I.Have.Been.Leveled.
In every possible way.
If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know about my obsession with the Dave Farmar podcasts available for free (!!) on itunes. I’ve been doing them in my living room for about three years now and they are a huge reason in why I’ve fallen completely in love with Baptiste Power Vinyasa (and out of love with the gym).
Okay fine. I’ll just say it. I’ve been a total Dave groupie for years. I knew he had a dog named Lulu. I knew he just got married. I even knew his favorite baseball team. I feel like we’ve been through a lot together, you know? Despite the minor detail that he had no idea who I was.
So when Anna told me he was actually coming (in person!) to my home studio, I completely flipped out. I could pay for the man who hurts me so much at home in my living room to actually hurt me live in person???!?!?! I’m in.
The class started innocently enough. Lots of downward facing dogs, forward bends and chaturungas. Since I had technically been practicing “with” Dave for years, I kinda sorta knew what to expect and anticipated the five minutes warrior two and crow jump-backs. However, somewhere between my 67th chaturunga and my 100th child’s pose, I felt myself completely come undone with the intense urge to run and puke. By the end, I could barely lift my leg and finally, 90 minutes later, passed out in a pool of my own sweat.
But I’ll tell you this: nothing feels more amazing than when you are literally reduced to sweat and tears (and yes, I actually cried in savasana).
Okay, I take that back. Eating chocolate cake feels more amazing. Who do you think I am, anyway?
I’ll definitely say it was a wonderful experience. I got to chat with Dave after class and didn’t stammer, trip or fall on my face. Without sounding like a total cheese noodle ball, I can honestly tell you his classes and Baptiste Power Vinyasa have made such a huge difference on my entire life, on and off the mat. I’m even considering going further with my practice and taking one of Baron’s Bootcamps in the fall. Who am I? I don’t even know anymore.
Dave taped our class today and will be putting it up on itunes sometime soon (I’ll let you know when), so you guys can listen and do it at home!
But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I need cake. Stat.
Baking 'n' Books
January 16, 2011 at 2:03 pmWhat an experience! So Dave follows Baron Baptiste programs? I don’t really know the difference between the two so excuse my ignorance!
I’m also impressed by anyone who can do Crowe! Eeps 🙂 Man, I really should get and try doing some yoga every now and then…
Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing!
January 16, 2011 at 2:04 pmWhat an amazing, humbling experience this sounds like. I’m so happy you got to meet him in-person and actually take a class with him. I’m very interested in learning more, so I’m about to check him out! I hope you have a wonderful day.
Nora@LifeLifeEatRight
January 16, 2011 at 2:06 pmAH!!! I can’t wait to see the video! This looks like such a ‘pinch me’ experience thank you for sharing! I’ve been doing Vinyasa for the past two weeks and it has changed my outlook on life. I always enjoy reading your yoga experience posts! Eat cake and celebrate! Happy Sunday, Nora
abra
January 16, 2011 at 2:15 pmlmaooo! you have the most epic way of explaining things, it always has me laughing XD soo happy for you that you got to have this dream come true, sounds like an amazing experience! 🙂
Kara
January 16, 2011 at 2:15 pmThat is so, so cool! I’m jealous!
laine
January 16, 2011 at 2:18 pmI had a yoga teacher last year whose class used to make me cry in Savasana. There’s nothing like it.
Stacy @ Every Little Thing
January 16, 2011 at 2:23 pmI am starting his podcasts this week! I’m excited, nervous, and scared 🙂 Such a lucky experience you got!
Meesh
January 16, 2011 at 2:30 pmWow, you make me want to fall in yoga the same way you have! I’ve only taken a few classes but I was looking for a way to practice at home and now I am going to check out those podcasts!
