Let's face it: if you dread the exercise program, you won't stick with it.
Trust me, you aren't alone. I purchased an exercise bike, but no matter what I did to make this routine something to look forward to, I began to dread taking a seat and bicycling for forty-five minutes. Now this lovely item sits in my living room as a wonderfully expensive coat rack.
Walking was fun, when I had someone to chat with, but this also became too easy for me to say, 'I'm too tired, let's skip it tonight'.
I've always been curious about Yoga. My girlfriend and I took a beginner's class a few years ago, but everyone seemed to know what they were doing, and we both felt lost. The yoga instructor didn't show us any of the poses, she just rattled off what she wanted us to do next. I finally glanced at my friend and said, "What the heck is a Vinyasa?" And when I glanced at the other students, I still hadn't a clue. We paid for the class but only attended two of the sessions. Another waste of money.
I thought I would never give yoga a chance again, but a little over a month ago, I decided to see if there was an online course I could try in the privacy of my home. I still felt this was something I wanted to do since Yoga is for the mind, body and soul. There just had to be a 'Yoga for Dummies' video. There seems to be videos for everything else. Why not Yoga? Besides, I could wear whatever I wanted in the privacy of my home, look as foolish as I wished, and I could pause the video if I needed to. Yoga is all about what makes you feel good. I was ready to try it again.
I came across 'Yoga With Adrienne'. She's a wonderful
instructor, and I swear she knows exactly what I'm doing and will give
encouraging instructions to correct a position, or simply remind me to breathe.
Who knew that I held my breath so much? She explains every move and how good it is for that part of the body she concentrates on. I finished her 30 Days of Yoga With Adrienne, and I'm now starting on 30 days of Yoga Camp. I usually do the class before work, and if I'm inspired, I may do another one of her classes at night. She has videos for the abs, back pain, weight loss, balancing, relaxing, and even breathing. You name it, she probably has a video for you to follow.
I finally found what works for me. I look forward to taking out my mat and tuning into a new Adrienne yoga video.
I may not be able to stand on my head – yet, or do anything fancy, but my flexibility has improve, and it makes me feel like I can take on the day.
And yes, I know what Vinyasa means now. It is a Sanskrit
term that refers to a transition between two different positions, but my
favorite word is Namaste (nah'-mah'-stay). Meaning: The divine light within me
salutes the divine light within you. Isn't that beautiful? Yoga may not be for everyone, but it works for me.
For my character in Soul Mate, Isabella Lucci, finds meditation and crystals a way to relax her mind, body and soul.
In my tale, Soul Mate, Isabella Lucci, finds
meditation and crystals a way to relax her mind, body and soul.
In this snippet. Garran (Grim Sith, a Scottish vampire) was showing Isabella (Necromancer) how to defend herself and after the session, she wanted to repay him for helping her by showing him a technique she uses for relaxation. Garran grumbled a bit, but finally he stretched out on the floor, wearing worn jeans and no shirt. Believe me, Isabella thinks he wears this look well. In her thoughts: 'He stood with his hands on his hips, looking James Bond kind of sexy, even with the way he was dressed with his jeans hanging low on his hips and his bare chest looking as if the gods chiseled him into perfection. Yep, dangerous and suave, all in one lovely package.'
Now for Garran's POV.
She kept doing that. Surprising him. Every time he believed he'd figured out Isabella Lucci, another intriguing aspect revealed itself.
He'd never bonded with someone so completely and he'd only used a minor blood ritual with her, one where she didn't even taste his blood. The only bit of him that could have gotten into her system was his saliva he used to close the wound.
So instead of ushering her into the library, while he made himself scarce, he decided to take her up on her asinine request. He planned on being relentless with his training in hopes of deterring her from the fantasy she held that she could defend herself from a preternatural being. Instead, this human female refused to be intimidated and refused to give up. Her muscles had to be screaming by now.
He admired her audacity to confront him at every turn and he found he liked that.
