Yoga

thoughts from the mat

All my bags are packed I’m ready to go….I’m leavin’ on a jet plane…don’t know when I’ll be back again….

just kidding! I’m coming back Wednesday night. I could never leave you guys forever.

For those of you that don’t know, I’m going to the Baron Baptiste Power Immersion at the Yoga Journal Conference in Colorado next week. This isn’t a “blog trip” or a paid-for company endorsement. This is me spending my own money to go get my butt thoroughly kicked by Baron along with 500 other yogis from around the country. I’ve never done anything like this before (did I really give up my free ACL ticket?) but am nervously excited. I haven’t mentioned it on the blog at all, but I’m thinking about getting my teacher certification this Spring so this trip is for me to really test out the waters.

Over the past couple years I’ve fallen desperately in love with Baptiste Power Yoga. I’ve been practicing yoga for eight years now and have done pretty much every style under the sun—and Baptiste Yoga just makes the most sense to me. The flow of the postures, the emphasis on alignment and the intense sweat that goes along with the Baptiste style has me hooked. It’s also the style of yoga that I feel most comfortable practicing (and maybe teaching someday!) as a Christian.

I mentioned last year that I quit the gym for good and I did! Finding this style of power yoga has completely changed my outlook on health and fitness. Now, I practice 4-5 times a week and relish every sweaty second of it. I’ve given up the treadmill for sun salutations and the free weights for handstands. It just works for me.

That all being said, I feel like the past two years have really brought me to the point of actually wanting to pay a ridiculous amount of money to deepen my practice, which is why I’m going to the Baptiste Power Flow. You can see the schedule online, but basically I’ll be in a 4-hour class with Baron in the morning followed by a “Breakout Session” (aka another butt kicking class) in the afternoon. Three vegan meals a day are provided by the YMCA. I think it will be a great time for growth, journaling and self reflection.

To battle the altitude and the heated classes, I’m bringing plenty of these:

And have already downloaded a new book on Kindle based on your recommendations!

I can’t wait to share my experience with you guys when I get home and have a fun lineup of surprises set for you while I’m gone.

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  • ashley
    September 15, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Very cool Jenna! Congrats! I hope you do become an instructor! And vegan already!

  • Lisa @ Life in Green
    September 15, 2011 at 11:38 am

    So.darn.jealous. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

  • Cait's Plate
    September 15, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Have the BEST time!!

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine
    September 15, 2011 at 11:44 am

    That’s wonderful, Jenna. Enjoy! Can’t wait to hear about it!

  • Carley
    September 15, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I try to tell myself to do yoga, but I just can’t make myself do it. Too distracted and I guess just lazy and unmotivated. Honestly, I am lucky if I can force (force) myself to do 10 minutes 3 times/week. Not much. I think yoga would be good for me (I got in an accident 2 years ago and cannot do any other forms of exercise at all), but I just can’t seem to get into that head-space.

    Have a good time. I’d never be able to do vegan meals all day every day. GOod luck!

  • Shayla @ The Good Life
    September 15, 2011 at 11:48 am

    That’s so awesome! Can’t wait to hear all about your recap! šŸ™‚

  • Shelley@MileHighHealthy
    September 15, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Enjoy! I live in Denver and the weather has been getting chilly lately but it should be beautiful this weekend. Perfect timing for a Colorado visit.

    • Sarah
      September 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm

      I agree, it’s gorgeous in CO right now, loving the cooler temps!!

  • Jessie
    September 15, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Have fun!!! Can’t wait to read more about your experience!

  • B n B
    September 15, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I think we all go have our own paths and life is really just a bunch of experiences – so enjoy! I did a yoga teacher training 2 years ago and have mixed feelings. I don’t teach now (I need a full-time paycheck), and at times I wish I would have pursued it more and gave it an honest effort. But, I’m not sure how much yoga really is “me” either. I go through phases – and I’m not a typical hand-standing yogi by any length of the imagination! But I don’t think you have to be really good to be a teacher – hat’s not the point. I think the key is really finding a style you like – which you seem to have done!! Good for you.

    What do you mean by this style “suits you as a Christian” though? Do you feel other styles get too ‘spiritual’ – it’s been a turn-off for me in the past. Do you still run a few times a week outdoors?

  • Neha
    September 15, 2011 at 11:59 am

    Hey! What are those facial cleansing pads?? I have been looking for a good one, and that picture says it has tea tree oil? I love tea tree oil on my face and would love to try this brand!
    All your other packing goodies look good too!! Could you list it out?

