I wrote a post about starting yoga, a long, long time ago. I wrote about picking it up, loving it, and wanting to continue doing more. That was almost a year and a half ago. Yoga didn’t last long (at all). It’s actually a bit embarrassing, how little it actually went on (or didn’t went, heh). Then, a few months later, I joined a gym. I briefly mentioned that, but never wrote about it. I am not the type to work out. Cross fit? I’m not even sure what it is, but it sounds scary. Bootcamps? Even scarier. But I joined, and went, sometimes. Once Alex and I broke up, and I had a bit more free time to myself, the gym seemed more manageable. I never really lost weight, but I never really planned to either. And I only made it there about two days a week, anyway… I just felt like it was about time in my life, that I start getting into shape. I eat pretty well, and I have a bit of good genes on my side, so growing up, I never felt the need to work out.
I’m not sure what sparked my interest in yoga again, maybe it was just the fact that I started feeling much better about my body, it’s capabilities, and falling into some work out routine. Or maybe it was the one random spur of the moment decision to try one class again, I don’t know, but whatever it was, it happened and I decided “I’m ordering a mat and a workout video and I’m doing this.” So I did, sort of. I ordered a mat… and I found some free videos online. The youtube videos weren’t great, or maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but whatever. I did find one, Crunch Yoga video on netflix, and even though it was more like Pilates, I enjoyed it. It was easy enough, where a complete beginner (like myself) could pick it up, but hard enough that I felt sore the next day. The video disappeared one day, but I found a copy on amazon for three dollars (winning). I found a routine. Gym Mondays and Thursdays, and yoga Sundays and Wednesdays. I quit the gym when I was planning to head up to Massachusetts, but continued doing yoga every other day. I felt great. Really freaking great. In Massachusetts, I purchased two new yoga videos, that I hated. Really hated. Everything was either too slow or too hard, so I stuck with what I knew I liked all ready (the Crunch Yoga video). A week later, I found myself in Hawaii, with no yoga mat, and absolutely zero motivation to go buy one (how’s that for a lame excuse to stop doing yoga?). But the minute I returned home, I picked it up again. I wanted to find a routine once again, and continue pushing myself again. When I had started working out, I couldn’t last ten minutes on any of the machines, by the end of it, I was easily pushing 40 minutes, without a struggle. Yoga was much of the same, but where timers didn’t matter. It was only about what I could do, and how I could improve.
I’ve been trying out this new video, this month. Well, not video, but videos, like a zillion of them. It’s a whole program really, The Ultimate Yogi, and holy crap, it is hard. Really hard, and honestly, not at all for beginners, like myself. Sadly(?), I have yet to make it through a whole video, without stopping. About half way through, I shut it off and get in bed (I do my yoga once Marlowe goes to sleep). The next morning (or evening) I pick it up again. I want to say it feels defeating, to have to stop half way through, but honestly, it doesn’t. It feels like a challenge. Like I stated, a year and a half ago, I look forward to seeing what my body is capable of. Even though I find myself feeling completely ridiculous when I am alone in my bedroom, with a workout video on, I enjoy them, because I know I’m doing something good. I am sure, after a lot of work, and time, I’m only going to get better.
I’m a bit bummed, because it’s been maybe a week or so since I’ve actually been on the mat. I’m still working out my body with painting, yard-working, and moving, but it’s not enough. I can’t wait to be settled again, in the new house, and getting back into my routine. It’s going to feel so good.
Other random yoga thoughts (from someone into yoga, but not quite a yogi):
- A yoga block? It’s not for everyone. At all. I know it’s supposed to make your workout easier, or harder, depending on how you use it, but it just makes me fall all over the place. I bought one, I plan on returning it.
- Yoga videos are ridiculous. If it’s not the front person, it’s the background people that make me laugh or cringe… often times, I’m laughing at myself.
