Starting the day with yoga is a fabulous way to jump start the body and the mind. It is also a great way to wind down and relax after a long day. But wait you say, isn’t yoga where you twist your body into impossible positions for long periods of time?! There is no way I could contort my body in such a way I would not be able to come out! Not to mention the fact that I am so overweight that the sight of my arse way up in the air while my feet are placed somewhere back behind my head is just out of the question! What if someone were to walk in while I was in this insane position not meant for the normal person, especially for an overweight girl like me?! OK, I am giggling now because the image of me doing this has got to be hilarious but then who knows, the person walking in just might enjoy the sight and want to come closer! Sorry, sex apparently is on my brain this morning after a wonderful yoga session. Who says just because you are big you can’t have an active sex life, right? I know I’m overweight but I also know that I am still beautiful inside and out. Repeat after me folks, “I AM BEAUTIFUL”. Yes I need to lose weight for my health and well being BUT I am STILL beautiful. A wonderful man kept reminding me to say out loud “I AM BEAUTIFUL” and this I do as a reminder to myself. Embrace what you have, know what you need to do, do it, and watch yourself become the way it should be. OK, sorry I seem to have switched topics! We’ll save positive affirmations for another day. Back to yoga…There are many benefits to practicing yoga on a daily basis.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS YOU ASK?
Yoga…
- increases flexibility
- lubricates the joints, tendons, and ligaments which in turn help limit the amount of body injury or at least speed up healing time
- calms the mind when deep breathing is incorporated
- teaches us how to slow down and pay attention to our bodies whether it’s listening to warning signs of disease or hunger
- positions massage the internal organs which improve organ function
- stimulates and tones the muscles to help shed excess fat
- detoxes our bodies and circulates our blood supply
- posture improves as we elongate the muscles giving us a leaner look
- energy levels increase and we are able to sleep better at night
The list goes on and on when it comes to yoga. You can see a long list of physical, psychological, biochemical and physiological benefits of yoga here. Who knew there were so many benefits and why hadn’t I been doing this for years?! I can tell you from experience that in just the past couple of months I have been doing yoga, I feel more energetic, more confident, less stiff, and I’m starting to see parts of my body getting slimmer and more toned. My waist is one area transforming noticeably even to others. It is amazing and makes me want to keep doing it.
WHAT ARE SOME POSITIONS THAT EVEN A BEGINNER CAN DO?
{I’ll use laymen words for these positions that I actually try to do everyday. Click on the links for an animated demonstration.}
- Cat Pose
- Resolved Triangle Pose
- Crescent Moon Pose
- Warrior Pose
- Wide Legged Forward Bend
- Chair Pose
- Downward Facing Dog
- Standing Tree Pose
- Child Pose
- Full Boat Pose
- Plough Pose {Remember the image I described above with my arse in the air and my feet back behind my head? This is it.}
- Bow Pose
- Wheel Pose
- Cobra Pose
- Dog Pose
- Bridge Pose
- End your session with meditation in the Corpse Pose or Lotus pose.
Short on time but want to do some yoga to energize? Do the Sun Salutation {see black poses at top of post} which is a series of 12 poses. Now what are you waiting for? Stop what you are doing, find a quiet spot, and do some yoga!
MY CURRENT MOOD…ENERGIZED!!
