Posted by Michelle Hering on Tue, Nov 03, 2009
Yesterday I went to the gym and had a
great workout. I did a 30 minutes on the stair climber, and performed 10
strength training lifts.
Then today, I went to a yoga class. I felt amazing as I left the studio, but it was a different kind of post-workout glow—not the same feeling as after yesterday's cardio step workout and strength session.
I thought
about the difference between the two and this is what I discovered. The gym allows me freedom to go
whenever I want, I can choose between a number of pieces of cardio
equipment as well a variety of strength training exercises. On the other hand, the yoga
studio gives me an opportunity to let my mind relax, and I don't have to
think about what I want to do next as my yoga instructor will tell me.
In yoga, as I'm working on stretching muscles (that I forgot I had and definitely
didn't know were so tight!), my focus is redirected. I concentrate on
myself versus the world outside. I leave both places—the yoga studio and the gym—feeling tired,
uplifted, stronger and overall happier than when I first walked in the
door.
I am so excited that yoga is a part of workout routine now because allowing a
new practice into my life allows me to work not only on myself
physically, but also mentally and spiritually in a variety of ways.
I'm excited to see the results as I continue to workout in the gym as
well as attend yoga classes. I feel there is a lot I can learn from my
friends who are "yogis" as well as "gym rats." I am learning a
combination of both practices will work best for me.
I think that is
what a lot of the articles, advice, and community boards on www.thebestlife.com
are all about: It's an opporutnity to see what others think or to read about
their experiences before you jump in and try somehting else. While I
value other's opinions, ultimately what works for me is the best form
of exercise.