Before November 2006, I guess I had the same stereotypes many people do about yoga. More accurately, I probably gave it very little or no thought due to the lack of relevance I thought it would have in my life. Was I ever mistaken!!
At age 48, being a conservative male, raised on a farm, who weighs 200 pounds and who feels pretty athletic, running 3 times per week and generally closed minded toward any new ideas on how to exercise better, I was a pretty unlikely candidate to stumble into a yoga studio without some very strong prompting.
I took the challenge on a dare from a buddy of mine that I respect a lot. I will never forget my first class. I was huffing and puffing, snorting and groaning, slobbering and gasping for air. I'm sure I looked like an angry bull on rodeo night. Toward the tail end of the class, the instructor announced, "Only 45 minutes left for you new guys." I almost bolted from the room. I learned quickly that this brand of yoga is not for the "faint at heart." Yet, I had a strange craving to do it again, then again, then again.
This practice has brought many positive changes, for which I am very thankful. The most immediate was - no more pain to my lower back and left knee. Both of which were aggravated by running. Also, my days of playing quarterback in High School and College damaged my right shoulder, which surgery in 1989 only partially solved. For the last 20 years I had tolerated the "24 hour a day discomfort" of old injuries in order to reap the benefits of running. I thought it was a fair trade off - worth the compromise.
What I've found with yoga - to my surprise - is no trade off. The benefits are amazing - with no downside. I feel like I get the same cardio workout (when I remember to breathe) and my muscles and joints are tickled pink - all day long.
If you are a runner and long to have all the benefits of running without the long-term bodily damage - try Bikram Yoga.
Finally, I must admit that I thought if I did yoga I'd get sucked into hanging with some pretty weird people. To my chagrin, with very few exception, these are very normal people. Truthfully, the instructors are encouraging, even inspiring, speaking some of life's truths into the routine. The attitude of our studio is one of high achievement, positive correction, mutual respect and well being. How would you like THAT for 90 minutes 3 - 4 times per week?
I'm so grateful for the Lord's blessing in many areas of my life - yoga is one of them - and hopefully will be for a long time to come.
Kind regards,
Scott Lane
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