I've been doing yoga pretty consistently now (for me) for about 3 or so months. There was a week in there where my mother-in-law came to visit, and a week where I was sick that kept me from having a perfect record, but I've been as consistent as possible. I supplement with protein and try to limit fatty foods, which is extremely difficult for me sometimes. But I've noticed some benefits in a relatively short period of time.
My strength and flexibility have improved, for one. I was feeling a bit aged there for a while, I have to admit. And my knees had been bothering me on long investigations outdoors, when I had to go up and down hills a lot. But now my knees feel great! I can hardly believe how little effort it has taken me, and how little motivation I need to get started in the morning. I actually look forward to it. And I guess that is the key, isn't it? Finding something that suits YOU, specifically. Most yoga workouts I found were too easy, and I didn't see much benefit from doing them. But the new one is tough tough tough tough tough. I still like it, though, and I can still convince myself to do it in the morning, which are good characteristics for a workout.
Probably the best and most notable benefit for me is that my resting heart rate has dropped dramatically. Not long ago, I had a doctor tell me they were considering medications for me. My resting heart rate wandered from between 90 to 110. It didn't matter how relaxed I was, how low the stress was, or anything. I was just unhealthy, to put a fine point on the matter. I was working my way to an early grave. It scared me, but I just couldn't motivate myself enough to do anything about it. Sometimes I am keenly aware that the old me is still lurking inside, and hopefully she doesn't show herself again, not while I'm doing so well.
I like seeing muscles become more defined, my posture become more upright, and my color turn healthier. I hope I don't slip back into my old patterns. That is a thought that frightens me. I'm not good at dealing with change, apparently. As long as nothing changes, I'll be able to keep my routine. But when things go haywire, when I need the exercise, stress relief, and health benefits the most, I fail.
So, just in case you were wondering, I'm doing the Biggest Loser Workout: Weight Loss Yoga DVD. It's awesome. I can do the entire hour-long workout now. I feel so strong, knowing what I can do now. I remember when I first started the DVD program, and I couldn't even finish the first 30 minutes. They were so HARD! I had to stop and take breaks, I felt shaky and weak, and I could barely catch my breath the entire time. What a difference after 2 weeks, when I never thought I'd be able to add the level 2 workout, I was doing it! Not always the best the first time, but after I week, I had the hang of it. I'll never forget the level of accomplishment I felt when I finished the whole hour for the first time! Wow! Now I can do the entire hour on a regular basis.
I'm still a bit chunky, I have to say. Not the heaviest I've ever been, but not quite in the healthy range. I have some work to do. But at least I have a little ammunition now. I don't have a beach body by any means. But I can keep up with my son better, and I can walk without excruciating pain. I'm a winner even if the weight never leaves, mostly because I'm healthier and stronger.
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