    Thanks!!
    Have a great trip!!

    • Ashley Lewis
      September 15, 2011 at 5:17 pm

      They sell those face pads at Trader Joes. I’ve seen them before.

    • lindsay
      September 16, 2011 at 6:06 pm

      I wouldn’t recommend those. Maybe it’s just me, but the alcohol in them stings my face way tooooo much and I don’t even consider myself to have sensitive skin!

  • Liz
    September 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    very cool Jenna! Can’t wait to hear about it upon your return! I have two questions…I’m curious what makes Baptiste more compatible with Christianity versus other forms ? Also, since you quit the gym and started doing yoga more intensely, have seen any loss in endurance/strength? I’m just curious because I’m running a marathon in a month or so, but after that I am planning on using my running as cross training for my yoga, versus the way it is now where my yoga supplements my running. I want yoga to be my focus, but I’m interested in how it will impact my fitness level! Have a great time!

    • jenna
      September 15, 2011 at 12:14 pm

      I think it’s a personal conviction one has about whether something in their life is keeping them from God and some styles of yoga are more rooted in other faiths than others. I’ve just found baptiste to be the best for me personally and my relationship with God. And in terms of strength, maybe? I really don’t know. If you’re asking if I’ve gained or lost weight, I haven’t….but I haven’t tried to compete in a push-up competition either so who knows. I’m not looking to train for any endurance or strength events in the near future and this is just what works for me personally. baptiste yoga is very strong and athletic though, i must say!

      • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
        September 16, 2011 at 7:32 am

        I really love your answer to this question about finding a yoga style that fits well with your relationship with God. So well put šŸ˜‰ xo

    • kate
      September 15, 2011 at 4:35 pm

      Liz, yoga on its on provides a lot of opportunity for strength & endurance but you have to seek it out to a certain level. Having a well rounded practice definitely leaves you supporting your own weight and doing cardio (vinyasas) but I know myself & fellow teachers advocate additional cardio for those seeking it. A well rounded practice is balancing to the body so it would cover all the bases.

      • Liz
        September 15, 2011 at 7:58 pm

        Thanks Jenna – both answers make sense. I know that Baptiste is definitely a good workout – so I have no doubt I’d be strong and healthy if that was my only workout routine – just depends on my goals!

        Thanks Kate! Have you heard of hiking yoga? It started in SF but they have spread all over the place! It’s an hour and a half urban hike and you stop every half hour and do ten minutes of yoga poses. It’s an incredible workout (the instructors walk fast!), a great way to meet people and see a city, and it’s great to do yoga in a different environment. Seems like the best of both worlds!

  • marci
    September 15, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Baptiste style was the first yoga I learned, still my favorite. Can’t wait to hear about the conference, I read Baron’s books and used to be so fascinated by his style. And Colorado in September should be so wonderful!

  • Samantha
    September 15, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    have fun! I think you would make a fabulous yoga teacher you sure do love it enough!

  • Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
    September 15, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Awesome! Have a great time šŸ˜€ I’ll be cooking some of your beastly recipes while you’re gone

  • Kristina
    September 15, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    I can’t wait to hear about it! I did a 100 Hour Anusara Immersion this winter and it blew my mind – and my body but in a good way – and basically changed my life (and I do NOT say that lightly!). Have tons of fun.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances
    September 15, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    Very interesting! I’m certified in the Barkan style of yoga — honestly, the best decision I’ve ever, ever, ever made. I love teaching! Regarding the religious element you brought up: I feel like yoga is largely what you make it, and, of course, it was originally created to help practitioners align their spine so they could sit and meditate for hours in order to connect with the divine. We Westerners have definitely made the practice something else, but at its core, *I think* it really is all about making that connection with whoever/whatever your higher power is. All that to say… yoga is INCREDIBLE and life changing! Enjoy your time in Colorado and have so much fun deepening your practice! <3

    • Anne
      September 15, 2011 at 1:25 pm

      Right ! You can call it God if you want (the christian one or others), but at the end it is the power inside and out that you’re looking for in yoga, and that’s really universal, in a way.

