What to Consider When Considering Yoga

Last time we talked about physical activity, I said that yoga was “it” for me, so now I want to elaborate on that. Not only what yoga did (and does) for me, but also what it does in general.

We’ll make this a two-part post, one based on my experience with yoga and one to give you more general info on yoga so you can find what’s best for you.

Like I’ve mentioned before, I was mostly a couch potato. Loved my couch, loved my tv, loved my books. Most of the time I spent sitting, whether it was writing at my desk, pushing keys on my computer, or reading on my bed.
My posture was horrible, I started slouching while still a kid, I was always insecure about my body, and aside from shopping and an occasional walk, I avoided pretty much any kind of movement.
This hasn’t magically changed; I am still the same person, but now somewhat improved, 2.0, if you will. 🙂 I enjoy my couch time, my reading time, my writing, but in between – I move. And I’m not only talking about exercising, but I’m also talking about the way I function, I never sit for more than an hour, even if I watch a movie, I get up to get water, get snacks, I get up for anything and everything. It became such a big habit that I now avoid the places where I sit for too long. When I go to lunch with my husband, my friends, or my family, it doesn’t matter who, it is always followed by a walk. While in the past, I would eat a meal and sit or lie down. To rest from eating. 😀

Don’t think this is something that came easily to me, I didn’t just wake up one morning and say I was going to be different, but I did start trying to be better. I went back and forth, but I didn’t give up. And a big part of that change was yoga. It took me a while to start, but when I finally did, I never stopped. I actually miss it when I don’t do it. I now understand those people who say they need to work out.
I have so much more energy, and with that, more willpower. This is why I keep moving even when not working out, why I feel the need to move.

And since I feel so much better than I used to, not just about my body, but also my mental and physical health, I stay motivated to keep going and to do more of what makes me feel good, like eating healthier, making time for things and people I like, and staying positive. I don’t wallow like I used to (ok, yes, sometimes I wallow, sometimes you just need to 🙂 ), of course I have bad days, we all do, but I come back from them, and I do it so much easier than I used to.

Another great thing about yoga is breathing, it makes you aware of your breath. And I’m not even talking about pranayama, I’m talking simply about the awareness of breath. This has become such an automation for us; we breathe, and that is it. But it is not it. Breath is so important, we have forgotten about this, we have forgotten that it keeps us alive, and we have forgotten to be aware of it, to breathe deeply. When you practice yoga, you move with your breath, and you become aware of it. We’ll take another opportunity to talk about the importance of breathing. For now, let’s keep it simple. I don’t want to overwhelm you and make you lose interest, so let’s move on.

I am a morning person, this is when my energy is at its peak, so basically, to do anything truly productive, I have to do it in the morning. Naturally, I decided to implement yoga in my morning routine. I do it before breakfast, but if you need to eat first thing in the morning, I recommend either having a light breakfast like some fruit or waiting a while, because any kind of exercise on a full stomach is probably not going to end up too well. 🙂 Also, if you feel better working out in the afternoon, please do that, it is important that you do it, not when, so follow your own pace, not mine or anyone else’s, you feel what’s best for you.

When I decided to start practicing yoga, I wanted to start at the very beginning, not just jump into it, and also, I’m not a group workout type, so I had to find the best way to learn and practice at home. I did some research but for me it was and still is (and probably will always be) Yoga with Adriene. Adriene makes yoga fun and accessible to everyone, even if this is the first time you hear about yoga, she’s got you too. 🙂
I highly, highly recommend exploring yoga with her.

So wherever you choose to start, do it, don’t be afraid, don’t try to find excuses, yoga doesn’t have to be demanding, it fits all shapes and sizes, all ages, you start where you’re comfortable, and you go from there.

Depending on what you wish to accomplish, you can choose the yoga type that suits you best; Power yoga if you want to work on toning your body, Vinyasa if you want to work on your movement, or maybe Kundalini yoga if you’re a spiritual type. But no matter what you choose, yoga takes care of your body, mind, and soul. 🙂

We’ll explore more in Part II 😉

Yoga means addition. Addition of energy, strength, and beauty to body, mind, and soul.

– Amit Ray