Elizabeth@The Sweet Life
January 16, 2011 at 2:36 pmCongrats on getting to meet one of your idols! What a neat experience.
jen @ taste life
January 16, 2011 at 2:37 pmHow amazing, Jenna! I’m so excited for you, and so glad you got to talk to him and didn’t stammer or anything 🙂
Lacey
January 16, 2011 at 2:37 pmThat is so cool! I thought the only people who cried and puked while working out were the Biggest Loser contestants 😉
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
January 16, 2011 at 2:38 pmThat’s awesome!! I wanna do a yoga bootcamp too…
Lauren
January 16, 2011 at 2:42 pmThis is so cool! I have yet to make it through his podcasts without dropping to child’s pose a few times or shaking in standing warriors. His podcasts leave me so fulfilled though.
Katherine: Unemployed
January 16, 2011 at 2:47 pmyoga, cake, always happy endings
Camille
January 16, 2011 at 2:48 pmThat’s totally cool! What an awesome experience!
Amanda @ JustAmandaJ
January 16, 2011 at 2:52 pmI know nothing about yoga really except hot yoga which I took like two classes of before I moved to a new state. Are his podcasts something anyone can try to do or should you be more seasoned? Since they’re free and I’m going to be having a newborn in March to take care of its something I can do from home without having to worry about child care, but like I said I’m a total beginner. Suggestions or help would be awesome! Thanks 🙂
stacey-healthylife
January 16, 2011 at 2:53 pmWow that sounds like it was amazing.
Marci
January 16, 2011 at 2:55 pmI love Baptiste style yoga too. It was the first style I learned and the best. Also love Dave farmar podcasts. So glad to hear he is just as awesome. And doing a Baron intensive sounds amazing too. I have heard great things about them. Doesnt he live in northern CA too?
Lisa@ Dishes of Mrs. Fish
January 16, 2011 at 2:58 pmWhat a neat experience! How cool!
Erin @ small things
January 16, 2011 at 2:58 pmI feel the same way about Seane Corn. I cry frequently at the *start!* of doing her dvd! So awesome you got to experience this!
Kath
January 16, 2011 at 3:18 pmSo exciting!!! I can’t wait to do that Podcast when it comes out.
I am still so sad that I have no Baptiste yoga in Cville. Heartbreaking.
Michelle
January 16, 2011 at 3:58 pmGet his podcasts, they’re all on i-tunes and/or check out yogadownload.com There’s HEAPS of power flow classes on that website, including daves and they come with pose guides which is awesome.
Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side
January 16, 2011 at 3:22 pmAh, that shweaty yoga puddle of goo feeling- how I miss it… I’ll definitely check those podcasts out! Good luck healing 🙂
Stephanie
January 16, 2011 at 3:22 pmWhat an amazing experience! I’m going to have to look into those podcasts!
Cara Craves...
January 16, 2011 at 3:27 pmMy word!
It sounds so intense…not too sure if I would have lasted the whole class.
But I guess when you are trying the impress someone else that would help.
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
January 16, 2011 at 3:33 pmThat’s how I felt at my first Bikram’s Yoga class.. oy
Sharon
January 16, 2011 at 3:34 pmWow. That sounds intense…I’ve never been into yoga that much but have been doing Pilates for 4 or 5 years now…I’d like to get back into doing that (been taking a bit of a break from it) and some yoga too. You look so tiny in that picture! All the yoga is obviously keeping you in great shape, gym or no gym.
Alycia [Fit n Fresh]
January 16, 2011 at 3:43 pmWow that is too cool!! How awesome for you!
Your next post better be a cake recipe 😉
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
January 16, 2011 at 3:50 pmI am so jealous! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. And I’m always looking for new yoga classes, so I’ll be checking out his clips. 😀
kristina @downhomeveggie
January 16, 2011 at 3:51 pmI love that you’ve been sharing your 40 days experience here. Sadly there is no Baptiste studio near VT so I haven’t been able to participate in one yet. I’m also thinking of a baptiste intensive. I’m more than likely doing the one in the Adirondacks in August.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
January 16, 2011 at 3:51 pmI love this post!!
I love that you shared so openly, Jenna, about your experience!! Both knowing Dave’s dogs name, crying in savasana (which is actually such a great release!) and that yoga has changed you on and OFF the mat…so much.