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness
    September 15, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Hey lovely! I am so thrilled and excited for you, and cannot wait to hear all about your experience! I love love love Baptiste yoga too, Baron is an incredible, inspiring teacher, and it will be an absolutely amazing experience to learn from him first hand! Wow! <3 I completed a 500 hour teacher training in 2008 and it really did change my life, taught me so much, about myself and about yoga and yoga philosophy, and it was the most transformative experience. And teaching? So so so beautiful and rewarding, šŸ™‚ I never ever thought I would become a teacher but I was so excited by the practice that I couldn't help but share everything I'd learned on TT! Would love to train with Baron one day šŸ™‚ Have the best time, Jenna! xyx

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair
    September 15, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    I’ve recently started doing a baptiste style of hot yoga and I LOVE IT. I am doing my first advanced class on the 24th and I can’t wait.

    Enjoy your retreat and I can’t wait to hear about it!

  • Traci
    September 15, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    I take a Yogalates class 3 times a week & have really enjoyed it. I’ve never heard of Baptiste Yoga. I can’t wait to hear about your trip when you get back.

  • Alison (Fueling for Fitness)
    September 15, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Sounds like so much fun! Have a wonderful time and can’t wait to hear about it.

  • Caitlin @ Cake with Love
    September 15, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I really hope you have s great time, and just enjoy each second, each pose, live the moment and concentrate only on yourself, take time to reflect and to be concentrated only on your energy! You area great person!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    September 15, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I hope you have a wonderful time!!

  • Kristin Murdock
    September 15, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Have a great time, Jenna! And I can’t wait to hear what you thought of it all and if you decide to pursue being an instructor. I am right there with you and some others who have commented on struggling with the yoga/Christianity mix. I haven’t found a type of yoga I personally am comfortable with yet, so I’m anxious to hear what vibe you get from this conference! Definitely keep us posted.

  • Rachel (Alive in the Fire)
    September 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Ultima Replenisher is awesome! When I looked at this post, it made me feel right at home since I love that brand and the multivitamins you have — I take both šŸ™‚ It also reminded me of the reviews I did for Ultima on my blog a while bag:
    http://aliveinthefire.blogspot.com/2010/08/thirsty-win-some-ultima-replenisher.html

    Enjoy the yoga!
    Namaste,
    Rachel @ Alive in the Fire

  • Kim
    September 15, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    How fun!! If you’re ever looking for a post to write, I would love to see one about the different types of yoga. I’m kind of a rookie but so far I love it. I don’t know how one varies from the other though.

  • Ashley Lavin
    September 15, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    Oh wow, I can’t wait to hear all about it! I have just really started getting into yoga, and I love it!

  • Kait @ One Love Run
    September 15, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    How amazing! I hope one day to complete a teaching training program also, my practice isn’t quite there yet, but hopefully soon!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    September 15, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Jenna you are going to have the time of your life and no doubt, it will be a life-changing trip! I am certified at the 500 hour level and got my first 200 hour training certification in 2001 in Costa Rica and it changed my life, my life path, the outlook I have on life…just everything…for the positive. I cannot imagine my life without yoga; both on or off the mat. I think if for nothing else, you would LOVE to a 200 hr TT. If for nothing else than to deepen your own personal practice.

    Ironically yesterday, after about 8+ years of not seeing her, I met up with my very first yoga teacher. It was a magical meetup and I am posting about it in an hour or so. She hosts TT’s all over the world; Costa Rica, Guatemala, the US…if you would like her info, she is amazing!

    I am so glad you found a style of yoga that resonates with YOU!

    Congrats, Jenna! And enjoy your weekend in Estes Park!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    September 15, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    That sounds amazing, I hope you have a great time and can’t wait to hear all about it when you blog šŸ™‚

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    September 15, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Have fun! Can’t wait to hear the details šŸ™‚

  • Courtney
    September 15, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    This past May I attended the Yoga Journal Conference in NYC. It was an amazing experience. Have a blast!!!!

  • Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
    September 15, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Honestly, this sounds like such an amazing experience- I would love to attend something like that. I actually just re-read your “why i quit the gym” post, and it really resonated me. Lately my body has been a bit unhappy with me, and has made it oh so very clear that it’s tired of my running. I’ve just about come ot the point where I find myself asking why I do the whole gym workout so regularly if I seem to be hurting myself. Don’t get me wrong- I love being active and often thoroughly enjoy my sweaty workouts at the gym, but sometimes it seems like there should be other things I’m letting my body enjoy rather than walking 45 minutes on a treadmill just to fill like I’ve gotten my fitness for the day in, you know?

  • Jackie
    September 15, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    I’m sure you’ll have an amazing experience! I too love Baptiste Power Yoga. Wish I could be at the Immersion in CO too! I’m going to a 1 day one in Chicago in November that I’m excited about, so I really look forward to hearing about your experience!

