I thought I would report a bit about my fitness goals that I shared at the beginning of the year. I think I mentioned that I was going to return to a yoga practice - hopefully a regular one. The yoga studio where I had attended classes before a few years ago seems too far from me now. So, I was on a hunt to find a closer place. And I found one. Luckily, they had a beginner's series of classes starting in January and I signed up. Now, I have practiced yoga before (don't you love that term - practice?) and found that I was able to participate more fully than I would have expected. Being away from it though, my hard earned semi-flexibility had deteriorated and last year, after not doing a good job at all of any kind of fitness, I felt distinctly creaky. Isn't it amazing how fast the body can backtrack in things like flexibility and stamina? One more reason to try to be a bit disciplined about movement.
I started my beginner's classes in January and will finish up this coming week. Boy, was I out of practice. But, gradually, I'm getting a tiny bit better. I don't know if any of you have tried yoga. I know for such a long time, I felt that it wasn't something that people who were, let's say "of generous portions" in body parts, could do. But, you can. Yoga is such a personal thing. I guess it's not for everybody, but it can be for "every body", no matter what the shape or size or age. For me, it can keep me from being so stiff and sore in the mornings. It can make it to where I don't wince when looking behind me as I reverse in the car. It can make my sleep better. And it can focus my mind, when my thoughts want to race around like some kind of gerbil on a wheel.
I know that many people can use streaming yoga classes or watch DVD's or just guide their own practice. For me, I seem to need the variety of a face-to-face class and teacher. Plus it makes me get out of my house and not just hibernate here, as I have a tendency to do. The social interaction is good for me - not too much interaction, but a little. And, again, it's good for me to practice the physical aspects and the mental aspects - the focus involved helps my mind to quiet and my body to balance, literally I mean.
So, I'm happy with my yoga practice for my body - generous in proportions though it is. And yes, those are my feet in the picture - goodness, I need a pedicure! Spring is coming and, in Texas, pretty feet are all the rage. Good luck in whatever goals you have as to health and fitness. And again, remember, Spring Is Coming!
My daughter has been after me for years to give yoga a try! Your post is very encouraging :)
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, try it, you'll like it! LOL (remember the Mikey commercial?)
DeleteGood for you, Kay! I need to work on my stretching and flexibility before I get back on my bike this spring. I only rode a few times last year, but hope to return to my routine of riding after work and longer rides on the weekend. I miss it and need to do something other than the occasional walk on the weekends. It would be so much easier if I could enjoy riding all year long...
ReplyDeleteNow, if you'd come to Texas, Les, that year round thing....I know. :-)
DeleteYeah, yeah. ;) Actually, some of our very good friends are leaving Lincoln and moving to your neck of the woods. This is the second couple to move to Austin area. We may just get down there yet!
DeleteHaha, yes, pretty feet are all the rage here aren't they? :) That's great that you have found a studio and class you enjoy Kay! I was practicing yoga a couple of years ago and notice that now that I don't do it I get impatient more often. I love yoga but I also can't seem to do it at home. I need to be in a class and unfortunately the place I went to is kind of pricey and not really close to my home. Hopefully I'll get back into it one day. I do love it.
ReplyDeleteDid you go to Yoga Yoga? I went to the Northwest studio for quite a while. But we are so far north, I just can't get there for the early classes. I found a studio in Round Rock and really like it. And, yes, it is a little pricey. Sigh.
DeleteHi Kay --- I am SO glad to reconnect with you once again :)
ReplyDeleteI have tried yoga twice before, but for some reason it is not a good fit for me (I think it is all those downward dogs - all then blodd flows to my brain and when I stand up straight I feel very light-headed and nauseous).
Last summer I started a walking routine that suits me much better. I tried to walk 3 brisk miles each morning and then log another two miles throughout the day. I felt GREAT!! Unfortunately I have not kept up with that schedule during these colder months...
We recently bought a treadmill, so now I have no excuse... just need to become disciplined once again.
Molly, I can understand and I know it's not something that everyone would enjoy. I never thought that I would, but there it is. I'm trying to also get walking included as another way of moving. I have a treadmill, but honestly, I don't like it. Just waiting for the cedar pollen to quit here so I can walk outside again.
DeleteI am thinking of trying a Sunday night yoga class - and I am not flexible at all, but feel like it would be a good way to start my week.
ReplyDeleteTina, I am not a flexible person either, but yoga will help with that. At least some. It's a relaxing thing though, if you can work it in. I know you are quite busy. :-)
DeleteI'm like you; I need a real class to inspire me. I've been going to a yoga class at the Y for the last three years. It's one of the highlights of my week. Helps in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoy your class, Deb. The Y is a good resource.
DeleteThe very first yoga class I took, I felt like I'd had a massage by the end of class Unfortunately, that never happened again! I keep meaning to start back up again, but it's one of those things I never seem to get around to. I'm okay with workout DVDs at home, but when it comes to yoga, I seem to need an in-class structure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day, Belle. I love the quiet time at the end of a yoga class.
DeleteI've just started back with my yoga practice, too! It's so cold here and I can't get out for my normal long walks while it's so bone-chilling cold. I had to go down on the floor for something, and getting up I thought, oh, that's not good. So if I'm going to be comfortable getting into the garden in spring, I thought, I know a way to get flexible again. I do enjoy yoga, and go through phases of doing it. I'm hoping - wanting! - to show myself I can do this regularly now. I love being more flexible and not aching when I get up in the morning. So I applaud you and completely understand what you are saying here :-) Good for going back to it, Kay :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan, and good luck to you too. Flexibility is a great thing.
DeleteI love it. I've been doing it since I got a book out of the library when I was 19. There's a woman who is a plus size model who has a yoga video - I think I've told you about it before. Megan Garcia. http://www.megayoga.com/ And then Peggy Cappy's yoga phrase is Yoga for Every Body. She's really great, too.
ReplyDeleteI used to have that video or DVD I think. I may have given it to the daughter. And I know that you have had a regular yoga practice for a really long time. It's a good thing, isn't it?
DeleteGood on you for getting back to it Kay! I think it'd be good for me, I should at least give it a go. In my younger day I used to be very flexible, now I feel quite stiff and tired every morning until I get up and get moving lol. Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteYou might try it. It does seem to help everyone at least some with flexibility and relaxation.
DeleteI've only ever done it from videos and it's been years. I need to start something so maybe that's something I can do! Last time Jason did it with me (and it was not good fro mr ego to see that he was SOOO much more bendy than me) so I'll see if he's game again. Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteStacy, that's the whole thing with the "every body" analogy. And you know, some people are just more naturally flexible. Me, I have to work at it over time. It might be relaxing for you.
DeleteI've practiced yoga over the years in fits and starts (ironic, I know). My mom and I would use a Hatha Yoga book during my summers home from college. Now I have a yoga app on my iPad and love it (called Yoga Studio). In the years between now and college (3+ decades) I've taken a few in person classes and used DVDs. GFY getting back to it, Kay!
ReplyDeleteMary, what a good idea to look for an app. I'll have to remember that. I went to a class this morning and feel a bit twisted and creaky, but I also know that with a little persistence and practice, it will get easier. My mind, on the other hand, feel quite zen. :-)
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