It occurred to me this summer, that I’ve been somewhat of a hamster on a wheel. Or spinning my wheels. [Often, literally -aka. a spin class or 2.]
In my life, I’ve been no stranger to the 2 hour workout. I’ve also been familiar with the twice-a-day workout, the on-vacation-or-business hotel-gym workout, the unlimited-monthly-might-as-well-take-2-back-to-back aerobic class workout, and the get-up-at-4 a.m. so-I-can-get-a-workout-in-before-school/work workout.
All in the name of health.
I’ve bailed on friends, family & other experiences more times than I can count.
I’ve spent a lot of TIME justifying this routine for my health. YEARS & YEARS.
“For the kick of endorphins.”
Let’s face it, to also knock away at those last 5lbs. But even when I’ve lost those 5lbs (usually not through a by product of excessively working out), I still worked out!
When you’re used to (and PREFER) doing intensive yoga, intensive spinning, intensive EVERYTHING…your body never gets a chance to take it all in. Or heal. And where else is there to go (if you’re not progressing a sport, that is)?! THREE hour workouts? That’s ridiculous.
There were times that I used to workout because I was “bad” (cookies, cake, bread, drinking) the night before. But you cannot out-exercise a bad diet. And in thinking that you can, you set up yourself for a dangerous game of eventually “it’s never enough.”
I screwed up my metabolism that way. My basal temperature is so low now that if I read 98.6 on the thermometer, I have a fever.
I also used to think that meditation was a waste of time. That I needed to do “workout” style yoga. It’s no secret I fell into doing Asthanga yoga when I became a serious practitioner. Mysore, anybody?
What I realize now…THANKFULLY!…and what some of my yogi friends still don’t…is that everything really is a balance. If you throw yourself out of balance, you may not realize it at first and hell (!) it might even work for you in the beginning, but it ALL catches up to you. Learn that now or learn it later. I guess I was one of those that needed to touch the frying pan before I learned.
This summer I cut back. I had to. Work interfered. Then yoga teacher training interfered.
Like any change, I was uncomfortable for the first week or 2. I still did, what one would classify as, a “workout”. But not my norm.
I didn’t gain weight.
In fact, I lost a little. Can’t be all muscle tone b/c I’m eating the same (very well, I might add) and people are saying my arms look more defined, etc.
I think I’m just finally “getting it”. My mind and my body are catching up with each other and I no longer think I have to beat one, or both, up to get some thing.
Fit Off the Mat:
Fall is officially coming at us! Even though in SoCal we’ve only recently felt like it’s been summer, there’s no denying it. School’s started. The Halloween decorations are out in the stores. Time to plan for things like: feathers, chunky knits, faux fur, different pant silhouettes, pearls, cocktail rings, statement necklaces, and gem tones like green and purple.
Come this season, I’ll still rock the cargo’s, sequins, leopard prints, military and bring back the shearling!
This is the first time FNO (Fashion Night Out) on Sept 10th will be held in other cities besides NYC.
Fit On the Mat:
This weekend I’ll be indulging (yes, indulging) in a weekend-long meditation retreat. They’ll feed us, water us, teach us, enlighten us…all for free. This will be a BIG detachment lesson for moi! No end of the month duties like bills or household chores. The “fam” is generously allowing me to do this.
One thing I’ve noticed this week in assisting at the weekly yoga class, is how many people do NOT attend/pay attention/bring awareness to their feet! As in position, activation, etc… There is no knowledge of what the feet are doing or should be doing in 90% of the yogi students.
Ironically, the feet being the things that GROUND us and allow us to mobilize and stabilize.
Activate your feet! All the way through the toes.
During mat poses, try to keep your feet/ankles straight. For example, in “up dog” the feet should be straight, toes pointed back, and the feet should not “sickle” in.
Not only will this make you a better yogi and less prone to injury, but it’ll strengthen your little, instrinsic foot muscles. And will align your FOCUS so your mind’s not wandering.
For Nourishment:
Here is my garden loot! 
Off the Tweetdeck:
coming soon!! This week’s good stuff
Tags: ashtanga, dieting, fashion blog, FNO, healthy eating, meditation, women's fitness, women's lifestyle, yoga
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