    • Sandy
      September 15, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      I would love to hear about the Chicago one-day. I could get there for that? Can you post info?

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb
    September 15, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    very exciting, jenna! i just love, and have always loved, your outlook on health and fitness. i am also thinking about getting my power yoga teaching certification this winter… yoga is something i have become crazy passionate about.

    good luck with baron!

  • Leslie Means @ Her View From Home
    September 15, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Love yoga!! Have fun!

  • Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
    September 15, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Very exciting! Having gone through yoga teacher training, I can definitely attest to how much self-exploration and personal growth it entails – it can be kinda emotional at times but ultimately so rewarding. Also, I LOVE ultima replenisher – it was one of my advertising clients years ago and I love that it doesn’t have a lot of the junky ingredients other electrolyte drinks have. Yummers.

  • Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy
    September 15, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Enjoy your trip. I cannot wait to hear all about it!

  • Sara
    September 15, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I haven’t tried yoga in a long time. It’s not that I don’t like it but I never felt like I was doing it right. I think it’s Bikram taught at most gyms like 24 Hour Fitness and stuff so maybe I should try a specialized location for a bit and see what I come up with. I like the peaceful setting though, very relaxing.

    Have a wonderful trip while you are here in the beautiful State of Colorado! šŸ™‚

    • Jen
      September 15, 2011 at 6:07 pm

      Definitely try a studio versus a gym. Bikram is also a strict 26-posture type style that doesn’t deviate or add variety.

  • Chelsea
    September 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Hey Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog for years and I had a sneaking suspicion that one day you’d go for teacher training with Baron. I’ve been to Level 1 & 2 teacher training bootcamps and they have seriously changed my life for the better. There’s nothing like them. I can’t make it to the Immersion in Estes Park this year, but the Baptiste community is a small world, so who knows, maybe we’ll end up at a training together in the future! Fasten your seat belt, you are in for the ride of your life! (in a good way, of course!)

    Peace,
    Chelsea

  • Alexa @ Simple Eats
    September 15, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    So excited for you, have an awesome time!

  • Amanda
    September 15, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Have a fabulous time Jenna!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    September 15, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Whyyyy do I live in a city (ok big town) without a yoga studio? I don’t want to pay for a gym membership yoga class either. Come be my personal yoga instructor. We will take frequent trips to Chicago!

  • Sana
    September 15, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Have a blast, I hope you can explore CO as well!

  • katie @KatieDid
    September 15, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    Wow I’m excited to hear all about your trip. I’m sure it will be an eye opening experience for you and that’s so exciting to hear about your potential certification. I remember you mentioning it a long time ago but joking that it was too expensive. It’s great that yoga has become such a central part of your life that becoming certified is now a realistic option for you to do.

  • Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
    September 15, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I hope you start teaching! I bet you’d be the best teacher ever!

  • Sandy
    September 15, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    I have an knee injury from Physique 57 and now cannot do my daily power walk. Being without my favorite form of exercise is so demoralizing. I know you had some injuries when you first got to California. Did you lose any of your fitness level when you had to give up running for a while and now that you don’t do it at all?

  • mom
    September 15, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    You know that I will be in your pocket šŸ™‚

  • Anne P
    September 15, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    Jenna, I love this post!!! I’m so excited for you, this weekend is going to be amazing! I need somthing to get myself back on my mat! I used to practice several times a week and I felt amazing (it was a GREAT supplement to my running!!). Lately, however, I just can’t seem to get my butt in gear!!! I can’t wait to hear all about how it goes for you!!

    Also, I really loved what you said about Yoga and your Christianity too…sometimes I feel a bit conflicted when all the spiritual talking goes on in a class. I know that I am not going against my faith in Christ but I just feel a little funny sometimes. I shall have to focus in a bit more on Baptiste šŸ™‚

  • Jennifer
    September 15, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Enjoy! The YMCA is beautiful, you’ll love it. Of course, I am quite partial to my gorgeous state šŸ™‚

  • Katrina
    September 15, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    I need to think about giving up the gym too. This is a really inspiring idea!

  • cathy
    September 15, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    have a wonderful time, jenna! wow – this would be an amazing new experience!
    thanks for sharing your thoughts on why this yoga style works for you, and a bit about your yoga history. it all really interests me! can’t wait to hear more when you get back.

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    September 15, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Good for you! Enjoy your trip. We can’t wait to hear all about it when you come home.

