Early Morning Class Progression

Shortly after finishing yoga teacher training last summer, I began leading a Hot 26 class. I taught a 5:30 a.m. class on Fridays – the same time slot I took as a student. This class was a priority for me. Eventually, I took on two time slots, 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Aside from needing to go to sleep early the night before, I enjoyed teaching the class. I gained more confidence over time. I got to know a great group of students who worked hard and did their best each time they came.

Early Morning Class vs. Sleep

However, there was another aspect of my life that was suffering as a result, and that was sleep. Teaching early meant I needed to go to bed early.

This wouldn’t be a big deal usually, except that I’ve been training for a long-distance race. This means running, strength work, yoga, eating balanced meals, and adequate sleep. If I didn’t get enough sleep it would carry over in making decisions on what I did for training. At the end of March, I let go of teaching 5:30 a.m. Hot 26 classes. It was bittersweet to let this go. But I know it’s made a difference, and it’s been nice to going back to being a student only at my neighborhood studio.

Peace,
Shuva