Observation:For months now, I have been attending a Kundalini yoga class faithfully twice per week. I want to start building on this.
If I can do this twice a week, what else can I do 2X week?
Swim
Bike
Row
Body Sculpt class
Yoga @home using a DVD
Pilates
*****
I originally wrote the above post on August 18, 2011. This is when I first started thinking about the power of two. I realized how my Wed. and Fri. 6:30 p.m. yoga class had become a part of my routine. It was a given, and best of all, I never felt like bailing - I always looked forward to going without needing someone to prod me. How cool is that?
I didn't post it because I was still mulling it over. Just a quick draft post to capture my thought at the time. And then I was distracted away from my blog because I was injured and couldn't run.
Now that I am cleaning up my 'draft' post file (lol!), it's cool to re-read it now before adding to it and posting it today because I have actually added pilates 2-3 times per week since that time. Woo hoo! I am surprised by how easy it was for me to do this. The other night, I was so tired and really just wanted to stay home quietly for the evening, but I still went (and felt better for going). :)
For me, there is an important lesson to be learned from this. Although I was tired after my day, I still went to pilates. I knew I would be on my back, hips, and tummy most of the time during the workout. If it had been a cardio workout, I probably would have bailed. I honesty think it's been easier to commit to yoga and pilates because they are not hardcore 'cardio' workouts per se. I am developing much better strength and flexibility, but I am doing it without pumping techno music and sweating profusely. :) I arrive home relaxed, and then I am off to bed early. This is why it's working so far for me. Cardio, running, and high energy workouts work best for me much earlier in the day, not usually in the evening.*
In conclusion:
Yoga (check)
Pilates (check)
The next item on my list? Swimming twice per week. :)
*At this point in time ... I'm adding this caveat because there have been numerous times in my life when I ran/cycled in the evenings or would go to the gym for a workout to burn excess energy. I was much more athletic during these times so I have no idea if this is an 'age' thing, a 'schedule' thing, a 'fitness level' thing or even a 'winter season' thing. The next year will no doubt show me. :)
