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Yoga: Out of My Comfort Zone
I haven’t done yoga in a long time and to be honest, I’m still a relative yoga newbie. I still don’t know a lot about yoga or the poses or the names of stuff and I always forget about the breathing (which apparently is a key part to yoga) and because of this, the thought of going to a yoga class always makes me very anxious. Yoga really takes me out of my comfort zone. I never let on that I have anxiety, but it’s something that has bothered me most of my life. It can get so bad that I actually become ill. When it comes to the gym, I’m the complete opposite, I’m extremely confident. The gym is what I’m use to, it’s what I really enjoy and it’s what I’ve known for the past 4 years, so it’s comfortable to me. Even when it comes to running, I hate it, I hate it A LOT, but I don’t feel out of my comfort zone doing it.
I think the main reason I feel out of place at yoga is because I see these women sitting beside me going from pose A to B to C to Z without any problem, meanwhile my arms are shaking like crazy, I’m sweating like mad, I’m struggling not to fall over and if I’m actually doing the proper breathing I’m trying not to fart. At the same time all I can think to myself is “I’m so much stronger than these girls, why can’t I do this?” You have no idea how frustrating this is for me!!!!
The funny thing is that after a yoga class I actually felt like I had a really good workout. Shoulders, triceps, bicep, legs, core, glutes… I’m always floored with how sore I am!! I’ve even written a post about how “Yoga Kicked my Ass”?
I try to take myself out of my comfort zone once in a while because I’ve learned that sometimes you need to do that to yourself. A part of lululemon’s manifesto that I really like is “Do one thing a day that scares you” and today, this was my one thing. Sometimes you just need to get out of what is comfortable and push your own boundaries.
Whether it be going to the gym, going to yoga, going for a run, getting off the couch and going for a walk or anything else in your life, do one thing that scares you and I assure you, you’ll feel better about yourself mentally and physically!
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Your Inner Skinny
I recall years ago when I was living in PEI, the wife and I joined an evening yoga class. We felt pretty confident with our lithe, toned bodies, until the 70-year-old yoga teacher came in and quite literally bent himself into jaw-dropping poses as the rest of us groaned and strained to keep up. So it just goes to show that 'comfort zone' is a purely relative term. I can't wait to start back into yoga again. Thanks for the post!
I'm actually from PEI.
Thanks so much for sharing and I'm glad me sharing with you gave you something you could relate to.
Thanks! I was getting better with it before I left but now that I'm in a new city, I feel this way with gyms too. It'll pass once I'm confortable, but initially it'll take some time.
So many I am unusual but I am totally with you on the 'having to concentrate on not farting' thing - made me laugh reading that. I have avoided yoga because I'm not slim, fit or flexible...it is hard to remember than everyone starts somewhere when the anxiety starts to kick in isn't it?
Amy x
I relate to this! I'm so comfortable in the gym. I can do many various workouts but yoga is a challenge. I avoided it for so long. Now, I know I can and should reap the benefits, but it has yet to feel comfortable. Great post!
Ok, so this is not real "weight loss" related or anything, but being overweight through my twenties (and no other time in my life) was emotionally hard on me (obviously) so I didn't wear a bathing suit for over a decade (till my girl friend and fellow mom told me to get over myself and take my toddler to the pool). Anyhow, so this summer I went to the beach with my family (and said girl friend). My younger brothers were running and jumping off of a pier into Lake Michigan (something I have NEVER done), and it hit me! I quit letting myself feel free to have fun when I got fat. It made me furious, and then I ran and jumped off of the pier. I ran (fat ass and all in my bathing suit and on video) and plunged into the lake! I was so full of joy and exhileration and adrenaline (not to mention immense pride) after I hit the water that I was shaking and could barely climb the ladder out. It dawned on me that day that I should allow myself to have fun in ways that I have been ashamed of for the past decade. Like running. This past week, I've been contemplating a 5k. Anyhow, thanks for posting this. It reminds me to get out there and and be uncomfortable, because in the end...it just might be fun too!
I have always loved Yoga. I used to do a lunchtime Yoga class at a former employer. I was really sad when I left there. I never felt to out of place, but we had a really good instructor who worked with all levels. I would encourage you to keep doing Yoga though, I wish I still was. If you have the time, do it!
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