It turns out that my parents do read my blog, because after I wrote my “Fitness Christmas List” they responded in kind with a Yoga mat and DVD—Quick Start Yoga for Weight Loss with Suzanne Deason: “Stretch! Tone! Energize!” (There aren’t actually exclamation points, but that’s how I like to say it in my head.) Deason is a certified Pilates, yoga, and workout instructor with over 20 best-selling weight loss and fitness programs. Over the weekend I tried both of them out for the first time with my roommate – boy, does it feel good to just stretch.
According to Dr. James Rouse, a “naturopathic physician,” there are three key areas of focus in a fitness routine: cardio/aerobic, strength/resistance, and stretching/flexibility. For the past few months I’ve pretty much gotten the cardio and strength training down pat, but I’ve never really focused much on stretching, except for about two minutes of it before I run. Stretching increases flexibility and the endurance of your muscles, as well as improves circulation and the range of motion in your joints and relieves stress. About 30 minutes of stretching, four times a week is recommended.
It is difficult to imagine that a meditative, stretching exercise like yoga can help you lose weight, especially if you barely break a sweat. But they say that strengthening your muscles helps you burn more fat, and after two times through this DVD, there are certain areas of my body that already feel toner, namely my back, shoulders, arms, and abs. I also feel more relaxed, less tense, and seriously it’s pretty easy to clear your mind when you’re doing yoga because you’re concentrating on the movements and the positioning of your body. Even in a class you’re so focused on what you’re doing that you don’t care how ridiculous you might look hugging your knees to your chest in the fetal position.
Thanks to YouTube, I found the exact program with Suzanne Deason that I did over the weekend for you to watch and try out for yourself. My favorite movement is simply kneeling down on the mat and stretching your arms way out in front of you. It feels so good on my back!
In addition, I also found an article from SELF Magazine editor Lucy Danziger who has some yoga movements recommended by Jillian Michaels, as well as SELF”s Yoga Guide. Find what works for you and take some time to just relax and stretch. Let me tell you, I slept like a baby last night.
Don’t forget, St. Olaf has a yoga class in the wrestling room from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8-8:55 p.m. on Thursdays!
Namaste,
Emily