Hot or Heated Yoga is difficult and tiring even for the most seasoned athlete. At 105 degrees and 40% humidity, the performance of advanced yogic poses can be a challenge both mentally and physically for anyone, even those who have practiced for years.
Recently, while attending one of these classes, as I do frequently, I noticed a couple who had not attended before. They were introduced as new students by the instructor.
As the class began, it became apparent that the session was proving to be a bigger challenge than either of them had I envisioned. They both had obviously not been physically active in a while and were  both carrying a fair amount of excess weight on their bodies. Keep in mind that the majority of people who attend this type of class tend to be in above average shape.

This couple had thrown themselves into the type of work out for seasoned practitioners when they should have started in a place that would build their confidence. They wound up leaving after about 10 minutes of the 60 minute class.

I felt terrible for them, as it is likely that they left feeling frustrated and bad about themselves. Here they were, trying to make positive lifestyle improvements and instead they left embarrassed and defeated.

Hopefully they were able to find something that they both enjoyed, which would move them towards their goals and objectives and they did not just give up as a result of their experience.

Perhaps this touched me personally, because I was once there myself; and know what it’s like to feel totally uncoordinated, incredibly out of shape, out of place and overweight. The journey to fit and fantastic does not happen overnight. It takes place as a result of consistent effort and productive decisions.

 

You need to want fit more than you want the instant gratification of regular overindulgent meals or justifying skipping  workouts because you are too busy, tired or the weather is bad.

 

I am now the crazy person that works out even if it’s -19 degrees, dark and yucky outside. Even if I had a terrible night’s sleep and am facing huge deadlines. I make it happen because that is the person I have become. You have to commit to becoming that person and it does not happen overnight.

 

We all have the same 24 hours in a day and it’s all about the decisions we make that determines our inward strength and outward appearance. If you are wanting to step up your game but have been out of it for a while…start with where you are and focus on daily, weekly and monthly improvements.

 

  • Join a gym
  • Try classes (plan to attend at least three, before deciding whether or not this is something you would want to do regularly) that you’ve never tried before
  • Develop healthy, new interests (walking, hiking, swimming, Yoga, kick boxing, pilates etc.)
  • Make friends with like minded people
  • Incorporate some sort of movement into your life every day
  • Subscribe to positive and informative Newsletters and Facebook Pages
  • Read books and magazines that are all about living a healthy lifestyle
  • Join on line groups that offer support and encouragement

 

Start small. The key is consistently. Baby steps, every day will get you there. 

 

You will soon see outward results, but the inward effects of less stress and a sense of pride is immediate. Small actions taken every day will get you the results you want. Commit to making the investment in YOU!

The long term effects of doing so have a much greater impact than just getting and being fit. Prepare for ALL areas of your life to improve as a result.

As the iconic slogan says… Just Do It!

by Kim Peterson