When I found yoga 11 yrs ago, I knew instantly that i HAD to become a teacher. So i flew to Costa Rica, lived in the jungle for 5 weeks and became certified. Yoga has changed each and every aspect of my life…the physical stuff, yes, of course, it’s fun to see what I can do.
But yoga has made me become a better partner, parent, and become more compassionate to everyone and sorry this is such a rambly comment but I can feel your raw energy and enthusiasm and gratitude for yoga…and it just inspires me…to ramble obvi 🙂
Do the Baron camp. I have a friend in San Fran who did it and loved it!
🙂
Imwaytoobusy
January 16, 2011 at 3:51 pmNothing beats meeting someone you’ve looked up to for years! What a great day 🙂
kalli@fitandfortysomething
January 16, 2011 at 3:54 pmoh Jenna what an awesome experience. i (like you) love Dave’s podcast and love that he also is available on yoga download. i feel so much stronger since i have started practicing with him. i too have pretty much quit running and now am addicted to his yoga. thanks for sharing and can’t wait to try the class you did once it is available on podcast.
Michelle
January 16, 2011 at 3:56 pmI did one of his 60 minute ‘beginner’ podcasts. I put my knees down for almost all of the chaturungas and only made it 40 minutes, then did the cool down. I had sweat going everywhere, dripping, sliding, pooling, everywhere. i was soaked. and I hurt the next day, hurt like a mother.
and I’ll do it again. I just love his style. I love what he says, he’s encouraging and real. it’s just really refreshing. I remember posed in a warrior one almost in tears, because of how proud I was for getting as far as I did.
enjoy jenna, i am jealous.
Luyi
January 16, 2011 at 4:09 pmYou look exceptionally skinny and pretty in that first picture.
J.
January 16, 2011 at 4:22 pmI’m without gym and running (or cardio of any kind!) for that matter, also.
I do try to do some meditation and light stretching…but wow…I really admire yoga people. I think in future when I am healthier and with increased motivation, I might try it out more (since cardio is kaput).
But, I don’t understand “Itunes”…I’m assuming this all the technical stuff that I have no idea about 🙂
It sounds great though and you guys look great. I’ll trade you this snow and bitter cold for a bit of that lovely lovely sun 🙂
Tracey
January 16, 2011 at 5:57 pmWow! I thought you were going to stop negative posts like this? Everyone knows your sick – maybe you should take care of yourself and find a support system of REAL people? I mean that with all sincerity for you. You need help. And why do you talk like a child?
Karen
January 17, 2011 at 11:02 amIt’s not necessary to be unkind. Why not simply ignore remarks that trouble you? Let’s be respectful of everyone.
JD
January 17, 2011 at 1:31 pmWith all due respect: if you suspect someone isn’t well, perhaps what is called for is a dose of compassion.
Kati @ Living Well
January 16, 2011 at 4:26 pmI am reallly wanting to get back into yoga! But to do that, I’ve got to get out from under this blanket 🙂 It’s hard to want to throw on yoga clothes when I’m so cold. Ridiculous excuse I know…
rachael (peace, kale, and yoga)
January 16, 2011 at 4:31 pmWhat an awesome experience! Love the title of this post 🙂
Allie
January 16, 2011 at 4:31 pmHi Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and just want to let you know that I really enjoy it. After following ELR, I have begun to switch up my gym routine with some yoga. I absolutely love it!!! I’m thinking about starting my own blog, but haven’t gotten the courage to yet. Just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’. 😉
p.s. my birthday is your blog-iversary! weird.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss
January 16, 2011 at 4:38 pmSounds like an amazing class! During training, we were wanred about everything that can happen during savasana..and some of them were really ridiculous. She told us of someone who started bawling and screaming because so many emotions rushed over her. I’ve never gotten to the point of crying, but if you do..it definitely means it was a great class.
Amy
January 16, 2011 at 4:39 pmthis. is. awesome. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome. I’m soo happy that you got to practice with him!
I looove Dave Farmar podcasts and I can’t wait for the one he taped at yo studio to come out!
rebecca lustig
January 16, 2011 at 4:40 pmahh that must have been so exciting!! i feel like i’d be a total mess meeting a celebrity/idol/mentor/whatever you want to call him!!
