Wednesday, January 14, 2015

January 14th, 2015 Increased Effort

January 14th, 2015 Increased Effort

My workout plan today didn't include Yoga, initially. I did schedule a consultation today at the Yoga studio down the street from where I work. After a great conversation, the decision was made. My first class would be at 5:30pm.

Yoga is something many have encouraged me to try over the years. I've resisted for a variety of reasons, but I assure you, none of them were grounded in solid reasoning. Mostly, my reluctance revolved around ego and basically, not wanting to put myself in vulnerable, self-conscious type situations. Letting all of that go and embracing something new seems to be the theme of this blog lately. It feels amazing to just let it be, let the hangups go and just be real and okay with it all.

Yesterday I started weight training, something I'm enthusiastically looking forward to continuing on a regular/consistent schedule. Today it was Yoga. After this first class, I've decided it will be a twice a week addition to my workout plans.

I really felt connected to the breathing and movements. I enjoyed the calm/centered approach. It's completely different from going full speed on the elliptical. I feel like this addition, without any doubt, will be a very positive part of my physical, emotional and mental progress moving forward. Yeah--yoga hits 'em all! My next Yoga class is set for Monday at 5:30pm. In the meantime, it'll be back to the YMCA for weight training and elliptical cardio.

It's interesting, really. Throughout my initial weight loss and up until now, I've never applied this much effort and thought into my fitness plan. I've focused heavily on the emotional/mental aspects of my relationship with food, of course and it's served me well. This is new territory for me in the exercise and fitness part of the equation. It's poised to be a very nice compliment to everything I'm passionate about along this road.

I don't know if you can read it in my words here, but I'm very excited about what I'm doing and how I'm doing it. This entire journey, especially the last ten months, has been an incredible blessing on multiple levels. I'm so very grateful. I needed every bit of my experience. It's all good. Even the relapse and regain was one of the most important elements needed to progress toward a better understanding. I'm still learning. The learning never stops.

photo TurkeyTrot10K001.jpg
The last time I was this fired up about exercise was when I did this 10K years ago. The number 278 was chosen because that's what I weighed on that particular day.

My Tweets Today:




















Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
at

8 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 15, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Congratulations on your first yoga class! I love it. I did yoga even at my heaviest weight of 350, and it made a difference even then. Even at that weight, I had more energy and was able to move easier than a lot of people half my size, and I'm sure that was because of the stretching and strengthening of my muscles from the yoga.

    Now that I'm actively trying to lose weight (I'm 292 right now), I've noticed that I make much better food choices if I do yoga in the morning. It does something to my mindset for the rest of the day. I'm really looking forward to being able to do some of the poses I can only halfway now because my big belly gets in the way.

    It's a great trip we're on, isn't it?

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  2. UnknownJanuary 15, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    Namaste Sean! Rock on!

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  3. dupsterJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:01 PM

    I bought a Yoga DVD, made for people who are older and not as flexible (like me). Haven't ever watched it. You make me think I should. Love your excitement and enthusiasm Sean. Isn't it funny how making good choices leads to so much more: Improved attitude, better health, a boost in self confidence, and the scale going down down down!

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  4. Alati January 15, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Way to go Sean! I love me some yoga!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    Yup, yoga is really really good for you (and me) I was thinking about blowing off my Thursday night yoga class until reading this, you helped get me back on track.

    I appreciate you writing out specifically that on Monday, MLK day, you have your next class scheduled. In that spirit, tonight, at 7:30 PDT I will be at the level one class at my local studio.
    --Chris

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  6. NikkiJanuary 15, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Love yoga! I do it twice a week to de-stress at the end of the day and keep flexible. So I do either Hatha (slow) or Vinyasa (flow). The other nights, T'ai Chi.

    Being excited about exercise? Great step, my friend. All these big and little breakthroughs are adding up :)

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    Wow you are making some great additions to your fitness plan as of late. It will all do your body good. Way to go Sean!

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  8. Isaac BushJanuary 23, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    Losing weight may be challenging, but it can be fun as well, especially if one is willing to try different things. Though it's best to do it with the proper guidance of an instructor, so that the workout you’re about to do is compatible to your body size and current health condition. And it’s good to know that you already found one to mentor you. Anyway, judging from your post, there’s no doubt that you’re having fun while doing those healthy exercises and activities. Keep it up!

    Isaac Bush @ Orangetheory Fitness

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