- The Ultimate Yogi? It’s a 108 day challenge, with 12 videos. You’re supposed to do it EVERYDAY. Everyday? I would die. I’ve been going at my own, slow pace, which is maybe not how it’s been intended to be, but it works well for me that way. Oh and it was incredibly neat to open it up and realize the “healthy diet” they recommend you follow, is a vegan one 😉
- This Yoga Kids video? Do not buy it. It’s ridiculous, but please, if you happen to have them give me suggestions for a better kids yoga video…
- Yoga pants and shorts? I’ve never been brave enough to wear them out (even to a yoga class), but I bought a pair of these shorts and I am in love.
- I have yet to try bikram yoga. The classes are waaaay out of my rice range, but I def. want to try it one day!
- The image above is very obviously me, not doing yoga. I’ll spare you an image of me failing at some novice posing. But it is me in my new house! Almost moved in! Eeee!
Tell me, what yoga videos do you love? Is it for the challenge? Or the comfort? I would love more yoga ideas and suggestions!
***actually, if you don’t mind, tell me in general, what you’re favorite way to work out is, or your workout routine, if you do workout. I would love more inspiration 😉
***actually, if you don’t mind, tell me in general, what you’re favorite way to work out is, or your workout routine, if you do workout. I would love more inspiration 😉
37 Comments
I love LOVE p90x yoga! it's really the only one i have tried, but cannot seem to move past it. It starts off beginner but gets pretty intense, even at my strongest i am only able to do about 45minutes of it and it is 1 hour and 1/2 long! FYI youtube currently has it…just type in p90x yoga 😉
Virginia
I’ve encountered a few people in the past who were, in some case, like you. They went in and out of yoga lessons before they finally became dedicated to it. You were right though. Using yoga blocks is a great way to align yoga poses, but they are not for everyone. To master this tool, you should learn to control your breathing.
–> Mathias
Bikram Yoga – its takes yoga to another level. Most Bikram classes have a one week or two week trial period for a very minimal cost, I would suggest going for a trial week and then trying someplace else that gives a trial, once you feel you want to continue, maybe try a class or two per week, that is enough! I love how cleansed I feel after even one Bikram Yoga session.
I do ashtanga yoga and love it for the physical challenge, the focus it brings to my life and the reward of seeing my body do things that I KNOW it couldn't have done a year ago/six months ago.
I gained far too much weight with my pregnancy. I started getting back into shape by running and doing jillian michaels 30 day shred. I love her videos and now have several more and work those in on days I don't jog. I also play soccer twice a week and that is by far my favorite workout!
Used to do hot yoga a few years ago and loved how I felt after doing it and seeing my progress, but it was so crazy expensive!
I love yoga, but like you, haven't been able to get into a good routine of it. Which is lame because it always makes me feel great and it helps my back tremendously! I did the Baron Baptiste videos and liked them a lot but would like to find something that isn't an hour long. I have been doing the 30 day shred and absolutely love it. It's only 20 minutes and kicks my ass. 20 minutes leaves me little excuse to not do it. And I've started seeing results from it. 🙂
Ive been yoga for awhile now, I was actually thinking of doing a post myself. I switch between bikram yoga and pure barre class. I absolutely love bikram yoga and around my area they have a class I can go to after my little falls asleep, so he stays with hubby. Pure barre is strength training and lengthening so I like to switch them up. I get bored if I do one for too long.
i've been doing yoga for several years now (sometimes off & on) but i can honestly say that it is the ONLY type of workout i have noticed a change in my body and mind. i love, love, love it. I've done the videos and almost every different type of class offered out there and I do have to say that joining a yoga studio and going to classes is much, much, much better than doing any in-home videos. A lot of studios will give you a week free trial so i would definitely encourage you to explore and try some out. bikram is not for me although some people love it – im not sure you would love it. of course i have a feeling you would like what i love which is heated yoga, but the vinyasa flow yoga. it's incredible. sweating out your toxins in the heated class feels incredibly invigorating and you derive so much more benefit than doing a dvd in your bdrm – please go try it – you will fall head over heels in love! keep me posted!
Running! I started in April, completed my first half marathon in September and am ready to hit the pavement again (I look a month long rest since the race). I hated running but I think I just wasn't giving it a chance.