Mom
January 16, 2011 at 4:43 pmPlease send Dave to Savannah Yoga!!!
Nancy~The Wife of a Dairyman
January 16, 2011 at 4:46 pmSo great to meet someone you’ve looked up to for so many years in person! Did you begin your yoga in a studio or at home with the podcasts?
Emily
January 16, 2011 at 4:59 pmI am truly envious of your love of Baptiste Power yoga. I feel like I always crumble from the heat and intensity of that class! Happy you got to reduced to tears by your idol 🙂
Monique
January 16, 2011 at 5:08 pmThis is awesome!! 🙂 Glad you finally got to meet and practice with him!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
January 16, 2011 at 5:17 pmOkay you had me at free iTunes podcasts! I cried during savasana yesterday too – I don’t think it’s too uncommon to tear up at the end of a yoga class! Or, I’m telling myself that so I don’t feel like such a baby. I’m not too far into my practice of yoga, but I can definitely tell it’s helping me in and out as a person!
Paige @ Running Around Normal
January 16, 2011 at 5:23 pmomg how fun!!! I’d be scared if he ever taught a yoga class at my studio – I curse at him so much during his podcasts and wouldn’t want to offend him! hehe
luce goods
January 16, 2011 at 5:30 pmdude, that class literally destroyed me! i saw stars….more than once.
chelsie
January 16, 2011 at 5:36 pmI’ve cried during savasana, but I cry during church and at hallmark commercials. What can I say, I can be the emotional type. Regardless, you aren’t alone.
Any advice on starting and sticking to a home practice? I can’t afford a yoga studio, and yet my yoga mat and blocks seem to be collecting dust in the corner.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
January 16, 2011 at 5:46 pmOh, I’m so happy for you. There are few things more exciting in life than finally meeting someone who has helped change your life from afar. Fantastic!!!
jessica
January 16, 2011 at 5:49 pmThat is sooo exciting! I’ve been meaning to check out his podcasts for a while now. As a yoga instructor I firmly believe in the power of yoga and I’m so happy that it’s made a difference in your life! And BTW, I’ve totally cried during yoga. Sometimes you get in a groove and find ways to release emotions you didn’t even know were there.
sofia
January 16, 2011 at 5:59 pmso totally awesome. it’s great to SEE someone in real life after listening for so long! very cool 🙂
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
January 16, 2011 at 6:03 pmVery cool! I have done his podcasts a few times and they are INTENSE. They always leave me sore and dripping in sweat. That’s so awesome you got to take a LIVE class!
Chelsea @ OmTown Girl
January 16, 2011 at 6:43 pmHi Jenna! Yes, you should absolutely do a bootcamp with Baron! I’ve been to 2 and they have absolutely changed my life in every way. So much that I plan to open a Baptiste style yoga studio in the Tulsa area this year! Get ready Tulsa!!
Peace,
Chelsea
Laura
January 16, 2011 at 7:04 pmJenna, I am sooo incredibly HAPPY and ENVIOUS of your experience today!!! I’ve done tons of Dave’s podcasts over the years as well and I can only imagine how taking one of his classes in person is. I’m so thrilled you were able to experience this! Do you know how you can request for him to come to a certain city??
Virginia
January 16, 2011 at 7:28 pmI am looking forward to doing my yoga teacher training in the summer and I am so envious of your experience to do yoga with someone as knowledgable as Dave Farmer. How cool!!!
P.S. I just made your flourless chocolate cakes with buttercream frosting… All I can say is !!!!!!!!!! I have already eaten three of them today!
Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland
January 16, 2011 at 7:29 pmWhat an amazing experience! I love Dave Farmar and I am super duper jealous you not only got to meet him but take one of his classes! 🙂
Maria
January 16, 2011 at 7:30 pmIt sounds like you had a great, albeit sweaty, time!
foodandfarm
January 16, 2011 at 7:39 pmHow wonderful. Do you think dave eats cake? Seiously?
