Getting into the Yoga habit.

Monday, April 09, 2012 Jonette 4 Comments

There are just some things that you just gotta do for yourself.

Like exercise.


I've recently taken up yoga at home. I can go at my own pace, do my routines at my own time, and sometimes even prep my menu for the next day while doing so. I've always been a fan of strength- and flexibility-enhancing exercises. I also happened to have The Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Yoga sitting in my hard drive. I remember as a wee girl seeing my dad do yoga, big-boned man that he was, and I thought, "hey, if he can do it, I think I could do that too."

Hoooo, boy.

I was sweating and heaving and groaning and shaking and holding on for dear life through the poses. And that was just the warm-up, by the way.


So, if my memory serves me right, the break-down of the video goes:
  • 5 minutes of warm-up
  • 30 minutes of weight-loss yoga (a combination of stretching, muscle-conditioning, and hard-core calisthenics)
  • 20 minutes of abdominal/ core exercises
  • 5 minutes of strength-training
  • 5 minutes of cool-down. 
I make it a point to exercise at least 3 times a week, and at least 30 minutes for each exercise day. I still do have slip-ups, true. I also try not to beat myself up too much over them, and just do better next time.



Things Yoga gives me that I am thankful for: 

  • That unbelievable sense of balance on my feet as I move. 
  • The ease of movement flowing through positions in daily life: lying down squatting to standing to get off the bed, tight-squatting to standing as I get out of a crammed tricycle, sitting on the floor to standing, and so on. There is a precise, calculated sort of instinctive movement that was never there before. 
  • A keener understanding between true hunger, emotional eating, and boredom eating. 
  • The placidity of choosing healthful foods, and acceptance in pleasure and awareness when I enjoy sweets. 
  • The hint of a collarbone. 
  • Shoulders getting defined. 
  • Clearer skin. 
  • Better, better posture, just like my days in Theater. 
  • The cheeky bit of thinking that I feel more like an acrobat or dancer the more often I do this. 
  • The confidence that I am truly taking care of myself and getting better and getting there slowly, whether or not people see or acknowledge it. 
It’s nice to think back too and remember that a few friends and acquaintances have begun to notice, and sometimes ask me what I’ve been doing. Then comes the delighted look of surprise with my reply, and they next ask, “where?”. I tell them I do it at home, in front of my computer. More surprise, with a touch of puzzlement.

A bit of me is hoping that it tells them you don’t have to be well-off or have loads of free time to do yoga, or exercise. It just takes some guidance, some planning, a lot of motivation, and a ton more of actual get-out-there-and-do-it perspiration. Self-acceptance and self-love works heaps, too, an essential to any fitness or weight-loss routine.

Well, then, I just need to keep going.



4 comments:

  1. I really enjoy yoga, but I have yet to find a good video. I may have to give that one a chance. Half the time they are either way to fast and I get lost or they are too beginner.
    It's great that you have found an exercise that you can get behind though.

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  2. I love seeing your tumblr updates that are yoga related. You make me want to try it. Right now, poi does help me a bit but I wonder if I try alternating it with yoga? :) What say you?

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  3. Hi, @AlphaBetty! That's actually one of the reasons I like this video. it has a slow, easy pace, and Bob Harper doesn't make you feel like you have to rush a sequence just to keep up. You're encouraged to pause the video or go at your own pace whenever you fall out of balance, or just need a few more breaths. :)I hope you find the video to your liking! :)

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  4. Hey @Clair! I've read somewhere that it's a good idea to have an alternate type of exercise handy to target different muscle groups and/ or drive away routine or monotony. I'm doing Swimming and Yoga, but I think I'm much more consistent with Yoga, ehehe.

    If you'd want to try Yoga too, why not? Flexibility and muscle-strength can be a good addition to your workout. : (Meanwhile, I just might look into trying poi in the near future! ^_^*)

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Care to leave a comment? I'd love to hear what's on your mind. :)

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