As someone who really, really loves yoga, I'd suggest Shiva Rea's DVDs if going to a studio regularly is difficult. http://shivarea.com/online-store
I work out 5-6 times a week while my daughters are at school. I run 4-5 times a week at the gym, combined with a boot camp class during two of those days, and Body Pump (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BodyPump) once a week. I also take part in a low-flying trapeze class once a week through the aerial dance troupe, Cycropia. There are only a handful of aerial dance troupes in the nation, but I highly suggest trying it out if there are classes available in your area; it builds a lot of upper body and core strength.
I guess I do work out a lot, but it's my means of keeping my sanity between raising my daughters, working, and keeping up with things at home.
I love the Tone It Up girls on youtube. They have some good, short videos (Sunkissed Abs) and some stretching/yoga routines. It's short and free and is a great addition to any workout.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ToneItUpcom
They also sell a Beach Babe DVD with a digital version that I love and it includes 7 diff workouts.
Good luck getting your fitness on!
I love the Tone It Up girls on youtube. They have some good, short videos (Sunkissed Abs) and some stretching/yoga routines. It's short and free and is a great addition to any workout.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ToneItUpcom
They also sell a Beach Babe DVD with a digital version that I love and it includes 7 diff workouts.
Good luck getting your fitness on!
I used to roll my eyes at those yoga girls in their tight pants, but my friend invited me to a free class, and I was hooked. It makes you feel soooo good! I went every week for a few months, but I've gotten out of the habit in the past 3/4 weeks. I'm determined to go this week though!
Bikram yoga just makes me feel ill beyond belief. TOO HOT TO EXERCISE. I don't recommend it!
I'm so glad you've posted about yoga as it seems it has become a highly marketed industry nowadays, but you showed it can be incredibly difficult to stick to. As an ex-volleyball player, I used yoga to heal my back, knee, and shoulder injuries, which had prevented (and still do) me from pursuing weight workouts as much as I used to. I would like to offer a little advice and some helpful tips. Lululemon locations sometimes have free classes and sometimes having an instructor to help perfect your form can drastically improve your ability to sustain the poses. For example, I took a class once and found that I was struggling to hold a pose based on the positioning of my knees and hips and once I corrected this, the pose became much easier for me. I know it sounds crazy, but the P90X (not P90X 2) Yoga X video is the best yoga video I've used thus far for at home workouts. It's cardio intensive, which I love, and is 1.5 hours, which may not be suitable for most, but the video is broken up into sections (the intro stretching, Vinyasa Flow style yoga – the cardio, the strength positions, and 45 minutes of balance and flexibility poses ending with a set of ohm's). I often break up the video to shorten it so that I do most of the cardio, a small portion of the strength poses and then some flexibility poses. I saw at the bottom you are interested in bikram yoga. I am here to tell you SWIM AWAY (Finding Nemo reference). It's hot, sweaty, stinky, and makes you dizzy once you leave. This was not a fun experience for someone who gets heat exhaustion fairly easily. If you want a little more heat, I would suggest wearing thicker yoga pants and a long sleeve, but do not enter the 104 degree heat. Thanks for the post!
Have you seen Barbar's Yoga for Elephants? It's brilliant, even tells you what to do with your trunk!
Over the Summer I attempted the Couch to 5k app on my phone. At first I was kicking and screaming; absolutely hated it and was dead set on quitting (why do something I loathed? I later learned it's not that I didn't like it – it's that I wasn't good at it to begin with and that was a hard pill to swallow). I kept with it and one night – I fell in love. I loved zoning out and being able to clear that jumbled mess in my mind three days a week. I had a knee injury though and haven't worked up enough confidence to get back into it. Now that it's getting cooler, I'm ready to get those running shoes back on.
This entry definitely inspired me to not only get out and run, but to check our yoga/pilates. Thanks! 🙂
First – I love your blog. I read it consistently, and I don't think I've ever commented. So: hi!
I had to just share (since you asked) about my favorite yoga resources. I have a one-year-old and work full time outside the home with a 2.5+-hour round-trip commute. To say I have little time for yoga is an understatement at best. Anyway, I LOVE Sadie Nardini. She has a ton of really good FREE online classes. There are some that are snippets – like working on a particular pose – and some that are full classes. I do this one over and over again, because it's as hard or as easy as you want to/can make it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf1MtRZx_J4&feature=relmfu
I'm considering buying one of her DVDs, but haven't yet. She has become really commercialized over the last couple of years, but she still keeps a lot of her stuff free, and I just like the way she teaches.