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
January 16, 2011 at 7:40 pmHow exciting!!!! Gah that must’ve been so surreal to meet him!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
January 16, 2011 at 7:44 pmthat’s so awesome to meet someone you so admire…i get to meet my equivalent (Pioneer Woman in Denver!!!!) in a few weeks and i am so excited! 🙂
Toronto Girl West
January 16, 2011 at 8:29 pmI love everything about this post! 🙂
gina (fitnessista)
January 16, 2011 at 9:00 pmSO amazing that you got to me him and i’m so thankful that you introduced me to his podcasts 🙂
hope you had an amazing weekend!
Lola
January 16, 2011 at 10:52 pmHow exciting!!!!! I’ve only started my “yoga journey” and my teacher follows the Iyengar method! I’ll try to download some of Dave’s podcasts. Does he have anything for newbies? hehe
I love your blog Jenna!!! 🙂
xoxo
Lola
P.S. Post your pastel-picture?
Michelle
January 16, 2011 at 11:23 pmHow exciting! I’ve done lots of Dave’s podcasts, and he’s TOUGH. Sounds like it was one of those days you’ll never forget. 🙂 I want to get back into my yoga practice after reading this!
Mackenzie @ Whatever, Gatsby
January 17, 2011 at 4:27 amoh my lordy! this is fantastic. and my thighs still hurt from looking at his picture. this makes me want to get back into my own baptiste yoga regimen….where i did like half of each podcast…so i wouldn’t cry…. but they honestly did a lot for me too when i quit the gym as well! i always remember my heart skipping a beat whenever i got a new “clean” (itunes seems to think he’s explicit?! nooooo) baptiste yoga podcast in my itunes.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
January 17, 2011 at 4:33 amThat’s so awesome you got to do a class with him in person! I’ve only done one of his podcosts from yogadownload.com but I really enjoyed it! I’ll have to check out his free ones on iTunes! 😀
jenna
January 17, 2011 at 4:58 amhow cool!! what an amazing memory i’m sure you will treasure forever!
Christie @ Abundant Self Care
January 17, 2011 at 5:02 amThank you so much for sharing your experience about Dave. Yoga that makes you cry is the best. 😀
Jaime Ramsay
January 17, 2011 at 10:22 amSounds amazing! I don’t know who you are talking about or what type of yoga you were doing {my yoga vocabulary reaches words like ‘downward facing dog’ and ‘salute to the sun’ and that’s about it! But you want to make me know, because you sound so excited!
zoe (and the beatles)
January 17, 2011 at 10:51 amjealous! yoga is so seriously life changing. i’m so happy you found yoga and discovered its life altering power, jenna! it’s so cool seeing someone so inspired 🙂 good luck with the boot camp if you choose to enroll!!!!
kate
January 17, 2011 at 10:58 amI love hearing about when yoga transforms peoples lives. When its happened for you, you just want to share that with everyone you know!
sarah
January 17, 2011 at 4:11 pmWell shoot…he teaches just down the street from me! I’m often too much of a pounding-jumping-aerobics-intervals (I’m a group fitness instructor) to enjoy yoga but your testimonial has convinced me to give it a shot.
Sarah Louise
January 17, 2011 at 10:52 pmWOW! Amazing! I’ve been following your blog for a while…and all your yoga talk has inspired me to try it out as well, and I have to say I think I’m falling in love 🙂 I love that it not only makes my muscles burn, but yet calm me at the same time. It is the best stress reliever. My mind and body always feel so strong and refreshed afterwards. Thanks for inspiring me!
Martha Lilian
January 18, 2011 at 8:36 amWow! After this rave review, I cannot wait to try out the podcasts. I’ve been looking for a yoga practice that I can do at home so this sounds wonderful.
Alexandra
January 18, 2011 at 9:15 amPlease please.. where did you get your headband? I have been looking for a wide headband like that for ages. PLEASE TELLLL ME. I’m desperate.
Alexandra
January 25, 2011 at 12:01 pmplease? headband? where?
jenna
January 25, 2011 at 12:09 pmyogi-toes!
Alexandra
February 8, 2011 at 1:00 pmthank you! i could hug you!