Rediscovering my inner Yoga Mama!

Okay, this is not your average fitness post, more of a ‘maybe, if I say this out loud on my blog then I might hold myself accountable’ type of post.

I’ve ALWAYS admired those with a passion for physical activity; the gym, cross-fit, karate, running.  Life must be so easy for THOSE people, and why can’t I be one of them?  Why can’t I get off on running instead of microwave nachos with an entire block of melted cheddar cheese on top, eaten in divine secrecy just after the kids have gone to bed?  Why can’t I prepare a salad with fresh ingredients without it seeming like a total chore?

So I daydream about THEM and wonder, can I become one of them?  Is 35 too late to become obsessed with fitness and do I really want that for myself?

Deep down I know, it’s not possible, it’s not me, and it’s not realistic.   You cannot force yourself to be passionate about fitness or any other physical activity, and you certainly can’t do it for the wrong reasons and expect it to have a lasting and permanent effect on your lifestyle.

So back to me…with age my body has changed, gravity happens, loose skin, stretchmarks-and even though I’m still virtually wearing the same size clothes I did 10 year ago, I certainly am and can still be out-of-shape and flabby.

So in the recent weeks I’ve considered joining a gym.  My social anxiety creates a sort of panic that immediately fights my desire to succeed at being a ‘gym member.’  One simply cannot just toss on some clothes that resemble pajamas and go work out.  There’s an atmosphere, there’s pressure, there are a LOT of EXCUSES I create for myself as to why it won’t and can’t work for me personally.

Next step, YOGA!  I used to practice yoga before I had kids, in fact I wanted to become a certified yoga instructor but found out I was pregnant right before signing up.

So here I sit 10 years after and three kids later and I just realized how much I miss it.  It’s not just about becoming stronger, more fit-it’s about devoting some time to you, for you and only you.  What I love most about yoga is that all outside stresses and distractions are gone, you’re only able to focus on yourself, your breathing, your poses and you essentially are able to lose yourself in YOU-not housework, not a tv show or facebook, and I really need that.

I’m two classes in.  I’ve found a darling little local yoga studio that really can only accommodate maybe 6-8 people max and so far it’s been amazing.  I had my husband pack our scales into the closet where I cannot reach them and I’ve committed myself to becoming stronger and more confident without the need to weigh myself and expect to see results in the form of a number on the scale.  I want to feel my results inside and out!

I know that through hard work, relaxation and de-stressing, that practicing yoga more regularly will pay off more than I could have imagined any gym membership would.

 So tell me, have you ever tried yoga?  What’d you think of it?