Also, I LOVE Bikram yoga. It is so super pricey, but it's pretty awesome. Hot, but awesome!
There are two types of workouts (plus swimming in the evenings) I'd recommend: yoga and Bodyrock (www.bodyrock.tv) with the last one being a great 12 minute workouts happening at the peace of my own house. It's very intensive and there's no limit to how long or how often it can be done. Good luck with finding the right one for you! xx
http://www.ahandfulofstyle.weebly.com
These are my absolute favorite videos. I go to this studio in Austin…and later found that they took their idea that
"yoga should be free to the masses" by putting full workouts up online!
When I found this, I wanted to tell EVERYBODY about it…but alas, I might be the only one of my friends that do yoga.
You're going to love it. It will change your life if you hang in there.
Giam yoga DVD. You can get it at walmart or target. Super fun and not too hard. Has five 20 minute yoga sessions. Best part is that it does not have and students in it; just the instructor. Good luck
I travel a lot with my job and really love working out in hotel gyms where I don't know anyone. I also really loved the 1 month trial of yoga I did. Problem is my anxiety takes over and I am really hesitant to try a new gym or yoga studio (the one I was going to is too far from my house). I took up running a while ago becuase it's easy and you can do it on your own with just a good pair of shoes. Unfortunatley my asthma has been acting up in the fall air and I havn't been running for a while. For now I am working on the courage to go to the gym near my house. Wish me luck!
I bought the Giam yoga workout dvd from walmart (you could get it at target too). It has five 20 minute workouts that go from super easy to moderately difficult. I love it! And the best part is, it's just the instructor with no students. Good luck!
I agree with Lexi on the Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred…I thought I was in pretty good shape because I am a runner until I did this work-out and it was so hard but such a great work-out. I felt my body tightening up fast and you can't beat working out for 20 mins with good results. It has three levels so you can mix them up and keep things interesting. Her voice gets annoying after awhile but I just muted her and listened to music. I didn't know she had a yoga DVD out, I am definitely checking it out.
Yoga is amazing because you can make it all about you and what you're up to at the moment. If you need to back off and take a child's pose do it. Perhaps instead of turning off the DVD, you just sit back and watch for a little bit. It's OK if you miss a few poses and just meet up with everyone where they're at.
Also, like others have said, you may be able to find free/donation based yoga classes in your area or when you're traveling. There's really no substitute for a yoga class with a teacher. They can help you with alignment and will be happy to ask questions.
Check out podcasts on iTunes and yogajournal.com for more resources. My blog also has a few (yogagypsystl.com) 🙂
Try: http://www.gaiamyogastudio.com/ It is $19.99/mo, but it does start with a 10-day free trial. You get to pick your level and type of yoga you want to do. I really like Rodney Yee's videos (I have a Power Yoga DVD that is a good struggle to get through).
Also, I heart Sean Corn – she's probably my favorite I have found. Her website: http://www.seanecorn.com/ and her Detox Flow Yoga DVD – great! Part of it is an interview with her about our society's relationship with food and how it can either hurt or help us.
Wish I could help but I haven't found any video that I can motivate myself to stick with at home. I go to a yoga studio 3-4X a week but would prefer staying at home for convenience. Fortunately twice a week there is a 6-7am class and I can go while the lil one is still asleep.
I'll check out the Crunch one- thanks for the tip! I would love to try out the Ultimate Yogi- my husband does P90X and loves it. He's lost weight and feels a lot better. It looks horrendous and difficult (ab ripper?!? ouch) but I've heard amazing things!
A yoga practice is a relationship. Sometimes I am on good terms with it and other times we don't speak. But every time I go back to my mat I am reunited with a sense that I am in the right place. Try http://www.myyogaonline.com/ if you want some variety. You can stream a variety of classes at different levels and different styles. Yoga has always been there for me, even if I ignore is for a long time 🙂
I absolutely LOVE Ballet Beautiful 60 min full body workout.
