I spent most of the summer (and every day during month of September) doing yoga. Nothing but yoga.
I have read over and over this works, yoga can be all you need. And I have seen people that do nothing but yoga. They have perfect, strong bodies.
I went to the gym and ran. I hated it.
I did huge weight lifting sessions. I hated it.
I walked through countless sets of lunges. I almost opened wine it sucked so bad.
So I went back to yoga.
The ski resorts are opening. I have skied three days. I already know I am at a whole new level of strength, comfort, and light-footed-ness. The yoga worked. It has transformed my body, to respond and react to the snow. It has changed my mind, the totally let go and trust that I can do whatever I try.
I’m not going to end up breaking any world records, but yoga helped. No question. It wasn’t the miserable workouts. No question.
The poses I have learned have so much to do with balance, like skiing. I feel like I’m skiing a new way, that yoga found for me. My core is stronger and my mind and body are centered.
I gained a little bit of grace, and it’s going a long way.
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Skiing today also reminded me of my happy place. I love being on my mat, but I ADORE being on the mountain. Nothing makes me happier. I’m calm. My mind is quiet. Everything is right with the world.
I came home and did some stretchy restorative yoga, and I’m hooked. I want to make everyone I know that is a skier a yoga junkie. And my yoga buddies skiers.
I feel better, stronger, and ready to take on the challenges of a new season, and hope it will be my best yet!
I love my yoga! It is the only work out that I really enjoy and is kind to my body!
Do you take classes at a studio or do it at home? Thinking about ditching my gym membership completely for yoga.
I have done both for about 10 years. Now because of time I have just been doing it at home.
I have also found yoga to be an excellent compliment to all of my other favorite exercise/work out routines. There is a sense of refreshment that you don’t get from other work outs. And the mountains…. They are my favorite as well! Cheers
I’m so pleased I found this post! Yoga ticks all my boxes too, and as we’re about to head off to the Alps for the season I’m hoping like you my yoga will pay off on the slopes. I’ve never been a fan of gyms or running, yoga and walking/rambling are for me. But like you I think the balance poses and the core strengthening poses should be perfect for skiing, that and the breathing exercises. On the other hand my partner has been a gym boy for the last few months – working on his stamina and overall fitness (He’s over here – http://realsnowreport.wordpress.com/). I think it’s going to be fun to see how we both feel on skis. Roll on the start of the season!
Wishing you a great ski season. Om Shanthi 🙂