Some of you may remember my first introduction with Yoga. I signed up as part of a comfort zone challenge back in August. I’ve been refraining from mentioning too much about it because I wanted to make sure this wasn’t some hot and heavy love affair that I went on and on about, only to have it fizzle up, leaving me with nothing but lame excuses as to why things didn’t work out. Well, Yoga and I are done sneaking around together. It’s time I shared my love with the rest of the world.
Yoga and I have been on roughly 25 dates (classes) since I walked into the yoga studio in August. Have you ever tried something and knew immediately that it was made for you? I fell into a rhythm that just felt right, almost instantly. Out of all the other exercises I’ve ever done in my life, none of them have ever made me feel the way this one does. You know that feeling of accomplishment you get after a really good workout? I get that, but not just because I’ve mastered or held a certain pose – it goes much deeper than that. In no other exercise have I ever worked on both my body and my mind at the same time. Usually after any exercise (like running, for example) I’m just left feeling tired. Accomplished, yes – but tired. Here are a few things that Yoga has taught me:
One. I don’t feel inadequate. See, exercise has never been my friend. Since grade school I’ve avoided it like the plague because I’ve never been good at anything I’ve ever tried, and when you’re playing on a team, feeling like and being treated like an uncoordinated monkey-girl doesn’t do much for the ole’ self esteem. In Yoga, there are no teammates to impress, no aggressive competition, no win or lose; there’s no room for any of those things in practice. Instead, it’s all about learning to be non-judgmental, being accepting of oneself, and appreciating your achievements in your own time. How cool is that?
Two. I’ve never appreciated my body this much before. Even though the class itself is serene and quiet, my body is constantly giving me feedback on what it’s capable of doing.
Three. For someone with anxiety issues, it’s invaluable. I no longer wonder how I’m going to get my worth out of my pre-paid classes. I look forward to going – I need to go in order to regain a sense of balance. When class is over, I can handle things better and with a better outlook.
Four. When class is over, I feel balanced. Both calm and relaxed, yet recharged and focused, all at the same time. I’ve been searching for this kind of peace most of my adult life.
Five – and this is so important – I’ve been to roughly 25 classes since August, and in every single one, I have seen men and women; I’ve seen ages ranging from 10 years old to 70 years old. I’ve practiced side by side with individuals who weigh over 200 pounds, and Angelina Jolie look-alikes who are utter beginners.
My friend Jules just went back to Yoga for the first time in a long while and emailed me about it. Her teacher encouraged everyone to close their eyes while they practice because, according to Jules, ‘it removed the temptation to compare with others’. In one of my classes, we practice with our backs to the studio’s full-length mirror. My instructor doesn’t want us focusing on how we look or how anyone else looks. A good teacher knows when students are distracted and makes corrections accordingly. I guess what I’m saying is that, if you’re hesitant to try Yoga because of a feeling of inferiority, the above examples should put your mind to rest.
Six. Yoga is challenging! I have to admit, one of the reasons why I never considered Yoga was because frankly, I didn’t understand how something that looked so calming could make you fit. Boy, was I wrong. Granted, there are classes for every skill level and I’ve been in classes that are so relaxing to the mind and body I feel like napping afterward. But there are also classes – like the one I took on Monday – that leave every muscle in my body sore for days afterward; the good kind of sore.
So, there you have it. I’ve officially ‘outed’ our relationship and frankly, I feel relieved. I don’t particularly like keeping secrets from you; especially something that has brought so much joy to my immediate life.
Thanks for reading today, and have a great Wednesday. Namaste.
I started with yoga very early in my process because a personal trainer sent me to her mother’s studio as a good way to start. That was many yoga studios ago. I am on my 5th or 6th studio. Things change – classes are no longer offered, studios open and close, instructors move. I have learned to look at each change as an opportunity. The first change was devastating (she moved out east) and I felt abandoned. Now, I have one I love just as much.
Yoga is the best thing that ever happened to me. Changed my world.
I totally understand about it being helpful for anxiety. I have found that too.
In the studio itself – I learned to let go of the lights, clock, temperature, and as you mentioned what my yoga neighbor was or wasn’t doing. Those physical things taught me about turning off monkey mind. It then expanded far beyond the yoga studio.
I have taken yoga classes at dance studios and gyms where there were mirrors. It is very common, if one is stuck in a room with a mirror, for the instructor to turn the class around so no one can see the mirror. There are some yoga studios with mirrors, I realize. But FYI – usually there are NO mirrors in an actual yoga studio.
I (speaking for myself only) do not consider most yoga classes exercise (for me). I love the mind body connection, range of motion, flexibility, stength, tone, balance. But I do not count it as exercise for me, even if I sweat and feel it. I currently take 2-3 yoga classes per week. It is very important in my life. But I still do my ‘exercise’ on top of it.
On number three: I thought this would be the case if you kept going for a while. So glad it is.
I’m glad you’re loving it in general. I think it’s something I could really get into as well, but it aggravates me that it’s about $75 per month in all the yoga studios. My gym doesn’t offer it. I’ve done a few classes here and there, and it’s great!
I was trying to incorporate Yoga into my fitness goals- I actually made it to 3 classes and was starting to really enjoy it. Then my gym had to close for 3-4 weeks for construction and my yoga came to a complete halt. I can’t wait to start back up again. I think it will bring some calm to my mind!!
I am so glad that you have found something that you love AND it is so good for you! Win-Win!
In 2006, I had a third ruptured disc. The MRI report said that there was “a large left lateral disc extrusion with sequestrated fragment [that was]…severely compressing the thecal sac and the left L4 nerve root.” In layman’s terms, here’s what it meant: pain that only large doses of morphine could manage.
I just had a follow-up MRI a few weeks ago. The result? “This [what was described above] is now resolved.”
When my GP saw the report, she asked for the name of my yoga therapist so she could refer her to other patients.
Doesn’t that just say it all?
This is nothing short of a miraculous story. It really does say it all. Thank you for sharing how yoga has affected your health, and congratulations on the progress you’ve made on your back! Wonderful!
Yoga is something I’ve thought about trying, but the expense has always put me off of it. I think my gym offers some classes, included in the membership, so maybe I should give those a try. Provided I can go when the classes are on.
I’m not sure if my gym does it either but I would be tempted to give it a go if it was a beginner class. One thing that has always put me off is that I cant really breathe through my nose and I know they’ll try and make me do that and I dont want to pass out lol!
Now I’m confused about whether or not you can count yoga as exercise. I would like to try it but since exercise is a real problem area for me, I would like to count it if I invest time and money in it.
Caron, I’m not sure how others will respond, but here is my two cents on your really good question:
I absolutely consider this as exercise – but it’s a targeting exercise. For example, lifting weights is considered exercise, but it targets the muscle group. Yoga is like that. It targets various areas, depending on which class you take. For me, now that I’m in Yoga 2 which is intermediate, we hold poses longer, which makes the muscles burn and strengthens them (similar to doing lunges). The benefit of yoga though, is that it works every muscle in the body and is great for strengthening your core muscles.
I personally wouldn’t be able to just do this and nothing else, because there is no cardio involved, and that’s obviously important. So, I’d do this in addition to doing something that gets the heart pumping. That way you’re fully conditioned.
btw, on average, doing beginning yoga burns roughly 175 to 200 calories an hour. Hope this helps!
Very helpful. Thanks for responding.
Caron,
If by exercise, you mean something that’s going to burn a ton of calories, yoga may not fit the bill. But if you want to do something that’s really good for your body–even if it won’t make you thin–then yoga is a fabulous choice of exercise.
You have perfectly outlined why I love yoga so much. As soon as I’m back on my feet, I’m headed back. I’ve never experienced such calm and peace before. And it’s totally challenging too! I wish it was cheaper, but it’s so worth the price. I love that the classes are all age groups, all weights and body sizes, all levels of experience. It’s just so inclusive. So glad you like it.
this is also a great reminder of why it’s worth those trips out of our comfort zones! I remember you preparing to go to that first class… and look at you now!!
I’m so happy to hear it.
I have to see if my gym has classes….
Namaste indeed
I’m so glad that you love yoga and most importantly that yoga loves you back.
I used to practice Bikram (hot yoga) a long time ago, but lost interest when a couple of my favorite instructors changed their schedules so I could no longer attend their classes. Also, those 100+ degree rooms are hot!
I do have a Groupon deal for a room temperature yoga that I’ve been meaning to try.
I think that yoga is a broad term for such a varied practice. When I did Bikram, my HRM said that I was burning 750 calories per class! And I know other people in my classes were burning around 1000 calories according to their bodybugg. So when someone says that yoga isn’t exercise, I think they should rethink which yoga they are referring to. Yes, there are the gentle stretching yogas, but there are also vigorous heart pumping ones too.
Yeah for you and yoga:) I once read that people who regularly practice yoga are thinner and the theory is that they are more in touch with their bodies. Interesting concept, IMO.
Couldn’t agree more! I don’t do yoga often as there are not a lot of studios around here that offer classes when I’m free to attend, but I try to do it at home from time to time and love it for all the reasons you mentioned. Another alternative is Yogaglo.com. It’s under $20 for unlimited yoga classes online (some live but most are videos taped in their studio in CA) and there are a ton of different classes for every level, even office yoga! I really need to renew my membership there.
I have never heard of this before. Thank you for sharing that information – what a great way to try yoga if classes aren’t available or schedules don’t mesh. Much appreciated!
This is such good news. Balance, self worth, gratitude, self confidence and esteem… I wish I got that from yoga. I wish I had the discipline to go. I wish… ah maybe I should try it again somewhere I have not tried.
I love the idea of facing away from the mirrors.
I mostly love that for an hour or maybe more – it allows you to see you.
Yep big thumbs up for yoga
I loved my first class in maybe 10 years this week. When I became obese I stopped yoga as I just didn’t do anything for myself (apart from shovel food in but that’s not really doing anything for myself is it?). I did try it once but hated that I was so inflexible. What I didn’t realise then was my flexibility wasn’t the problem, it was all the extra fat that stopped me reaching in stretches! Part of what I loved this week was that it was all about me. Yep, just me. Someone was asking me all the way through `how is YOUR body feeling?’. Shallow as a puddle maybe but I really enjoyed that. And the relaxation – that was worth the class price alone 
My class is very slow and not what I call exercise in that there was no soreness at all the next day. But I do believe I am standing better, I am working on my balance and everytime I think about the class I draw my spine a little taller and my belly button a little tighter. I do wonder why yoga is (seems to be?) expensive? I thought that but also decided I would just indulge myself anyway. Seems the same perception in the US.
Wow, between you and NewMe’s miracle story, I must make yoga a priority! Thanks for sharing this.
Thank your for sharing your yoga story with us. I have been thinking about yoga for some time. I have a yoga for dummies dvd – dont’ laugh and was surprised at how much it really does work the body. I am not a joiner when it comes to exercise – don’t want to be in a group or at a gym. I prefer to exercise by myself or with hubby.
Your experience has been so positive that it makes me ponder the idea of a yoga class. I am not saying I am going to join one but I am thinking about it!
So many things here:
1. I am so happy you found something you love! What you describe here is how I feel about strength training. It makes me happy!
2. Yoga is most definitely exercise, and one of the best kinds!
3. Thanks to Paula for the yoga links.
I’m so glad you are enjoying it so much! When I have time, I definitely adore it – and I’m glad you found and experienced the benefits too!
Wow, you almost have me sold on it!!! I am far too shy to try it in a class, but there appears to be some vids on Youtube for beginners. I may try it. Great post!!
I’m at least 50 pounds away from trying yoga, but I really, really want the same experiences you’ve had.