Page 10 of Changed By You
Alice follows in silence. She doesn’t seem to have Farrah’s enthusiasm for yoga. And JP is fucking obnoxious, vocally exhaling and making sure every movement is perfect.
I’ve got nothing against yoga--I do it several times a week. But that’s because our team trainer makes us do it. Yoga with beautiful women, though, is much better than yoga with my teammates. Dane farts at least three times in every session.
“Dancer pose,” Farrah murmurs.
She bends a knee behind her and turns toward it, grabbing her foot with her hand and bringing it up. My brows shoot up as I watch her move her foot above her head, holding it with both hands as she pushes her chest forward in a deep stretch.
“Alice will show you the modification,” Farrah says in a tranquil tone.
Alice is bent forward, her leg out behind her. She puts her arms out, trying to balance, but flails and puts a hand down to the sand. She groans, frustrated.
“Progress, not perfection,” Farrah says.
I look over at JP. He’s damn close to getting into the pose, but he can’t get his leg high enough. The strain is showing on his face, though he’s trying to make it look like it’s easy.
I’ve got the balance and core strength for this one. I get into the pose, feeling the deep stretch in my leg.
“Nice, Dalton,” Farrah says. “Let’s hold this one. Our bodies are so amazing, aren’t they? We need to take care of them. Give our bodies the nutrients and oxygen they need. No processed garbage in.”
Okay, that’s where I draw the line. I have to stay fit for my job, and I’d exercise even if I didn’t have to because I feel better when I do. But I also love pizza, candy bars and cheesesteak sandwiches.
“Are you vegan, Farrah?” JP asks.
“Pescatarian. But I don’t eat much fish. What about you?”
“I have to get in a lot of calories, but I mostly eat lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables.”
“Are you pescatarian, too, Alice?” I ask.
“Me?” She laughs and a little snort comes out. “No.”
“But I’m working on her!” Farrah grins in Alice’s direction.
Alice shakes her head. “I’ll never give up bacon. Or chai tea lattes. Or pepperoni pizza.”
“I could go for some pepperoni pizza,” I say.
Farrah gasps. “Oh my God, stop it. Do you know how horrible pepperoni is? It has nitrates, high sodium and high saturated fats.” She doesn’t allow anyone a chance to respond before moving on. “Let’s get into peacock pose. It’ll be harder in the sand, but we can still do it.”
Alice lets out a sigh that’s almost inaudible. She just gets into a low plank, not even attempting peacock pose.
I know this one, and it’s hard as hell to hold. It’s similar to a handstand, but your forearms are on the ground and your body is at an angle instead of straight up.
JP admires Farrah as she gets into the pose, an appreciative smile tilting up the corners of his mouth. She has an amazing body, but I’m not openly ogling her the way he is.
I’m getting into peacock pose. I start in a low plank, then use my core to lift my lower body. My hands sink into the sand and I have to push myself up farther to keep my face out of the sand.
“Damn,” JP mumbles. “This is no joke.”
“You got it?” Farrah asks him.
“Yeah.” His voice strains and he makes a spitting sound. “There’s sand in my mouth, though.”
“It’s worth it! Our bodies were made for greatness. We’re capable of so much more than we realize.”
My glutes burn with the strain of holding peacock pose. Damn, I’m going to be sore after this. I’ve been taking it easy in the offseason, just doing a light run several days a week.
“Alice, try!” Farrah says.
