Happy & Healthy – Fitness & Yoga

June 17, 2015

 

Yoga Fitness

 

It’s been my intention for a while to start working more exercise into my week but carving out the time to do that can be difficult. Over the last year I have been gradually loosing weight and I’m down to what I think is a healthy size for me, but there are areas now that don’t need extra weight loss, just toning. I walk every day doing the school run which has helped massively but I really wanted to try something more challenging. There is so much to choose from but I’m not someone who can cope with a really intense exercise class, at least not at the moment, and the thought of spending hours in the gym just doesn’t interest me.

Instead I’m trying out Yoga: it is something I have been interested in for a while as I like the idea that it’s more than just exercise. One of my friends recommended it to me and not only does she look amazing but the way it has adjusted her outlook on life has appealed to me the most. The meditation, the history, the relaxation – it flows into everything and has helped with her own well-being. I think any busy parent can relate to feeling close to the edge somedays; there is so much going on each and every day, so much to remember and organise. I am a firm believer in finding time for yourself away from all. At the end of a busy day you need to recharge and focus on yourself to truly be the best parent you can be – happy Mum, happy children!

With all that in mind, last week I went to my very first class and absolutely loved it: it was everything I had hoped for. It usually takes place in an old mansion house that has been refurbished but as the weather was so nice our lesson was out in the gardens which I think made it even more engaging. There was something comforting about standing barefoot on the grass, feeling the breeze on you face and listening to the birds.

Before we did any kind of yoga movements we did a meditation exercise and that was probably the hardest thing for me; just to lie still and just focus on breathing can be difficult when you are on the go all day. There were definitely times when I felt focused but still found random thoughts popping into my head, all the little things, like what shopping we need or appointments for the week. I have been assured that over time I will learn to stop this and clearing the mind is something that needs to be practiced.

I love that the class is so relaxed, that there is a wide range of people there and it is a very welcoming environment. Everyone just takes it at their own pace and you can do as much or as little as you want to. The teacher also talks about the yoga principles and history which I enjoy.

It feels like this is just what I needed; anyone with children will know that those evening hours are precious. My children are usually all in bed by 7pm then I try to cram in all the little things I couldn’t get done in the day and still find time to chat to my husband or wind down and have some time to myself. I don’t always sleep very well quite simply because I can’t switch my mind off. Our lives are so busy now and filled with engagements everywhere we look. Also, everything is right at our fingertips so that we are constantly viewing or reading something new. I’m most looking forward to spending time away from all that, time when I can totally focus on myself. After the Yoga session I felt so chilled out that it seemed a shame to have to get in my car and drive. As time goes on I hope to be able to bring some of the relaxation techniques into my days and maybe before I go to sleep. I would of course like it to help tone my body but for now I’m just enjoying it.

I didn’t know what to expect before this class. Of course I had heard of Yoga but wasn’t really sure it would be for me. It would be so easy to dismiss it for being maybe too out there or hippy-ish but it didn’t feel at all like that. When you are actually doing Yoga it feels like it could just be you in the room. How often do you get a chance to totally focus on yourself for an hour? I’m looking forward to next week, to continuing learning more about Yoga and making it part of my week.

 

Beau Twins
Let's Talk Mommy
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16 Comments

  • Notmyyearoff

    It sounds really good and a lot of my friends have recommended it. I think I would find the focusing on just breathing really hard to. My mind is forever buzzing with the next thing I want to do on my list. Hope it’s really relaxing for you 🙂

    June 17, 2015 at 9:07 am Reply
  • Sammy at Seize each day

    Sounds a really lovely class and doing it outside must have been fab. I really need to start doing yoga and pilates – just don’t seem to get round to it, but when I do I absolutely love it. So good for the soul. I’m really pleased you’ve found such a welcoming class and hope you continue to enjoy it.
    Sammy x
    #WellbeingWednesday

    June 17, 2015 at 9:38 am Reply
  • Caro | The Twinkles Mama

    I have never done Yoga but I have been practicing Pilates for more than 5 years now and I absolutely LOVE it. It’s so much part of my life — an hour and a quarter each week just for me. I even did it until 32 weeks pf pregnancy with the boys.
    It keeps your mind and body healthy — stick with it pet!! 🙂 #WellbeingWednesday

    Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk

    June 17, 2015 at 11:19 am Reply
  • Helen

    I’ve always wanted to try Yoga and am very tempted by Baby Yoga, as I gave birth to my daughter 11 weeks ago. Although it’s true, when do us parents get an hour to ourselves to just relax? Never.