  • Jane
    September 15, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    Have fun!! You mention a lot that you are a devout Christian. I have been reading your blog for a long time and respect the changes you have made. In fact, I think they’re great. I just wonder how you reconcile being such a devout Christian with living with your ex boyfriend. Is that just something that i learned as being wrong with all that Catholic indoctrination I’ve had my ENTIRE life?!? It probably is, just wondering šŸ™‚ My parents are not into living with others before marriage so it could just be my upbringing!!

    • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
      September 15, 2011 at 5:59 pm

      Does Jenna actually say, “devout Christian”? Probably not! Hahha, I’m a Christian (as are many of my friends) and we’d never call ourselves that šŸ™‚

      • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
        September 15, 2011 at 6:02 pm

        It’s a bit awkward that word “devout.” That’s all I meant.

        • Jane
          September 16, 2011 at 10:36 am

          Ha again must be all that Catholicism-the word devout is thrown around all the time. I can’t even imagine the pain you must’ve gone through. No one should ever have to

    • jenna
      September 15, 2011 at 9:02 pm

      I normally wouldn’t answer such a personal question like this in the comments, but feel the need to respond to you and clear things up if someone wasn’t sure of the situation. Here it is: the reason I “moved in” with my ex-boyfriend was because the week before, my brother was shot. I couldn’t stand to be in the house and share the same bathroom with his things still sitting on the counter like normal. I had nowhere to go and through my grief, stayed at Ryan’s house for a couple months. Nothing about that time in my life was normal or happy (my brother had just died!). Would I do it again? No! But sometimes things happen in life that are beyond our control and we deal with them the best way we know how. But…that being said, I really don’t think I needed to “explain” myself in any way, but since I’ve had that question before, there’s the answer.

      • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
        September 15, 2011 at 9:32 pm

        A kind response…I’d wondered if you’d bother.

        • M
          September 16, 2011 at 8:40 am

          Very open of you to reply with such a very personal answer
          of such a time of tragedy in your life-I admire your strength and
          courage Jenna.

  • Dana
    September 15, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    I can’t say that I’ve ever done Baptiste Yoga, but I’m certainly jealous of the yoga vacation and the Estes Park setting! I love love love your blog. I’m 21 and I just got my teacher certification in May. I practice Anusara but anything and everything is yoga. Have a wonderful time!

  • Kristin
    September 15, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I appreciate you mentioning your faith and how it connects to your yoga practice. I have recently begun to practice yoga more frequently and this is certainly something I have struggled with. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in that. I was wondering, what are some ways that you connect your faith to your yoga practice? Do you think on scriptures when you meditate, pray, etc?

  • Moni'sMeals
    September 15, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    super cool! I cant wait to hear more about it and I really respect your workout style. I think it is a great out look on fitness and health. šŸ™‚

    Breathe some fresh COLO air for me, I miss living there.

  • Jules
    September 15, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    I think this sounds amazing, and I think yoga is an incredible journey to incorporate into one’s life…but saying that, as a Christian, certain types of yoga can keep you from God? Really? Really? But yoga stems from Eastern cultures and faiths! You seem so hip and open minded, but a statement like that resonates as the opposite of what yoga is all about. I’m Christian too, but that’s not the God I know. There’s no yoga practice that can keep me from God; when I’m materialistic, or selfish, or dishonest, or negative…that’s what keeps me from God – not other faiths. It’s a big world, a beautiful world. Jesus would want us to learn about it, not fear it. Peace out.

    • Alexia (Dimple Snatcher)
      September 15, 2011 at 9:34 pm

      hmm, I like this response alot

    • ally@girlVFood
      September 16, 2011 at 10:53 am

      I have nothing against what Jenna said originally in her post (whatever gets you onto the mat, it’s getting you onto the mat and that’s the most important thing), but I practice Kripalu and Kundalini yoga and through that spiritual awakening into the divine, I have strengthened my faith. Not so much a faith that’s attached to any denomination, but faith in something bigger, something much greater than myself. I agree with you that no type of yoga should be designed to make a yogi/yogini feel it is taking them ‘away’ from the divine…if anything, yoga should be about connecting you directly to your personal divinity. If that makes sense. <3

      Jenna I am so jealous you're going to the Baptiste immersion, though! I say this a lot, but yoga saved my life. It's transcendental.

    • K
      September 16, 2011 at 6:36 pm

      THANK YOU for saying this, Jules!!! I believe this myself… and need to say something along these lines to my co-workers when they give me disapproving looks for enjoying yoga. (I work at a faith-based drug and alcohol recovery center. It’s great, but there’s a lot of judging and “holier than thou” attitudes floating around.)