It's split up into different 5-15 minute videos: arms, abs, inner thighs, outer thighs, bridge series and a mini cardio one at the end. Mary Helen Bowers was a NYC ballerina and after her career ended she started to teach classes in NYC, a few workout DVDs, a book and online streaming classes later, she has a cult following. It really gives you those long lean muscles, better posture, they are quick little diddies so it's easier to fit them into a day and you can modify them to make it harder or if you are a beginner.
And, I LOVE yoga but sometimes I struggle with how difficult it can be, so this has helped me become stronger. Also, I just purchased a pair of yoga shorts from target and oh man, are they not a godsend?
Love your blog and your little girl, keep it up!
I've been going to yoga for the last year a a half every Saturday morning. There's a local place in Orlando that has $5 community yoga (everyone from beginner to expert shows up). I look forward to going. It's such a great way for me to clear my head and leave with my body feeling just as good. I used to just do yoga once a week and other various videos during the week. Recently though I have joined a gym so I cut back on yoga but still do both. I like the mix. The gym is much closer to my house so way easier to get to after work but yoga is always my favorite way to start a Saturday.
I have to agree with Heidi, I've been doing the Jillian Michaels yoga meltdown and love it. G'luck!
I joined roller derby four months ago, and I LOVE it. But I found I needed more exercise to really excel, so I try to do Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred at least 5 times a week. It's only 20 minutes, but it's intense enough to make it worth your while.
I also did (do?) yoga. I took a beginners course and have done other classes before in hatha & ashtanga yoga. What I love most about ashtanga is once you learn the sequence you don't need a video you can just do it in yourself, in your house or wherever. It's really grounding, but also good exercise. I bought this book when I was doing the course, and it's really helped me a lot. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1891252089/
I love Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown video, I think it was $10 and it offers a 30 minute workout level I or II that I can pick up anytime throughout the week. Good luck!!
I have an at home yoga DVD that i'll do once every blue moon. I think it is actually aimed at women over 55 (I'm 24) but I like it because it is simple, slow paced and has a big focus on meditation and breathing.
My favorite work out is taking a pole or silks class. Its a huge challenge and I always end up surprising myself with what I can do when it comes to the more acrobatic stuff. You feel a bit silly when you first start out, but once you move up a few levels it gets really athletic and hanging upside down from heights is a great adrenaline kick!
I've recently falling in love with paddle boarding as well. A lot harder than it looks but also a lot of fun, even when you're falling off.
how neat, i just started my personla yoga challenge 10 min ago. i want to do ten min. in the mornings and ten in the evenings, avery day (i bet that changes tomorrow). i am really in love with bikram, but it just too expensive. but i guess good old whatever yoga will to te trick too till i found myself some money.
enjoy your videos!
Cool that you're getting back into it. I have tried Yoga many times (including pregnancy yoga which I just couldn't take seriously at all… way too much meditating and chanting!). Then one day I tried pilates and fell in love! Before I got pregnant I was going 3 times a week and my body never felt so good. I miss it badly and because there don't seem to be any pregnancy pilates classes in my area I have finally taken to buying a book online. I'm impatiently waiting for it to arrive and absolutely can't wait to get stretching again!
I was so excited to see this post pop up in my reader. I've had a life long dream of taking a yoga class. I'm not sure why I was so drawn to yoga but I've just always had a feeling it would be something I'd love. Anyhoo 28 years later and I had yet to take a single class – there was always some reason why it wasn't the right time for me to take some time to do something for myself, but 2 months ago i thought "what the heck am I waiting for?!" and went to my first ever class. I'm hooked. I loved every second of that first class even though I discovered I am so not flexible and boy did i hurt (in places I didn't even know i had muscles!) for days afterwards.
I've been doing yoga for 7 or 8 years. I absolutely love yogatoday.com It has a $10 monthly fee for unlimited classes ranging from beginner to guru BUT they offer a weekly class for free. Sometimes it's super easy & sometimes it's super hard. These are by far the least cheesy & most helpful instructors I've found. Yoga's the only consistent workout I can keep up with, with twins. I love it!