both legs have fallen asleep. You have to begin with moderation. This is how Yoga can help. The movements in a Yoga practice include rotations and adjustments to your ankles and feet that keep your joints mobile and your muscles active. Attending a practice with a knowledgeable teacher who can guide you through poses that warm up your body for running will help you to honor your current physical status.

No matter the activity to which you will return or are ready to attempt, approach it with moderation. Consider the movements required and prepare your body by moving consciously and gently.

Don’t Be A Lemming

Svadhyaya is the practice of Self Study. The more attention you pay to your body’s needs, the better you will become at recognizing when you are about to cross the line of “I’ve done too much.” After you’ve prepared your body for your Summertime activities, you have to become aware of how much you can tolerate. Whether you are going on a mountain bike ride or sitting on the beach sipping cocktails knowing when you are satisfied is important.

Be willing to honestly say, “I’ve had enough,” “This is far enough,” “I need a break.” Your friends, teacher, guide, etc. should understand. Don’t wait until you are hurting, exhausted and angry. Your honesty will help you to enjoy the experience more and encourage others to speak up and recognize how they are feeling.

Restoration Makes Tomorrow Better

I cannot express the value of stretching and resting enough. I used to tell my practitioners, “If I see you more than 3 days in a week, I will become concerned that you are spending too much time in the studio.” After 10 years of guiding practices and having taught thousands of practitioners, I have changed my tune. I want to see everyone, every day, joining in the practice with me.

A quality Yoga practice can either prepare you to feel strong and mobile during your next adventure or help you to recover mindfully. The focus upon breathing and development of mindfulness offers opportunities to slow down, observe yourself, notice how you feel, and make decisions about how to approach your next run, hike, bike, ski, swim, etc. differently.

There are specific positions, stretches and even mindful focuses that can help you to get into the mindset for any adventure and to help you reset after a day of outdoor play. Adding in a hot bath, some time in the jacuzzi or sauna and a lot of water is the perfect end to a fabulous Summer Day.

Jenay Aiksnoras, B.S. Psychology, M.S. Counseling, ERYT500 has owned Lake Tahoe Yoga LTD since 2008. She has been guiding Yoga practitioners since 2005. She developed and practices a unique therapeutic Yoga technique called Realignment Coaching that brings together the practices of Yoga, Ayruveda and Counseling. She has guided practitioners to prevent injury and heal from many physical and mental health needs.