Two weeks ago I made a commitment to getting back into shape. I think it took me this long to write about it because I didn’t want to “jinx” myself. I signed up for yoga and Jazzercise. My plan is to attend at least 2 jazzercise classes and 1 or 2 yoga classes each week. Then I will walk on the days I don’t have a class. This is my commitment.
This fall I spent 5 weeks with a bad cold, and then pulled my back out just before Halloween. I took these two events as cold, loud cries from my body. Cries for better care and feeding. Now, the feeding part, this is a whole other post. But the care – well, I know what has been missing. And that is regular, physical activity.
Exercise keeps me flexible, toned and, as a happy aside, cheerful and energetic. Studies have shown that that people doing daily exercise faired almost as well as people on medication to ward off symptoms of depression. I don’t know about research, but I do know that physical movement does wonders for my mood. Taking classes helps me stay committed and honest and the jazzercise method brings the added plus of upbeat music.
Yoga is, well it’s just glorious.
So two Saturdays I went to a wonderful yoga class and I was reminded of all that yoga does for me.
I immediately became aware of my body again. The muscles, the joints, the bones, even the skin. I listened to and felt my breath. I became aware of power in places I haven't utilized in months, (like my forearms!) and I noticed that I’ve got to take better care of the skin on my shins.
Secondly, I remembered how good it feels to s-t-r-e-t-c-h. It hurt a little, but I really needed it. Also, I love the way the teacher kept reminding us that this was "our time" and to forget everything that led up to getting to the class, and everything that we had to do later. She kept telling us to feel our inner power. I did.
Lastly, I love the names of the poses: "downward dog", "warrior" and "goddess."
Today I attended my 3rd class and I could really feel the improvement. I’m definitely more flexible and I can manage the poses better. During the relaxation period I was calmer. I was still running conversations through my mind the whole time, but at least my eyes weren’t popping open involuntarily after 5 minutes.
Best of all, I felt empowered. I highly recommend a yoga class to all who are reading this.
4 comments:
Good for you! It sounds like an excellent plan. Yes, I agree exercise is wonderful for the mood, however I have found that when I don't have time for it and I jam everything together it makes for a bad mood and very a very un-enjoyable time! When I have the right combo of time, music, and no kids, I feel wonderful. When I am walking and my kids are screaming and I only have so many minutes, then it is not beneficial.
I would love to try yoga, maybe in a couple of months. I would like to lose a few more pounds and have time for it.
Everyone keeps telling me that if you stick with something for a month, then you passed the toughest part. I don't know if I agree with that because for some people it may be 2 weeks or 2 months.
Can you lose weight while doing yoga? Or is it just more for relaxation?
I was thinking of taking that town jazzercise class, but I didn't get around to doing it. Is it fun? I used to take yoga, too, and I look back at that time as when I felt really strong and fit and taken care of. Your exercise regimen sounds perfect, and I totally agree about the mental and health benefits. Can I come? :))
As soon as this semester is over, I'm gonna join you all in the exercise way of life. I've always wanted to check out yoga, but never was in sync with my schedule. I am SO ready for ME time! I feel like blecch with no exercising these past few weeks.
Actually, there are "weight loss" yoga tapes and cd's. I've done them. Some of the poses can be very intense.
But mostly it's for strength, flexibility and focus. At least this is how I see it. My teacher incorporates a lot of pilates into the class so you definitely work your "core" - abs, glutes and thighs. And I'm sure you know, the more muscle you have, the faster you burn calories.
Of course you can join me, Nan. I kind of wish I did have someone to go with me - someone to remind me how important it is. As "committed" as I say I am, I find myself making excuses and trying to get out of it. Just tonight I decided I couldn't go to yoga because there was too much homework left to be done and I didn't want to leave the kids without help. Was this noble? Or an excuse??
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