Move-It Monday: Yoga

Modern living imposes stresses and strains on all of us – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I’m learning and discovering how, with a little effort, and by focusing on ways of looking after myself better, how I can increase my vitality and get the best out of every day. The word ‘commitment’ implies discipline and finding the time to develop a regular practice. ‘Yet another routine to fit into an already hectic lifestyle’ you may say in despair at ‘Move-it Monday’. The very word ‘commitment’ can be off-putting; but wouldn’t it be wonderful to take some time to slow down, take a deep breath and let out all the tension?  

One practice to help you achieve this, is yoga. It not only energises and relaxes the body, it also works to harmonise the mind, body and spirit. Recent scientific studies have shown that the regular practice of yoga decreases problems with breathing, digestion and blood pressure, eliminates stress and tension and helps people suffering with arthritis and arteriosclerosis. The results of a six-month study showed a dramatic increase in lung capacity, the ability to handle stress and a reduction in body weight, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels. In a word, I think yoga is magical!

Yoga works wonders by helping you improve your physical healthy, tone your muscles and internal organs, relieve inner tension, reduce weight and strengthen your bones. It not only works on your body, but also guides you towards relaxation and shows you how to become more balanced, centred and calm.

Move-it Monday started for me as a simple quest for a fitness programme but is now leading to a greater understanding of ‘where I am coming from’ and a much healthier lifestyle. I have started to allocate time every day to a sequence of hatha yoga postures. Yoga is an easy, undemanding and enjoyable way of becoming healthier and stronger and will result in a greater self-esteem because you will have a sense of achievement.

All you need is to be willing to make a positive change and you will benefit from a greater level of fitness. Yoga is for everyone, forget about your age or fitness level. It is non-competitive, personal and enjoyable. You will see amazing results in no time at all.

Once you begin to realise the benefits of the Move-It Monday system that promotes well being and reduces stress; the discipline of move-it Monday seems no longer a chore. I have found that I’m seeing fitness as part of everyday life – a natural and enjoyable habit and I miss it, if a day goes by and I haven’t exercised.

I’ve begun to realise that it wasn’t about finding the time. You can’t afford not to find the time! I’ve found that I achieve more by having a more focused mind. Health and happiness is our own responsibility.

I have read a lot about yoga and it is a great way to start. I found that a deeper understanding helped me to focus on how yoga could benefit me. You could begin by taking a class once a week or following a book, charts or DVD. Stick to a plan and the benefits will become obvious. Yoga is not about guilt, so 5 minutes of yoga is better than none. Barbara Currie’s DVDs and books are what I’ve found to be the best for me and I’m following Barbara Currie’s Total Body Plan. You can mix and match sequences according to your schedule from 5 minute routines upwards. You can also focus on different areas of the body, eg a flat stomach.

If you’d like to know more about Move-It Monday read here. If you’d like to join in, add the above button to your blog to spread the word – it is simply about us moving more and sharing our successes along the way.

For lots more ideas see previous Move It Mondays below:

Move More

Your workout

Obsesity

Bikini Body

Move your booty

Have Fun

Magic Number

Charts

Exotic Fruit

Complementary Medicine

10 Tips

Lifestyle

5k

Visit Your Park

Yoga

Eat your way to health