My Experience With Yoga

Yoga has been good for me. I’ve been actively exercising/working out since I was probably 12. When I was growing up we didn’t have computers or video games or the internet or social media, etc. We were lucky to receive 5 TV channels from the rotary antenna we had on our roof. We kept ourselves busy in a lot of different ways than what the younger generations do today. So exercise was added to a weekly routine.

I remember the beginning; I remember there being a book of my father’s in the basement along the lines of The Workout Routine of the Green Beret. Being that I am an imaginary soldier since I was 5, I was on it. Definitely need to be Green Beret Material. Their were basically a few dumbbells and a barbell in the basement near that book – and that was the beginning of working out in a structured way for me. That was in the early 70’s. Interestingly enough, Yoga is first seen in manuscripts dating back between 3300-1500 BC. I believe, like anything else that survives time, Yoga has been evolving, morphing, improving at a Yogi’s pace ever since. Roughly 5000 years, and Yoga is growing at about 10% annually in the USA.

I’m not an athlete, but I am healthy. And I put the effort in to keep my body working, and my heart healthy. I have a lifestyle that requires a body than can “do” what I “do”. And some of that includes extremes. Over the years there were a lot of different structures of working out  – Free weights, various weight training machines, tread mills, stair master, elliptical machines, aerobic classes, running, biking/spin, P90x, Cross Fit, Barre. Interestingly, P90X and P90X2 were very successful for me and they were the exercise regimens that actually introduced me to Yoga, one day per week.

Prior to the Coronavirus shutting down the whole world, I was “in the habit” of going to the best yoga studio I’ve ever been a member of  – Solfire Yoga in San Juan Capistrano, CA. “In The Habit” is code for and means “addicted” to it. (More on Solfire Yoga another day). On a typical week, I would do double classes three times per week. Always, the first class is a killer workout – it’s challenging (Vinyasa Yoga or Bikram Yoga or a hybrid of both). Always, the second class is a stretching and flexibility improving class (Yin/Hatha Yoga). Vinyasa Yoga will burn approximately 750 calories in 60 minutes for me. And there will be a soaking yoga mat, a soaking towel, and puddles of sweat on the surrounding floor. The Hatha or Yin Yoga is a slow burn of stretching at about 250 calories in 60 minutes. The first class crushes you, the second class heals you. Both classes are equally excellent for you. I don’t think my body has ever been more happy with me than now.

Regardless of your current physical strength, weight, or flexibility you can start and do Yoga. I’ve never been to a Yoga class where there wasn’t everything from the beginner to the master. And honestly – No one is watching you – Everyone in the studio is doing their own thing and focused on it. If anything, the only reaction anyone will have to whatever you do is encouragement. It’s A Yoga Studio Dude! It’s Love and Peace! There is no competition that I’ve ever sensed in any studio. Everyone was a beginner once, and everyone improves over time at whatever pace they desire. Classes are only as hard as you make them – remember that – Classes are only as hard as you make them…There are options for you during the class that any good instructor will guide you through. The poses will be built upon in steps – and you stop at the step that you are capable of. Over time you advance. Everyone is on their own path at their own speed. It’s you and your mat. You take a break, or a drink of water whenever you want. Your body will react to Yoga. Your body will let you know, and reward you.

Yoga Benefits To The Body Include The Following:

• Weight Loss
• Strengthening Muscle Throughout The Entire Body
• Improved Flexibility And Range Of Motion
• Improvements To Length and Health Of Fascia
• Improvements To Joint Health
• Improved Breathing
• Improved Cardiovascular Health
• Improved Balance
• Balancing Of Metabolism
• Massaging Of Internal OrgansThe Secondary Effects From The Above Include:

• Improved Athletic Performance
• Protection From Injury
• Stress Reduction / Mental Relaxation
• Improved Sleep
• Improved Sex Life
• Improved Mental Well Being
• Increase Ability To Cope With Stress
• Increased Calmness
• Increased Patience

Most of those are all well known, some of them I’ve added per my experience. Considering that list is the benefit from what is a one hour class a few times a week, one must consider Yoga a very effective and efficient use of your time to keep yourself healthy. This is high reward with an efficient use of your time territory.

Personally speaking, I know of nothing else that can accomplish as many benefits as described in one discipline. Yoga practice supports you completely – Body, Mind, and Spirit – for your overall well being. I am no expert, I am learning, and I might be getting out of my element but unlike other disciplines of self improvement, the nature of this practice is almost meditative. You are only focused on your own self while on your mat. It is a private time. There are short peaceful times, typically at the end, where you will have time to reflect. And it will be different for different people – but it’s good, at times powerful, for me.

And if you want those benefits understand that the right Yoga Studio with good instruction will be key. I am blessed with Solfire Yoga and their staff. Other studios I’ve been a member of have not gotten me to the level of Solfire Yoga. Find the successful and experienced.

I still exercise on occasion in various other ways. Push some weight. Go to a Barre class. But I’m always left with a missing feeling when I do these. I acknowledge I do need to do these alternate forms, and these are good too. But I always miss the “Flow” of the Yoga session. Yoga flows. Your muscles, fascia, and joints flow with the movements. It’s linear, analog. It feels like a living exercise rather than a disjointed set of repetitive motions. “I am water…”

I’ve mentioned I’ve become addicted to Yoga. Let me explain why this is. First, my self awareness communicates to me in subconscious ways. I have a sense that my body, brain, and spirit desire me to do it.  That might sound very metaphysical and transcendental. I might have just lost you due to a violent reaction to such bohemian, free spirited, flower child babble. But no – That awareness is just feedback from me to me. It’s like when you eat a freshly caught trout cooked over a campfire while backpacking at 10,000 feet and your senses tell you this is a good thing, it tastes GOOD. It’s GOOD FOR ME cause I’m hungry. So Yoga tastes good to my mind, body, and soul and I am hungry for more. In fact, I want a trout. 

Along these lines there is another byproduct of Yoga. Because you are working everything, from head to toe, you will develop a higher awareness of your physical state, from head to toe. Every tightness, every ache, as well as when everything is just right – You will sense and know. You have trained yourself to focus on every aspect of your musculoskeletal system, your whole physical being in fact,  while on your mat and practicing. And you have become aware of its state –  all day, every day.

I don’t only do yoga for my physical, mental, and spiritual benefit. I do it because it supports the rest of the activities I am passionate about. Hiking – everywhere. Golf. Fishing on rivers –  at times with raging water, at times on very slippery rocks and boulders in a river bed that you cannot see. Backpacking at altitude. My workout regimen includes all of these activities and Yoga keeps my body prepared, ready, and improving for them. And to add to all of that – I am generally happier and healthier.

My best to you, Reader. And I hope this has been worth the read. Namaste!