Now the woman wished to soothe him. She placed crystals around him and rubbed the stones on his bare skin. He gritted his teeth together, wondering if she knew what sweet torture she bestowed upon him. Warm, soft hands on his body… He had not felt such warmth, such gentleness in a long time. To his surprise, his muscles relaxed as her long fingers lightly caressed him.
For a petite female, she handled herself like highland lassies of old. She'd have made a good wife back then—strong and built for the rough life along with the added pleasure of possessing the face of an angel. Her dark wavy hair and those hazel eyes with golden rims did him in from the start.
He inhaled deeply, letting her essence envelope him. Her womanly scent drove him to distraction and it took all his will power not to act upon it. He doubted she knew the danger she was in, and in more ways than one. Heck, maybe she did know, and believed she could handle it.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Harrison announced at the doorway, leaning against the wood frame with his arms crossed against his chest and a Cheshire grin plastered to his face.
With a curse, Garran flew to his feet, scattering the crystals and knocking Isabella over in the process. She landed on her behind with a grunt of annoyance. Her eyes narrowed as she glared up at him.
"Forgive me." He offered his hand and helped her to her feet. All the blood rushed to her face, making her cheeks a beautiful shade of crimson.
Harrison chuckled, obviously taking great joy in their discomfort.
"Garran showed me some moves," Isabella stammered.
"Oh, I just bet he did." Harrison continued to smile like a fool.
In case you're wondering, Harrison is a long time friend of
Garran's, a werewolf from the Mac Tire clan. He's the one who recruited
Isabella to help them catch the Soul Taker.
I hope you enjoyed the post, now take on the day, and remember every breath you take is precious. Fill those lungs and just breathe.
Namaste,
Karen
Only 99¢ right now for the Spring Sale!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Only 99¢ right now for the Spring Sale! ABOUT THE BOOK:
No soul is safe…
A vampire from the Grim Sith sept is sucking the souls out of young
women from the Boston area, but this sinister crime is far worse than a
vampire seeking substance. He’s selling the souls to the highest bidder
and it seems business is booming.
A vampire, a werewolf, and a Necromancer are a most unlikely team, but Garran, Harrison, and Isabella plan on putting a kink in the dubbed Soul Taker’s plans. It’s personal now. One of their friends has fallen victim to the Soul Taker’s charms, but to stop him from hurting anyone else, their efforts may involve raising the dead.
E-book Available at:
Print Available at:
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she’s not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian’s Book Covers, “Judge Your Book By Its Cover”.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
If you're interested in Yoga With Adrienne, here's a link to
one of her videos to learn the 'Victorious Breath' or Ujjayi Pranayama. This is
the first video in her Pranayama Series that focuses on breathing techniques.
Ujjayi is used to focus the mind and assist in the synchronicity of movement
and breath. Enjoy. Here's the link just in case the video doesn't work for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQrsJ-yZWV8
Great post, Karen, and very timely for me. I previously used Yoga stretches and breathing exercises to help me mentally relax and promote physical healing. My doctors encourage this as a means to fight off depression, the muscle stiffness which comes with some illnesses like fibromyalgia, and ease arthritis pain. But I've been so sick lately I've let my routine slide. Maybe a visit with Adrienne's video will help me get jump-started again.
ReplyDeleteLove "Soul Taker" and everyone should grab it while it's on sale if they haven't read it.
Hi Becca,
DeleteI'm amazed of how good I feel after I've finished a session. It doesn't have to be an hour long. 15 minutes of breathing and stretching seems to give me the mindset for the whole day. It's like a crave Yoga. lol Well that and coffee. :)
Please do check out Adrienne's videos. I think you might like them. I'm always praying for your health to improve. Positive thoughts for you always, my friend.
Thanks so much for the promo of Soul Taker. So glad you liked the story.
Karen, I can relate to your enthusiasm for Yoga. I've been in one class myself. And with all you do, I'm glad you have found something that gives you the relaxation and mindset you need. More recently, I've had a Tai Chi class and continue to do those moves daily. This seems a better "fit" for me. But the thing I find most fun and relaxing but also good exercise is ballroom dancing. My husband and I try to dance at least once a week or more at different senior centers. I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors which you do so well.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteHow wonderful that you continue your Tai Chi moves daily. And ballroom dancing-- that sounds like so much fun, and your husband is willing to dance too--fantastic. Not sure my husband would consider this, but since I've started doing Yoga, he's wanted to take walks after dinner. So perhaps my exercising has inspired him to exercise too. It gives a chance for some alone time too. :)
Thank you for the well wishes. The same to you as well.
