My perception of yoga and the people who do it was completely wrong, so take my advice and “Don’t knock it till you try it.”
This yoga based post is all about:
- My new found love for yoga
- The importance of committing to short-term goals
- The benefits and struggles I learned through my yoga journey
- Recommendations for getting started
3 years ago I would have been the first person to say that Yoga was a fake-ass workout, expensive, and a big waste of time. Just a bunch of juice drinking, essential oil using hippies that call it exercise as they live their vegetarian namaste lives. And do not even get me started on Hot Yoga……such a rip-off. I couldn’t have been more WRONG!
However, after getting into a solid gym routine, I found myself getting bored while rushing through my workouts as opposed to enjoying them and my bodies transformation. I was looking for a change and something new…This led me to Yoga. I decided to commit to something that would challenge my body in a different way while still burning calories and learning about my body, mind, and soul.
At first, I didn’t get it…it felt like a waste of time and it was so hard to clear my mind and focus on just me and my body for a solid 45 min. However, I set a goal and was determined to learn this new way of exercising. Short-term goals are huge to any fitness journey and 30-day challenges help you commit to yourself and your body, proving that you can accomplish any goal. Also seeing results and a transformation is key to continuing to pushing yourself and getting the body of your dreams.
I committed to a 30-day yoga challenge starting on November 1st, 2017. Every day I showed up on the mat, putting my full attention into the moment, and pushing my body and flexibility to new limits.
The Benefits I experienced from this 30-day Yoga challenge include:
- Improved flexibility and posture
- Better balance
- Having the ability to shut my mind off, focus, and relax
- Toned muscles and core
- Connecting to my breath and using it to accelerate my workouts
- Discipline by committing to a 30-day challenge
- Learning to push my body to new limits
I fully understand that Yoga isn’t for everyone, but don’t be like me and think it’s stupid without even trying it. Have an open mind and give it a try, if you are like me you will be hooked.
Of course, I had struggles…First of all, I might be the most unflexible people you know. Secondly, I have a weak calf and ankle that inhibits my balance and flexibility. Thirdly, I never knew if I was doing it wrong or right and constantly worried about looking like a yogi wannabe.
With these struggles, I realized that practice really does make perfect, and yoga completely helped my flexibility and balance. Also the more I did yoga, the better I looked and I started to realize it was more about the stretching, breathing, and feeling as opposed to how I looked.
If you are looking to try it, but have no idea where to start…try these recommendations:
- Experiment with Yoga instructors on Youtube – Like a personal trainer, you have to find someone you don’t get annoyed with and like their style of working out or doing yoga.
- Don’t waste your money on expensive yoga memberships – especially at the beginning. Find the style of yoga you like first through free classes on Youtube.
- Find a quiet place to do Yoga – preferably a room without a TV (so you aren’t tempted to bail and watch a show instead.
- Leave your phone in a different room – I was constantly tempted to check my social media while doing yoga #millenialproblems but try to avoid this and stay focused on the practice… be in the moment.
- Experiment with doing yoga at different times of the day – like workouts, some people enjoy them more in the morning or at night. It is all about personal preference.
- Don’t be afraid to set the mood – if you like doing yoga right before bed or need a timeout from a crazy day, get into a more relaxed state by lighting a candle or dimming the lights.
In the end, yoga is something I was completely wrong about and as cliche as it is…it changed my life. I look forward to continuing my yoga journey and only getting more flexible and experienced. Give it a try, but really commit, I promise it will be worth it.
If you guys have any questions…comment below. Good luck future yogis! Namaste
December 8, 2017 at 6:02 pm
Yaas, great post & blog! I’m a recent convert who has experienced the same wonderful transition. You’re lucky, you’re starting sooner than I did. Thanks for your thumbs up on my meditation for athletes post, kindred spirit. Health, fitness and a wonderful holiday season to you & yours.
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January 5, 2018 at 9:34 pm
You as well. So glad I converted and I am sure you are too. Stay happy and healthy 🙂
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December 11, 2017 at 11:10 pm
I’m a yoga novice. I went to class a few years ago and came out thinking “that’s definitely not my thing”, but, after reading your post, I’m tempted to give it another go in the new year. Perseverance is obviously key.
Thanks for the tips!
Cori | http://www.randomtangentblog.wordpress.com
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December 11, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Yay! I love that. I was the same exact way. I found that when I could do yoga on my terms and in my own environment I was more comfortable 🙂
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January 5, 2018 at 9:41 am
Beautiful thoughts and photos, thanks!
