Last Wednesday I held one of my Secrets To Making Midlife Weight Loss Easier Classes. I’ve learned so much since the first one last January and wanted to update the info. 

One of the things we talked about was exercise–of course–and what kinds of exercise are better than others. (Did you know that too much aerobic exercise could actually be counterproductive?) Those of us who love the stair master or treadmill only work muscles in the front of our legs for the most part. It’s important to work all the sets of complimentary muscles to avoid injury. One way to do this if you don’t want to keep track is do yoga regularly. Why? Because yoga uses the whole body to balance in postures and an asana isn’t considered complete until it has been done with both sides of the body.

What I’m always thankful for while twisting pretzel like and trying to remember to breath is that it’s a practice. I practice things I’ve heard over and over as I reach for that little bit more opening in my spine or shoulders. I don’t feel badly that I am not further along. So why do I do that in life? Why do any of us? Are we not always learning even when we have accomplished a level of mastery? Of course we are. If not, how boring. I’m not going to say I’d like things to move faster at times or results to show up on demand; I’d love to have that much mastery over my daily routine. 

As I’m feeling the burn in my arms while in downward facing dog or my shoulders in fish pose I realize at times in my day to day, I give in before the burn gets too bad. In class I’m not likely to do that, in part because there is an instructor coaching us to hold on. Even so it reminds me that next time something feels awkward or hard, if I hold on, I might get that result faster or learn that next level of skill I’ve been wanting. 

Yoga on the mat is about expansion, balance, loving yourself and reflecting that love outwards. We are encourage to live the same way “off the mat.” I’m thrilled that yoga is a good way to strengthen all of my physical muscles. The bonus, I’m learning, is how it strengthens my emotional and mental ones too.

How has yoga helped you?