You know that yoga is popular. You get it. But between bootcamp and barre, HIIT and heavy lifting, you just don’t think a little bit of stretching and flow-time on the mat is going to do you any good.
I hate to break it to you, but I think you’re wrong. See, I’m totally guilty of skipping yoga. I’ve been practicing on and off for years, but I’ve stopped for months at a time in there. So I know your excuses. I’ve probably used them. And if not, I’ve heard someone else use them. But when I practice – and I have been recently – I’m reminded of why it’s so great.
So let’s address those (bad) reasons for not incorporating yoga into your life and find some fixes. Ready? Let’s do it.
You can make excuses or you can do yoga. (You should do yoga.) via @EllenSlater #fituniversity #bgbcommunity Share on XYou don’t do yoga because…
… you’re not flexible.
Good news: you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga! Does it make some postures easier? Abso-freaking-lutely. But do you want everything in life to be easy? (Don’t answer that.) Yoga teaches you to meet your body where it is, push it a little farther when you can, and be patient when it’s just not having it. Honestly, that’s a pretty good skill to have in all areas of life. Your body is smart and knows what it can handle, even when your mind says otherwise. Also, practice makes perfect you more flexible.
… it doesn’t burn calories like crazy.
I’m not going to argue with you. I’m sure some sorts of power yoga do burn some calories, and all yoga activates your muscles so it’s not useless in that area. However, burning zillions of calories shouldn’t be the point of yoga (or, frankly, of activity in general – but that’s another topic). Yoga makes you stronger, and that’s a pretty great goal.
… you tried it that one time and just couldn’t get into it.
Try a different style, a different studio, or a different instructor. It can make all the difference. Sometimes, I’m not in the mood for a slow class, so I skip it in favor of a faster one (or vice versa). Instructors have different teaching styles, and that can really set the tone for the whole experience. Try a variety before settling on the one or few that you really enjoy.
… you can’t chill out.
Sometimes I’m so antsy that I just don’t want to do yoga. You want to know something? That usually happens when I haven’t practiced for a while. Being present on the mat and flowing through poses honestly doesn’t leave a lot of room for whatever else is going on in my life/my head/the world.
… you don’t have time.
I’m so guilty of using this. But you don’t have to go to an hour-long class or do a 90-minute video. The videos here range from 6 to 60 minutes. You can squeeze one of those in, right? I’m sure I can, too.
So there you have it.
You can come up with a whole bunch of excuses, or you can just do yoga. Let’s do that one, okay?
Pin it so you don’t forget! ?
Is there one type of workout you neglect?
What excuses do you make?
I love yoga, but with all my HIIT and running, I recenty forgot about that. Thanks for reminding!
Any time! Enjoy what you’re doing 🙂
If it’s the right workout for you than you’ll make time for it! We don’t skip things we want to make a priority in life!
I don’t think one thing is right for everybody. I do think that sometimes we avoid doing things we truly want to do because of silly hang-ups, though!
I don’t do yoga because it’s one more thing on my to-do list that can actually stress me out. I trade yoga for extra sleep. I’d rather go to bed earlier than do a yoga class. When I remember that there is a class and I have time, I will go, but it’s honestly not high on my list of priorities
You definitely have to do what’s right for you!
Oh Ellie- I resonate with that! Sometimes, when I feel like I “need” to do yoga, I confuse my brain. Yoga should calm me down and not be a stressor! That’s where I struggle with implementing it into my routine.
I absolutely get that. I’m certainly not an advocate for unnecessarily increasing stress in your life! You should do what makes you happy! I’m 100% just sharing my experience 🙂
I neglect HIIT workouts and functional workouts. My excuse? They kick my ass and I’m lazy!
Haha I can relate to that a bit. For someone who exercises regularly, I’m pretty darn lazy. 😛
I miss yoga! I had a good Bikram practice going before I got pregnant and just haven’t returned due to cost and time. But…I can do yoga in m pajamas in my own home, and this is a good reminder to do just that. My body and mind is better when it’s a part of my life.
I feel the same way. It can be tough to make it to a studio, but that doesn’t mean I have to cut it out entirely.
I’ve been trying to incorporate yoga into my routine and it has been great. It always makes me feel so much better, especially cause I get so tight sitting at my desk studying.
Haha I know the feeling. I think between classes and studying, I sat for over 9 hours on Tuesday. My back is feeling it now 😛
O_o I guess those might be some of my reasons. I do need to stretch more… You got me on the ‘I’m not flexible enough.’ I’m not as much into the eastern meditation side of yoga, but I do like the idea of the stretches. You got me there. 🙂
I’m also not an expert-expert, but I think that there are ways to incorporate stretching and even yoga poses into your life without the specifically Eastern meditation. I know for me it can be a time to clear my head, just like any other exercise. That said, I totally respect where you’re coming from. 🙂
Great post! I know I often overlook yoga in favor of other forms of exercise, but I know I should include it more!! The benefits are so great!
Thanks, Heather! I, too, often overlook yoga. This is as much a reminder for me as anyone else who reads it 🙂
YES YES YES to this! I need to make more time for yoga as I haven’t been practicing much lately. I think my biggest problem is only being able to do it with myself! I loveee yoga classes but the only ones near us are crazy expensive!
Doing yoga all on my own is probably where I struggle most, too. That said, technically it’s even easier to do on my own because all I have to do is flip on a video… but the studio environment is a little more motivating 😉
Love this!!! Yoga is the best.
Yesss I love it ❤️
oh man this is a great post. I never ‘got into’ yoga and claim the best class I went to was the one that got cancelled…
You’ve motivated me! 😀
LOL thanks Arman! Definitely give it another go 😀