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January 5, 2018 at 9:31 pm
So sweet. Thank you 🙂
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January 16, 2018 at 3:05 am
I’ve been intrigued for a long time with Yoga and may have just convinced me to dedicate time and once and for all put the excuses to the side and just make it happen. Thank you.
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January 16, 2018 at 6:45 am
Awww yay! I love that. I highly recommend it, just take 30 minutes for yourself. Even if you feel funny doing it, trust me I still feel awkward doing it sometimes.
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January 16, 2018 at 6:09 pm
I will check YouTube for beginner videos and thank you again. 😉
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January 16, 2018 at 6:10 pm
I love yoga! I do it on and off and always find my entire life more well balanced on the “on” times. I think all your tips and super helpful for those getting started. Thanks for sharing.
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January 16, 2018 at 7:27 pm
I completely understand…it is time-consuming but worth it! glad you liked it 🙂
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January 23, 2018 at 6:09 pm
**fake ass workout** haha I too am relatively new to the world of yoga. I started last year to keep me loose for my other passions, running and cycling. The idea of being still and quietly focusing kinda freaked me out… I mean.. it wasn’t active and moving at fast speeds! It didn’t take long for me to appreciate how it helped loosen me, teach me about focus and deep breathing ( essential for my other sports) Of course, I am competitive so I have competed with myself to do things better, longer. As in, my recent handstand was almost 3 minutes 🙂 Thanks for a great post.
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January 23, 2018 at 6:24 pm
haha you and I seem very similar. I played competitive sports my whole life, and yoga is so different. I always try to turn it into a competition and that is not what it is about. I love yoga because it makes me think differently and get out of that constant competitive state. You’re so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
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January 24, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Reblogged this on purelycrystals.
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January 25, 2018 at 10:05 am
Great tips! Love your advice and yoga 🙂
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January 25, 2018 at 3:12 pm
yay so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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January 25, 2018 at 11:25 pm
OMG did you say this post is for dummies? ok, that means I know what level I am at.. 😀
Superb write-up and pictures! 🙂
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January 26, 2018 at 1:51 pm
Hahaha I was referring to myself as the dummy…because I am self taught and consider myself the dummy. Thank you for the compliment on the blog 🙂
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February 13, 2018 at 11:30 am
Wow you’re amazing!
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February 21, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Great advice and great post!
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February 21, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Thank you! Glad you like it
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February 21, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Thanks for liking one of my posts. I’ve written about yoga a few times as it helped me focus and achieve my 10,000 miles of bicycling in two years. I began like you with a challenge and haven’t stopped over four years later. There much that can be said. I might disagree starting with a video, you can hurt yourself, especially if you’re hyper competitive with yourself or others. That said, YogawithAdriene is very accessible. She’s right here in Austin but 3 million followers on YouTube should tell you something. If that’s you in the pictures, wow! Both the skill and I’ll just say, cute. Anyway, best of luck both our journeys, and may our paths cross again. Two palms together, ☮️❤️🚴♀️😀🕉️
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February 22, 2018 at 8:47 am
Thank you for the comment. I definitely get your hesitation of starting with a video…maybe I should add a disclaimer haha. but congrats on your 10,000 miles (thats amazing!!) and your 4 year yoga journey. I hope I can stick with it as long as you have ❤
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February 22, 2018 at 11:13 am
Whatever works! Getting on the mat often is what matters.
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February 23, 2018 at 6:51 am
love this post ❤ I go in and out of yoga and want to commit more! x
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February 23, 2018 at 11:43 am
I definitely understand. It is hard to stick to!
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March 9, 2018 at 10:45 pm
Still waiting for your pictures to load, but I’ll give it a try anyways.
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March 9, 2018 at 10:47 pm
oh no…that’s annoying. I’m sorry, but ya give it a try and let me know what you think 🙂
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April 25, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Love it. Definitely agree with what you said. It’s easy to get out off from the misconceptions as to what it means to do yoga, but after you give it a go you realise none of that matters and it’s completely worth it. Great advice on using YouTube to find a style you like!
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April 26, 2018 at 6:40 am
Wow nicely said! Glad you agree 🙂
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May 5, 2018 at 8:03 am
Sometimes just a few sun salutations to start the day is better than nothing. It warms up and loosens the muscles, targets upper and lower body and is a good energy boost to start your day.
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May 7, 2018 at 9:05 am
so true! Love it
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