Bring It: P90X Day 11

I woke up one day, looked in the mirror and decided I didn't like what I saw. I saw someone who was getting older and getting into a slump. My kids have given me more than a few extra pounds of padding, and I struggled trying to remove it.

Yet, I knew there was hope. I had the P90X DVD system available at my fingertips. So I made a decision; I was going to change things. So, I put the DVD in and pushed play. That is when magic happened. I embarked on this journey to test whether or not P90X is just another "Get Healthy" Hoax or if this is a program that truly works.

If you would like to start from the beginning of this series, please click here. If you want to read about my previous day with P90X, click here.

If you get a chance, I would love to hear your comments about your health journeys. Or, feel free to just show your support. I have vowed to write about each and everyday to keep me accountable. Too often I start a program and give up before the month is up. This time will be different!

Yoga has always been one of my favorite types of exercises. When I first checked into the P90X program, I was excited because yoga was one of the types associated with it. However, I didn't understand how intense extreme yoga really could be.

As I complete my second run through of Yoga X, I am still wondering how some of the participants can possibly stretch and twist their bodies in that way. However, I do know the importance of keeping it up. Yoga will help you increase your flexibility, improve your posture, and even help build strenght. Many people who are not familiar with yoga, don't realize these benefits. In fact, they blow of this type of workout - they might even think that it is too easy for them to even bother with. Those people, have never done P90X yoga.

Today I struggled. I am not going to lie. It was a hard day for me. I have been fighting off a could for the last couple of weeks, and today has been the worst of it. (I blame my husband for getting the flu shot and since I didn't get it, I obviously have been affected!) Everytime I twisted, turned, and even breathed deeply, I was hit by waves of naseousness. This was not my best effort put in. I feel out more times than I care to admit. I struggled through it.

Today I can tell I didn't put my best foot forward. My balance wasn't as good, and I didn't feel as stretched out afterwards. However, there is next week, and to compensate for my lack of power in today's workout, I also did extra with my Wii Fit. I did my best, and that is all anybody can ask for.

Yoga is a great way to get away from everything. If you are feeling a little stressed, yoga will help you regain control. It will also make you stronger, both mentally and physically. But, while yoga poses many benefits, one of the best things about this type of exercise, is you can take it anywhere.

If you have done yoga in the past, you may be familiar with more of a gym setting with an instructor, or maybe your living room has been your very own personal escape capsule. But, once you are famiiar with several different moves, yoga can help you become more in touch with nature.

1. Your livingroom - This is probably the easiest and most convenient place to do yoga. After all, you can do it when you have a chance and you can follow any type of program you choose, but, you have to admit, doing yoga in your livingroom day after day can get a little boring.
2. The Gym - Doing yoga at a gym usually requires some type of membership. However, it can be very beneficial if you want to check your form. At a gym, you will have instructors that will keep you from doing poses incorrectly, and will also force you to stretch that tiny bit further. This can be beneficial. However, I do not find big groups of people doing yoga very relaxing.
3. Your backyard - Nothing is better than a crisp, cool morning except.... a crisp, cool morning while your bare feet are tickled by the grass as you do your yoga poses. This is a great escape, and you don't have to go far. You can listen to the birds chirp, feel the breeze on your cheeks, and even take in the fresh air. It is a perfect change of scenerery.
4. The beach - Unfortunately, this isn't an option for everybody, but if you live close to a beach, whether it is the ocean or a lake, the sound of the waves hitting the shore will throw you deeper into relaxation. The sand between your toes will make you feel like you are on a mini-vacation. As an added bonus, you can also jump in for a swim after your yoga session is complete.
5. The woods - nothing is more relaxing than the wind rattling the leaves. If you are in a very wooded area, the light will barely peak through. As an added bonus, chances are good if you are in the middle of the woods, you will not be disturbed by many people. So, take this opportunity to relish in some "you" time. After all, life is busy and you deserve it.
6. On top of a mountain - chances are good, you might never get a chance to do this unless you live in an area with mountains. And, if you are visiting an area with mountains, you need to be careful. With higher altitude, it is harder to breath and more stressful on your heart. Make sure if this is something you want to do, that you have practiced yoga enough to handle the change in atlitude. However, if you do get a chance, there is nothing more freeing than being on top of a mountain. Not only will you be relaxing, but you will find yourself on top of the world!

Yoga not only feels great, but it is great for you. It may take years of practice to get all the moves down to perfection (and that is if perfection is even possible), but if you continue putting yoga in your workouts a minimum of once a week, you will get to know yourself better while you are becoming stronger.

Yoga is my meditation time. Without yoga, I find I stress out more and my anger fuse is much shorter. I need yoga in my life and if I get a chance to involve the beauty of outdoors, that is all the better.

So, have I convinced you to start incorporating yoga into your life yet?

If you enjoyed reading about this journey, don't miss Day 12. To read about setting goals and my workout for legs and back, click here.