I loved your post, Karen. I was used to aerobic-type exercise my whole life, from running to playing racquetball (my favorite), practicing karate, and then kickboxing routines. The racquetball finally took a toll on my knees, and sadly I can't play anymore. I hate Pilates and have been meaning to try Yoga. I'll watch this video and see if it appeals to me. Hopefully, Yoga will become my "thing". I purchased Soul Taker, and after reading these excerpts I can't wait to dive into it! It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVicki,
DeleteYoga is all about what feels right for you. It's your practice. :) The video I posted is just about breathing. So please do check out her other videos. 30 Days of Yoga with Adrienne is what I started with first. Loved it.
I'm so thrilled you liked the excerpt of Soul Taker and have a copy of it too. Hope you enjoy the story.
I have your book, Once in a Blue Moon, and have read the first chapter. My oh my...what a chapter it was. Talk about a first kiss. As soon as I have time, this is the book I'm reading. Don't want any distraction. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
I understand what you mean about finding the right exercise so you'll actually do it. I have a Cardio Glide, exercise ball, and stretch bands gathering dust in my study as we speak. I found an exercise program especially designed for people with bad knees on PBS called Sit and Fit. I think this is going to work for me.
ReplyDeleteI do like the body, mind, and spirit elements of your exercise program. It's good to start the day with a good attitude and a healthy body.
A great blog, Karen!
Thanks Sarah. So glad you found a exercise that works for you. There's also Yoga that you can stay seated too. Haven't checked it out though. You definitely need to remain mindful of those knees. :)
DeleteKaren--"Yoga by Adrienne" sounds much better than "Yoga for Dummies," although the latter might be more help to me. I tried yoga once but couldn't do much with it. Another time, I took a class for people like me...stiff joints, etc. and much of it is in a chair, or using the chair for balance. I liked that, but the girls who ran the class just quit. Still, I have a sheet of figures in different stretching poses I can use in my bedroom to the tune of Once Upon a Time in the West by a gorgeous orchestra and haunting voice of a woman. It's slow and lends itself well to these stretches.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging post. And good luck with your sales!
Stretching to music you enjoy is wonderful.
DeleteI have to say those first few days of Yoga made me wonder if I could do this. I was very stiff, but after a month of stretching, I see a big improvement. Adrienne is always reminding everyone on the video to do what feels good. Yoga is not about over stretching or straining, but working out the kinks gently so not to injure yourself. Sometimes, I'm glad she reminds me of this. :) I tend to want to push things to the limit, which won't be beneficial in the long run if I injure myself.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Really appreciate it.
That was a fun post!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise. :)
DeleteAlmost forgot to visit! I enjoyed the snippit and the discussion about yoga. I've sat Zazen most of my life, but what I saw on television always put me off trying yoga; I can't even touch my toes.
ReplyDeleteJerry,
DeleteI wish I could be as graceful and flexible as some of those who have practiced Yoga for years. I can see what you mean on how it could be discouraging too. Adrienne always reminds the viewers never to strain to accomplish a pose. No one is at the same level. You have to stay true to yourself.
Sukasana Or Easy Pose is suppose to be one of the most commonly used of the sitting poses. For those who don't know, this is done sitting on your bum, crossing the legs , and keeping the spine straight. When I first started, this pose was anything, but easy. lol I had to crawl to stand up again. But now, I don't have a problem. One month- and I have more flexibility, and as I continue I hope this will continue to improve. Though Yoga isn't for everyone, I'm enjoying it. My husband says, I'm becoming a Yoga junkie. I'm okay with that. lol
Being still and meditating is good. too. Everyone needs some down time. Sometimes this is the hardest part for me.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate it. :)