Yoga

I responded to everyone of you that commented on my last post, but since I don't know if you all ever see those I thought I would address the topic more completely and answer some questions here in a separate blog post. 

I can't believe I'm writing a blog post about yoga of all things! First let me state right from the start that I am in no way an expert...as I matter of fact, I know very little on the subject -I don't even know most of the positions by name beyond the down-ward dog, the child pose and the triangle pose. But since there seems to be an interest among my friends here, I am going to just tell you what I do know. 

For me it all started when I took my one and only yoga class. The owner of our local Curves contacted a guy to come in and work with those of us who were interested. It was very non-threatening  and since I was the youngest of the women there, he took his time, teaching us proper breathing and some of the simpler positions. He was very watchful we did it correctly so we didn't injure ourselves. I had a wonderful experience and it was a great introduction. Since then I have tried some DVD's, but as I stated yesterday, I don't know the positions well enough to just go by what the instructor is saying and once in a position I often cannot see the TV to see what to do next. I also move quite slowly and most of the DVD's move fluidly from one position to the next often with a jump that I am not yet ready to do, so I have a difficult time keeping up. That's why I like to use my book, I can get in and out of the positions at my leisure and hold them as long as I am comfortable. 

A good share of the positions I cannot do completely because of my lack of flexibility and I won't be doing headstands or any of the more advanced positions anytime soon, but I do hope to improve. For this reason I say to Linda, don't dismiss yoga to quickly. It is true I have no knowledge of your health or physical abilities, but I would encourage you to at least do some research and look into the possibility of trying some of the simple positions and see what you think. Here is a link where you'll find some video clips of some simple moves: Well-Grounded.

Yoga helps me focus my mind which is a good stress reliever. I have to think about getting in and out of each position and focus on the stretch and the breathing. It also aids in flexibility, balance, strengthening and toning. There are some types of yoga that are also good for cardio, but I haven't been successful with those yet. It also helps me focus on proper breathing...none of us breathe as we should and I find this helps remind me to check on my breathing throughout the day.

Carol brought up a very important point, one which, I also got to thinking about after posting my last entry. I have mentioned yoga in Christian circles in the past and have gotten at the very least, raised eyebrows! I don't want to lead anyone astray here and I want to make it perfectly clear, I DO NOT practice any of the chanting and Eastern meditation practices that is associated  with yoga. If you should look into taking a class, be sure to check out the instructor first and make sure there is none of that included in the class. It can however be a good time to spend in prayer. 

I just finished watching Castle while I did my work-out on the stationary bike....45 minutes.  I'm giving myself until June 6th which is the student recital...I want to see a significant change by then and hopefully be back in last summers clothes. I weighed this morning...15 pounds heavier than I was a year ago. I'm trying to brace myself for that to go up before it goes down as I add muscle mass. I'm planning another yoga session for tonight after supper. Call me crazy, but after only one day I am already noticing an improvement in my posture and I can feel my abs tightening. I carry all my weight in my mid-section, so this is encouraging.

Now, let me leave you with this for inspiration. I posted this somewhere...I don't know if it was my Google+ or my Facebook, but I can't find it so I want to post it here as well. I have watched this several times...it is one of the most inspirational videos I have ever seen. Whether you choose to practice yoga or not, please take the time to watch this because he will inspire you to not give up on whatever it is you find impossible in your life. Watch the first one first, it will touch you the most, then if you want more information on this incredible man, check out the extended version second. Enjoy!!

Extended version: