As I have gotten older, I have realized that I need to start working out more. I do enjoy partaking in group exercises such as group active or even Zumba, but nothing makes me feel more light,flexible, and rejuvenated than yoga. What is great about the ancient practice is that there are so many levels to it. Essentially, anybody can participate in yoga, whether it be in classes or alone.
I have been doing yoga on and off for many years. But as of recently, I have been more religious about going to class. Needless to say, I have noticed a major difference in my entire body. I am more flexible, my posture is much better, and I feel so much happier after the class is done.
The point in me working out is not to lose weight. The point is to feel good about myself, to be healthier, happier, and stronger. I believe that everyone’s goal in regards to working out is not to ultimately lose weight, but to feel better about themselves.
However, I am not putting down group exercises; I love them! I especially love classes that do a full body workout. There is no better feeling than having sore muscles because it’s a sign of a killer workout.
I just believe that yoga brings out the best in me. It is also the only workout that makes me feel relaxed, but also gives me a hell of a workout, considering I am using my entire body weight.
Unfortunately, sometimes yoga gets a bad rep. Others may comment that it's just stretching or doing balancing poses. Yes, you are stretching and doing balancing poses, but you are also doing planks, push ups, and other types of strenuous body movements. Yoga is all about pushing yourself to as far as you feel like you can. There is no competition to see who does X amount of push ups in sixty seconds. It is about strengthening your body but also your mind as well, and I don’t think there is any workout that is better than that.
If you have ever considered doing yoga, give it a try. I bet you’ll even be shocked at how good your mind, body, and spirit feel afterward.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” - The Bhagavad Gita