Exploring Other Options

- Kelly Montana

Does the thought of “Yoga” bring up visions of chanting, bodies in pretzel like positions, or people with joints bending in seemingly impossible directions? What about Tai Chi, and Pilates? Not for you? Many write off these options in their health and fitness plan due to misconceptions or just lack of exposure. There are so many options available to us and maybe we would enjoy exploring something new that we have never tried before? For those just starting out on an exercise plan, I always suggest walking and hopefully you will be joining us for a gorgeous day in Springville at the Apple Festival event. However, once our body has adapted to a walking routine, I encourage my clients to stir it up when possible by continuously challenging the body. As discussed before, cardio and strength training are key to enhancing our physique, but the more we do with greater variety, the more our body and mind can benefit. The human body is such a great adapter, therefore, we must keep changing our routine and it may require us to move out of our comfort zone.

 Yoga originated in India several centuries ago, but teachers only showed up in the western world a few decades ago. Since then, yoga has evolved into many branches and styles of psychological and physical practices. Hatha or “physical” yoga is what the ancient yoga practitioners used to prepare themselves for long periods of sitting and most styles share the same poses.  The yogis use this practice of poses coupled with breathing, among other techniques, to help connect the mind, body and spirit. I have found the big difference between yoga and strength training is in the movement and the shape of the muscle. With weight training we focus on repetitive contracting of the muscle which makes us strong and increases the muscle mass, whereas, in a yoga pose, we concentrate on lengthening and holding the muscles with dynamic tension that, not only, enhances balance and flexibility, but it also creates strength and muscle endurance, as well. By holding a pose, enjoying that sensation, and feeling our breath, we can learn to feel more present. That is the goal of the Yogi-to live a conscious life.

If you are working on “awareness” as mentioned in the previous article, a Yoga practice can be a great way to increase your ability to notice what is going on in your head and heart.  Instructors in many yoga classes set the stage for a very non-judgmental and non competitive environment to accommodate for various body types and fitness levels.  Also, many classes traditionally take several minutes at the end of each class for meditation. I found yoga late in life and I never would have believed in a thousand years that this cowgirl could ever do anything that required any flexibility. I attended my first class primarily due to curiosity and back pain. I have practiced for years now and I am still seeing progress that has lead to a dramatic increase in my flexibility and the elimination of back pain, plus, I am thoroughly enjoying the journey. You hear more and more Doctors, athletes and literature recommending a yoga practice as an excellent addition to any health and fitness program. The same is true for Pilates and Tai Chi. For more information see www.CoachKellyMo.com. Looking forward to seeing you on Race Day J.

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