Yoga was something I always wanted to try, but it seemed as though there was no good time to start. I had heard only positive things about it, and needed a low-impact workout to ease into, while still building strength and creating muscle tone.
Then I came across Tony Horton’s Yoga X. Yoga X is part of the famous P90X program, but can be done alone as well.
I used to wake up EVERY MORNING with pain and soreness in my upper and lower back and shoulders from handling the kids during the day. It would typically dissipate as the day went on, but no sooner would I wake up the next morning, than all the pain would be back.
After doing Yoga X for the last four months, I can happily tell you that I don’t feel a bit of pain upon waking anymore, unless I’ve skipped a workout the day before. I feel stronger overall and more relaxed as I go about my day. As far as possible, I do yoga every day, except for weekends.
Besides easing back pain, here are six more crazy good benefits of doing yoga at least three times per week:
INCREASES FLEXIBILITY
The very method of yoga is designed to un-kink all the tension you have built up in your muscles. Once this becomes a consistent habit, you will find that you become so flexible that you can move pretty much any which way and it doesn’t come back to haunt you later.
BUILDS MUSCLE TONE
Even though Yoga X isn’t a cardio-heavy workout, keeping the poses for several seconds each tones and shapes muscles. For me, the biggest change in four months has been the tightness in my arms, which helps with heavy lifting picking up the kids.
STRENGTHENS ABS + CORE
This is big for me, post-pregnancy. The tummy is still there, but it’s slowly going back in, and I don’t pull ab muscles anymore while doing routine things, such as lying down on one side while sleeping. I don’t feel sore after this workout—only a little bit stronger than the day before.
INCREASES STAMINA
When taking Pumpkin and Peanut out for walks in the stroller, there would sometimes be upward slopes that would leave me breathless at times. I can’t say that I never get breathless anymore, but holding certain poses such as Upward Dog has increased my stamina so much more than before in much less time.
DEEPENS BREATHING
Upward Dog, Triangle Pose, and Runner’s Stretch are only some of the poses which are so intense to hold for several seconds that you are forced to take deep, clear breaths to match the effort involved. Many mornings, for some reason, I wake up with a slightly stuffy nose, and by the end of 30 minutes, my nose is totally clear—because of the deep breaths involved.
FORCES YOU TO CLEAR YOUR MIND
I once joked to my husband that Yoga X was similar to labor except for the pain. What I meant was the sheer energy it takes to keep a pose while maintaining deep, relaxing breaths throughout wipes any other thoughts from your mind. It’s literally impossible to focus on the poses and random thoughts at the same time, let alone talk. It’s actually pretty nice to give my racing mind a break, even if it’s only for 30 minutes!
I didn’t think I could find a way to squeeze yoga into my busy day, but I do it while the kids are having breakfast. On a good day I might even get up before they do and complete the session before they even wake up. At times it may seem like I have so much to do, but the physical and mental payoff has definitely been worth it.
Have you tried yoga? If so, how has it helped you?
The Haute Mommy Handbook 
I am looking forward to getting into yoga 🧘♀️ as you said it’s about finding the time but yet I would love to start!
Start with maybe 5-10 minutes per day. That’s what I did when my kids were younger and more demanding of my time. Then extend the time whenever you’re ready. Best wishes for your yoga journey! You got this!
Awsome ! Yes I will find a good guid and start thank you so much
Trying to get back on top of my yoga routine! 💪💪💪
You’ll get there…one day at a time!
This is a wonderful read. Since I’ve implemented a continuous routine of yoga in my life, I’ve found it to be extremely beneficial. I am grateful for my yoga practice and I can now see the difference in my day if I DON’T make time for yoga in the morning.
I love this. What you are saying is SO true…you really do feel that difference when yoga doesn’t happen!
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Viva la yoga…namaste!
Namaste!
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing – I’ll have to look into that yoga. I have recently taken up Bikram yoga, which is hard work but the benefits from all the postures are amazing and has made a huge difference to my usually sore body…yay!
I’ve heard good stuff about Bikram yoga as well. Un-kinking all the sore areas feels great!
Yoga was such a great help to me. After years of being hard on my back I finally go to the point I couldn’t stand up straight and spent weeks immobilized due to back pain. I tried a chiropractor and I know some people swear by them but they did nothing to help me. Finally I found yoga. I did a half hour of yoga every morning for about a year and reduced my back pain significantly. Not I find if I do not workout and stretch my back after a few days the pain starts to come back. No dr, no surgery, just yoga. Worked wonders
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I hope others who are going through something similar will be inspired by what you’ve gone through.
I practice yoga at least three days a week! I love it. I practice at Shockoe Slip Yoga here in Richmond, VA. It helps calm by busy mind, keep my butt super tights, give me strong legs, and help some fight off colds and get rid of icky stomach issues. Love this post!
So wonderful to see you love yoga too! It’s funny you mention the stomach issues. My stomach hurt one morning, not a lot, but I didn’t feel 100% that day. I wondered whether I should skip yoga or not, but decided to do it anyway. At the end of the session, the discomfort was completely gone and never came back that day. Blew my mind. I also agree totally on fighting colds as well!
Yes, I am a Yoga regular and I love it! It’s relaxing and has made my body much agile and stronger. Read this microblog when you get time! Not much about Yoga but Yoga in open. https://happinessandfood.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/microblogmondays-yoga-in-cubbon-park/
Mmmm…looks so peaceful and relaxing…so glad you got such a wonderful opportunity 🙂
Great to hear and seen people talking about the amazing benefits of YOGA .I did learnt the basics but yet to incorporated in the regular regime.
It was a bit tough initially to incorporate yoga into my daily routine, but once I found a regular time that worked for me, I eagerly looked forward to doing it. I’m sure you too will find a regular time/day(s) that work 🙂
That’s wonderful ! Will try to incorporate 🙂