You’ve shelled out your money for your ticket to Wanderlust, and just like a kid in a candy shop, you’re a bit overzealous in signing up for all those fabulous-sounding classes. Wanderlust boasts some of the best yoga teachers in the country and they are going to give you a run for your money.
Here’s a word of caution: pace yourself.
If you are in fighting shape and can handle three strenuous classes or activities in a day, then so be it. But not everyone has been practicing yoga regularly before arriving at Wanderlust. Many have traveled from a lower elevation, which can contribute to quicker fatigue.
Try these things to prevent the ever-popular crash-and-burn:
- Start out limiting yourself to two strenuous classes a day—preferably one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If this schedule can’t work, then start with an early morning class followed by a late morning class. This will give your body some time to recover between classes. If you start by doing too many strenuous classes right away, chances are you will likely end up sore and uncomfortable, thus hindering your ability to practice the following days.
- Listen to your body. When you’re tired, forget about your ego and do Chaturanga with knees down and utilize child’s pose. This will also help you conserve your energy for additional classes later on.
- Keep your blood sugar level constant with several small, healthy snacks throughout the day. Stop for lunch, relax, and smell the roses. And most importantly, keep yourself adequately hydrated with water to avoid those insidious headaches that can hamper your otherwise blissful state. Wanderlust booths offer plenty of food and drink samples for you to partake in.
- Intersperse your schedule with non-athletic classes like talks and meditation, and perhaps a little chill time at the pool. Don’t forget to slather that sunscreen on if your classes are out in the open air and/or you are spending a bit of time walking around and shopping at all the wonderful booths. It is much easier to get sunburned at higher altitudes, because there is less of the earth’s atmosphere to block the sunlight. UV exposure increases about 4% for every 1000 foot gain in elevation.
Most importantly: just have fun!
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Vicki has lived in the North Tahoe area for over 30 years. She penned a weekly social column for 17 years celebrating life in North Tahoe. She enjoys staying fit with yoga, XC and downhill skiing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking. A self professed “foodie” she is an avid gourmet cook, who entertains friends often.