  • jessica mckelvey
    September 15, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    love estes park…..worked at the Y for a summer. so beautiful! enjoy the mountains!

  • Khushboo
    September 15, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    Ah you’re going to have an awesome time- enjoy! Also it’s great you have found a workout that you love and suits your body! I am still a treadmill/free weights girl! šŸ˜€

  • Jaclyn
    September 15, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    Jealous! Looks amazing, really wishing I were there this weekend

    I practice yoga a LOT too, all the time..

    Bikram is actually going to be in Seatlte this weekend, seriously thinking of going !
    I am also intereted in getting teacher certified… looking forward to hearing your reflections from the conference

  • Amanda
    September 16, 2011 at 1:20 am

    Good for you Jenna! It will all be worth it.

    All that electrolyte beverage mix is a very good idea. Good grief do I love me a good sweat!

  • Samantha
    September 16, 2011 at 2:00 am

    I’ve been wondering for a long time when you would finally become a certified yoga teacher šŸ™‚ You would be great at it, I’m sure!

  • ami@dashofcurry.com
    September 16, 2011 at 2:10 am

    I hope you have a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to read about your weekend! Take care and have fun!

  • Gena
    September 16, 2011 at 3:08 am

    I finally found a studio in DC that I’m obsessed with: it’s heated vinyasa, and I use those same electrolytes after class. I love that you’re doing this trip and can’t wait to hear about it!

  • Kathy
    September 16, 2011 at 6:31 am

    I’m so glad you chose Bloodroot. One of my favorite books in 2010.

  • M
    September 16, 2011 at 8:37 am

    I love yoga and particularly Baptiste.
    I find it sad that there has to be thoughts of what is a more “Christian” yoga and
    what is not though to be honest.Because from what I have learned in yoga, yoga is about embracing ALL of humanity (whether Buddhist,Christian,athiest,Jewish,
    Muslim etc) and not exclude any.
    Of course I do think it is important that there is a nod to the roots,origin and history
    of yoga.
    I hope you will experience many types of yoga in your lifetime Jenna and that
    you try many more beyond Baptiste .
    I do think you will be a wonderful yoga teacher and also hope it won’t be geared only to practising Christians as I think you have much to offer everyone šŸ™‚

    Have a wonderful workshop!

  • Gina (Yogattude)
    September 16, 2011 at 9:30 am

    OH wow, I am so excited for you!!! Get ready to be inspired! I got my teaching certificate for Baptiste from a studio here. In fact, my teacher/leader/most amazing person I know Michel will be teaching with Baron at the conference. You must meet her, she inspires me with every class she teaches:)Everyone I know who comes back from a weekend with Baron is glowing, excited and so alive! I can’t wait to hear about your experience!

  • Tatyana
    September 16, 2011 at 9:52 am

    I wish I took advantage of these yoga conferences in Colorado while I lived there. Have fun and drink a beer, it always tastes better in the mountains!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian)
    September 16, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Ooooh, so excited for you. I have been on and off yoga for a while now, but every time I do it, I LOVE it. I love the flow and the feel of my muscles stretching and the flexibility I gain. I just feel all around at peace afterwards. šŸ™‚ I really should practice more. Hope you have a wonderful time out there and I would love to hear about your adventure!

    P.S. I would totally drive up from San Jo to take yoga class from you if you were teaching šŸ˜€

  • Ashley
    September 16, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    How exciting Jenna! This sounds like an amazing opportunity. I hope you have a great time! Are you going to be blogging while you’re there? If not, just make sure you come back and tell us all how it went. Have fun, be safe, sweat it all out! šŸ˜€

  • Malia @ Life is Good Girl
    September 16, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    That’s sounds amazing! I wanna come with you! I’ve never heard of that style of yoga. I’m gonna have to look into it. I’ve also contemplated a teacher certification. But then I talked myself out of it. But now you got me thinkin about it again.

  • Jessica
    September 17, 2011 at 10:58 am

    I would love to try Baptiste Yoga but unfortunately there are not any studios or classes in my area. Do you recommend any DVDs that I could try? I am also a Christian so I love that you mentioned being comfortable practicing this type of yoga. Enjoy your conference. Iā€™m a little jealous…Iā€™m not gonna lie šŸ˜‰

  • Kiah
    September 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    This sounds like a blast! Make sure to let us know how it goes.