With all the heavy rain we’ve been having lately, I have cut back on my regular trail runs. And running on a treadmill is not a good option for me mainly because I dislike it and prefer to be outside. So I’ve been focusing more on yoga and even bought a purple yoga mat (on sale of course!). My labrador tries to participate too whenever I sit on the mat.

My chiropractor has suggested for years that I try yoga. My response has always been yeah, okay, whatever. My excuse was not having enough time (or making the time) in my schedule to attend a yoga class somewhere on a regular basis to be effective. I’m very happy to say that I found a daily yoga class on a local TV station and have been saving to the DVR to watch at my convenience. Awesome! The class is led by Dr. Amy Josephson of Atlanta and it feels like I’m actually attending a class, not just popping in a DVD.

Surprisingly, or maybe not, my abs are sore from these daily 30 minute yoga sessions. The gymnast from my youth did not expect the lack of limberness either! My flexibility has definitely been affected after 30+ years of running and not doing enough cross-training. But I’ve been lucky to have not succumbed to any of the typical runner ailments and plan to keep it that way by continuing to incorporate yoga regularly. My chiropractor has made another positive impact on my lifestyle. Extra bonus: my posture throughout the day has improved.

Yoga is a great way to start or even end your day. I encourage others to give it a try, even if it’s just once a week, guy or girl. The goal is to reduce stress, tone your body, strengthen your core and improve flexibility through stretching movements, meditation and breathing exercises.

Yoga helps you just stop and focus on your body, be in the moment and definitely calms your mind. Namaste.