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I Did Yoga Every Day for Three Months and Here’s What Happened

yoga benefits

Usually after a workout hiatus, I am more than ready to hit the gym, get sweaty and return to my normal routine. But this time was different. The harsh realities of life had left me not only weak in body, but also in spirit — and the last thing I wanted to do was bust out a set of squats. I turned toward yoga, not with any physical objective, but to simply regain my piece of mind.

My first few ventures on the mat were half-hearted; I truly didn’t care if I regained my lost muscle or former level of fitness. I performed the posture for the sake of the posture and nothing else. I found that not having a goal was liberating; after weeks of being sedentary, it felt good just to move and breathe.

I started to look forward to the next session, not as a workout, but as a way to stay grounded. My practice became meditative and I tuned in to the minutiae of each pose. Under the tutelage of an instructor, postures that previously baffled me became easier — a lot easier, and my flexibility surprised me.

My body responded immediately. I felt strong, energized and better than I had in years. My neck muscles (which are constantly tight) loosened up, my joints didn’t ache, and my body felt lithe and supple. The muscles in my arms and legs became more defined, my butt started to perk up, I became more aware of my posture and my core got crazy strong.

While the changes to my physical body were fantastic, the changes that took place inside were that much better. The gentle practice of yoga left me feeling emotionally balanced and more confident, compassionate and patient — not only toward others, but also toward myself.

In addition to twice-a-week studio sessions, I practiced at home, but only for 20 or 30 minutes a day. The only other form of exercise I did was to walk my dog.

Yoga is not a cure all for everything. Practicing every day will not make life easier; all the same ups and downs will still be there. What it can do is give you the unshakable certainty that the inner you — the one not encumbered by a physical body — can handle whatever comes your way.

Do you maintain a regular practice? There are eight limbs of yoga, only one of which requires physical postures. Add a little pranayama, dharana or dhyana to your life and see where yoga can take you! —Karen

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Comments

8 Comments
  1. Adrina says:

    Yoga is amazing. People don’t appreciate Yoga at the beginning stages of their practice because they focus more on doing the positions properly. Once they become comfortable with the moves and adapt to them than they are really able to feel/appreciate the true value of Yoga.

  2. Anna Becker says:

    I’ve never done Yoga, but would like to do something that helps relieve stress. I live in a small, remote town. Anything you could recommend for a beginner (book, CD, etc.)?

  3. Karen says:

    Hi Anna. Yoga is great for stress relief. Yoga is personal, but I really like Rodney Yee. He gives slow precise instruction and his voice is soothing. You might want to check out his Complete Yoga for Beginners DVD. Good Luck, Karen

  4. Eva says:

    I used to face issues with my bowel movements and in fact have hemorrhoids. Since i practiced yoga for 1 month – 3 times per week, my condition improved!

  5. Ben says:

    Anna,

    I’ve been doing a series of yoga videos on YouTube by Yoga with Adriene. She has all types of practice for different levels and different durations. I highly recommend her.

  6. Catherine says:

    Yes. I doing this, Yoga given me more power and energy to my life. And which helps me to build my life better than before. Thank for the post.

  7. Sam says:

    I am no longer surprise to hear or read some good news and feedback from people who just started Yoga. For me, Yoga is a complete package of exercise wherein it also touches the core of your thoughts and train your mind on how to bring your body back to its homeostasis or balanced condition.
    It’s been 6 months that I practice yoga and I do it thrice a week. I am now more confident to flaunt my curves out of the superb benefits brought by yoga.

  8. Shalini says:

    Yoga gives us countless benefits, if we do it correct way.
    Thank you for sharing this post!!

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