Far too often people choose a certain activity because they think that activity is the only way to be fit or it’s what everyone else is doing. They may find that they don’t enjoy it at all, and as a result, quit. There are so many different ways to get your heart rate elevated and do something good for the body that there is no reason to do something you don’t like! Did you know that even if you just lightly clean up around the house (taking out the trash, changing sheets, dusting lightly) you could burn 170 calories an hour? You could definitely throw in some jumping jacks and pushups between tasks and then you could almost consider it interval training!
In my quest to better the world through yoga ;), I’ve found that many people have formed their personal opinion about yoga based on a handful of experiences with one teacher or an experience that occurred a million years ago. “The one time I tried yoga was when I was in college. It was ok, I guess.”
Well guess what? Yoga has taken on so many different forms now days that I can’t imagine you would be unable to find a style, teacher or format you liked. Embarrassed to do it in front of others? Try out some yoga DVDs or online classes like YogaGlo.com. Don’t like the seriousness of the studio atmosphere? Try a different studio, because they are all different and you may find one that prefers laughter to chanting, if that’s what you’re in to.
There are endless ways for us keep our bodies moving and because the general principle in the body is “Use it, or lose it,” there is no better time than the present to start. Now you don’t have to do yoga to be active, but know that by practicing yoga, you will be able to do the things you love for longer. Maybe gardening is your thing, and yoga will keep you limber enough to continue to get down to the ground to weed or plant.
If you love what you do, fabulous! If not, try something new. There are an endless array of ways to stay healthy, so get started. You only have one life to live, so make it worthwhile!
How do you stay active? Share your favorite activity in the comments below!