    Helen x

    http://treasureeverymoment01.blogspot.co.uk/

    June 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm Reply
  • Ali

    I’ve just started yoga too – although the class I went to was more hardcore and less relaxing!

    June 17, 2015 at 2:42 pm Reply
  • Katie @mummydaddyme

    I hear so many people raving about Yoga but bar one lesson at Center Parcs, I have never done it. I would like to try as I think it would help me switch off mentally- which I desperately need as I struggle with a work/life balance. x

    June 17, 2015 at 3:33 pm Reply
  • Jenna

    I’ve always liked the idea of yoga but for some reason I’m scared of going to classes. It’s one of those things where I think I’m going to get there and everybody knows what they’re doing except me!

    I’m sure if I tried beginners classes it would be OK though.

    #ShareWithMe

    xx

    June 17, 2015 at 5:43 pm Reply
  • Rachel (Lifeofmyfamilyandme)

    Yoga is something i have wanted to try for a while but i just haven’t found the time and did not know until recently if it was a safe exercise for me to do. I have found out it is safe so i will be looking into Yoga 🙂 #wellbeingwednesday

    June 17, 2015 at 8:32 pm Reply
  • Julia @ Raiinbeaubelle

    This sounds amazing, I have done a few yoga classes but it is something I would love to do more of. I just don’t seem to have any free time at the moment but I know i just have to make time! I did a pilates class regularly last year and that was good too, i enjoyed the relaxation element a lot. x #sharewithme

    June 17, 2015 at 9:07 pm Reply
  • Bitsandbunting

    Great post! I find Yoga such a brilliant form of exercise. Great for my back after 3 pregnancies, it’s sorted out my sciatica. And now I’m a busy mum it gives me ‘Me’ time during the week, which by Saturday I am craving it. Hope you carry on enjoying it xx

    June 17, 2015 at 10:48 pm Reply
  • SArah Christie

    Ooh i really want to take up Yoga Hayley I just need to find the time, but the location looks so incredible this must have made it extra special. I think I ma going to have to find time to have a go x

    June 17, 2015 at 10:57 pm Reply
  • Mackenzie Glanville (reflectionsfromme.com)

    Happy mum, happy children, it is so true. I love meditation, my yoga mat is a bit neglected right now though. Lovely Website you have. #Wellbeing Wednesday

    June 18, 2015 at 5:55 am Reply
  • Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk)

    That sounds lovely! I was in a yo-yo diet. One week I will lose but would gain the weight back as I havent found that diet or exercise that would really keep me suck in. So happy that you found yours =) #sharewithme

    June 19, 2015 at 8:37 am Reply
  • Jenny

    I love yoga and really miss it and I cant wait to start back up in September when B starts school and MM starts nursery. My exercise has been slacking so badly lately that I really need to get back into it pronto. Love your fitness posts and they really do motivate me I will be jumping on the treadmill tonight. lol Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme

    June 21, 2015 at 2:31 pm Reply
  • Kat | Beau Twins

    I am so pleased you are doing this for yourself gorgeous lady. I used to love yoga. It can be so hard to switch off from the day when it’s so hectic – I can totally relate to that tight whilst you were relaxing. I have been wanting to get back into it but since Matt left I can’t get out but I need to find a way. Thank you for linking up and your continued support #WellbeingWednesday xxx

    June 23, 2015 at 10:54 am Reply
  • 300 Hour Yoga Instructor Course NJ

    Many postures in yoga require that you lift your own weight. And some, like Downward- and Upward-Facing Dog, help strengthen the arm bones, which are particularly vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures. In an unpublished study conducted at California State University, Los Angeles, yoga practice increased bone density in the vertebrae. Yoga’s ability to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol may help keep calcium in the bones.

    August 10, 2015 at 3:37 am Reply
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