Yoga? Seriously?

Once in a while, it is healthy to add something new to your workouts.  This week I began adding a simple yoga routine to my workouts.  I was somewhat skeptical of it's benefits to say the least.

Can stretching and breathing make any real impact on your weight loss?  Really?

Well, I can only testify to a weeks worth of workouts but here is what I found.  I am experiencing far less pain in my upper back.  I have slightly increased flexibility in my arms and legs.  I feel taller.  I know the last one is strange, but it's true. 

To be honest, I have not really done any homework on the benefits of yoga.  I just decided to try it because my sister had a couple of videos.  I gave it a shot because stretching and breathing really have no down side.  What did I have to lose? 

I am really short and the fact that I am standing taller because I did yoga makes it a HUGE win in my book.  I have struggled for a long time with large knots in my upper back from years of stress (Retail related).  They have been so bad that I couldn't even stand for someone to lay their hand on my back.  They are slowly getting better, and I am feeling a lot less tension in my upper back. 

So Yoga?  Yes, I think so!  Anything that improves your quality of life is awesome!  It may not make the scale move, but it definitely increased my ability to workout by relaxing some of the stress in my system.  It is also an extra opportunity to take some time and worship God.  I love to talk to God, and there is no better time to do it than while holding a yoga pose in a prayer position. 

So, give it a shot!  You will sweat, you will breath deep, and you will relax.  There isn't any downside, and you may find it has more benefit than you ever expected.  Have fun!

Trying Something New!

One thing about trying to lose weight that can cause us to lose momentum is spending too much time on the scale.  Every person who makes the effort for a healthier lifestyle will eventually encounter the frustration of an bathroom scale.  All the sudden it stops moving!  You are working hard, you are eating right and the scale refuses to move. 

They call it hitting a plateau.  Your body has gotten use to the changes you have made and is not reacting the same way anymore.  Plateau?  I call it the great motivation buster!  I have been dealing with this problem for awhile, and it is really quite aggravating.  You feel you are doing everything you can and that scale just sits there and taunts you. 

Well, if you have encountered this problem, there are a couple of changes you need to make.  The first one is get rid of the scale.  Getting on the scale every time you turn around only increases your frustration and makes you feel like giving up.  Put the scale away in a closet and pick a date once a month to pull it out.  I don't know about you but by keeping the scale in front of me I make myself crazy.  Sometimes I swear it is audibly taunting me and calling me names.  If the scale is messing with your brain, then put it away.

After you put the scale away, get out a measuring tape and take your measurements.  Sometimes the scale isn't moving because your body is building muscle.  Muscle is heavier than fat.  When you take your measurements once a month along with weighing yourself, you get a more clear picture of the difference your body is under going.  You are also far more likely to see the results that keep you motivated.

The next change that I made personally was to start adding 2 to 4 ounces of grapefruit juice to every meal.  Grapefruit juice (100%) can help regulate sugar, it helps with cholesterol, it helps with digestive health, and it has fiber and nutrients.  It may not make me skinny, but it will improve my overall health. 

Trying something new, or making a change to your workouts can kick start your weight loss back into gear.  I just started a new workout routine, lowered my carb intake and added the grapefruit juice.  We will soon see what these changes will do for me on the scale!