Metro Motion

A couple of evenings a week I ride the Metro train from Silver Spring to Takoma Park after work to go to a yoga class.  It's still during the rush hour, so the trains are close together, and nearly empty out on the end of the line as they head back into downtown D.C.

I hopped on the train today and decided to make the several minute trip a balance exercise.  I settled into a comfortable stance, feet a little wider than hips, knees slightly bent -- a position from which I could move in all directions in response to the motion of the train.

I put my awareness at my solar plexus and let my body respond to the motion without trying to anticipate a particular motion or consciously control my body.  I was actively working the whole time, there's a surprising amount of bumping around as the car moves down the rails, through switches and around a bend or two, in addition to the acceleration and braking forces at the ends of the trip.

The effect was quite energizing, as my core and leg muscles were put through a good workout, responding to a variety of forces from different directions.  It was also very clearing and focusing mentally, and I brought that energy and focus to the yoga mat for an intense practice.  I also sensed that the 2 or 3 other passengers on the car may have thought I was nuts.

Metro Motion - a quick and effective full body warmup!