Ok so it's not quite like that. I use a very simple yoga video that's about a half an hour long. I use it mostly for stretching and relaxation. The bonus that comes with it, is some strengthening but it's not the focus of the video. I also don't use it for the new-agey mindset kind of thing. You know "let your back connect with the floor; feel the power of the earth flow through you to open up the power of the spirits" kind of thing. I don't really believe in any of that stuff. I do believe that yoga can be a powerful tool. It strengthens you and calms you and can be a very positive element of your daily routine.
Yesterday I was unable to get my yoga into my daily routine. I had to stop at the store after work and by the time I got hope it was almost 3am. I decided by that time it would be more beneficial for myself and my family if I went to bed. Now I wish I had done my yoga.
I had the hardest time doing Zumba today. I am out of shape so I struggle with Zumba anyway but this was different. My calves were cramping all through the workout. This is day 13 of my working out and I had not run into this issue. I really believe it's because I did not do my yoga. My calves were cramping because they have not been properly stretched as a result of not doing my yoga. Also, when I do my yoga I can feel every part of my back stretching, getting stronger, and all around feeling better. Again I think since I missed my yoga my back is bad. It's very sore. A good sore, but I think would be lessened had I done my yoga.
There are so many benefits to doing yoga. I love to have that quiet time where I don't have to think about anything. I just stretch my muscles and strengthen my back. I concentrate on the breathing. When I'm done I get the best night's sleep because of how relaxed I am. I highly suggest yoga. It's pretty awesome. After missing my yoga yesterday and feeling the effects of that decision, I can guarantee I won't be missing it again.
Check out the links on the right for different resources for yoga. Also check out the tab labeled "Yoga Excercises" for different poses. Click here to buy a copy of the DVD I like to use, it's called "Simply Yoga". It's an older video but it's pretty cool. I like to turn on a little Enya in the background because I don't like her choice of music (and her voice is a little annoying, haha).
If I'm losing balance in a pose, I stretch higher and God reaches down to steady me. It works every time, and not just in yoga.
T. Guillemets
Call me superstitious, but I don't want to go anywhere near anything that is a component of a false religion. However, Gwen and Stephanie swear by yoga.
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ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the false religion stuff. I make sure I don't use Yoga for that at all. I just focus on the actually stretching and relaxation. Heck praying the Rosary while you're doing it would be great, I should do that next time! It's all about becoming relaxed, flexible, and strong. Don't worry about the new-agey stuff. You won't hear me saying "namaste".
ReplyDeleteAnother reason I also like to turn on different music while I do Yoga is to drown out the silly talk from the instructor.
ReplyDeleteI think that yoga can be really useful. I am lucky enough to find a yoga/pilates/dance workout that I love! And she really doesn't go into any of the focusing techniques except once at the end of the video. Instead of clearing my mind of everything(bad, so bad!) I clear my mind of everything but God and focus on the presence of the Holy Spirit. A friend of mine just muted it while she exercised. I'm so glad that you put in the beginning that you aren't into the spirituality, because I think that's important for people to know you're not endorsing that part of it :)
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