I've been doing yoga for about 1 1/2 years. Three months after I joined a gym I was tired of the weights and machines and decided to give the group exercise classes a try. My goal was to try every class at least once. Yoga was my third class to try. After that, I was hooked. Before that, I (foolishly) thought yoga was for Caucasian hippies and vegetarians who could bend into poses that should be featured in a circus. I now know it is a life-transforming exercise and/or lifestyle.
Here is why Yoga and I are BFF
1. Gotta love the yoga clothes! What other exercise allows you to rock yoga pants all day?
2. The people are nice. There isn't that vibe of competitiveness and bragging. People talk to each other before class and will make room for you and your mat without rolling their eyes. It's not a race to be in the front row or to hide in the back.
3. Yogis come in all shapes and sizes, ages,races, backgrounds, and genders. Walk into any yoga class and it will be a diverse group.
4. Most instructors have toned, real life bodies. Not those half top wearing skanks who have a ten pack stomach and size zero boy shorts prancing around the front of the room.
5. It calms your mind and lowers your blood pressure.
6. You get to listen to calming music ( which you won't realize how much you like until you start listening).
7. You get to see growth at every class. It's a great feeling to know your are improving or mastering a pose.
8. You are challenged at every class. There will always be a flow sequence or pose you are working to achieve. You will always be challenged to correct your form or keep your chest open.
9. It changes the way you breathe, handle pressure and pain, and also changes your body.
10. The poses feel good! It's like a massage for your body, releasing tension and stretching muscles you didn't know you had.
I love yoga, my only regret is that I didn't start it sooner and that I don't own enough yoga pants.
Do you love it? I do!
Yogi Shells
* Is there an exercise or lifestyle that has changed you for the better? Do tell!
Glad to hear that you are enjoying yoga! What kind do you practice? I've been practicing for almost 4 years, and it has totally transformed my life. I'll add #11-I finally learned how to wear my hair au natural. No more hot comb! Namaste!
ReplyDelete~Yogi Naomi
Hey Naomi! I have been practicing Hatha, Flow, Vinyasa, and Power. I have done a few hot yoga sessions but have not worked my way up to full Bikram yet.
ReplyDeleteI TOTALLY agree with #11- I am natural as well. I cut all mine off and started over about 6 months ago. Yoga does make you more aware of yourself and give you the green light to take better care of yourself. I also eat less meat now. It also help me recover from thyroid cancer surgery/treatment.
Stalker #1 and occasionally The Hubs enjoy it also. Great for the entire family.
Four years is awesome! Keep up the great work! I'm sure your body looks and feels amazing after all that time.
Namaste!