If you know me but at all, you will know that I’m not exactly enthusiastic about exercise. Avid followers will know that I have tried my hand at running with little success. I also played a bit of netball, but I think that was more about wanting to win and less about wanting to keep fit.
One type of exercise that I have always quite liked though is yoga. It’s barely exercise at all really is it? I mean some yoga poses are quite hard, but if you’re a beginner it’s basically just breathing, stretching and relaxing, which somehow has loads of health benefits! Great right?
After moving away from my netball team, and giving up running after discovering the many reasons why you shouldn’t run anywhere, I’ve been thinking about starting yoga up again and have been to a few classes at the Nuffield gym up the road from me. Aside from its many benefits to your wellbeing, here are some other great reasons to practice yoga.
Peace and quiet
When you have children, an hour of peace and quiet is even more glorious than usual. Practicing yoga can be a great way to unwind after a long day with the kids, or alternatively, pack them off for the afternoon with a family member or particularly nice friend, under the excuse that you “need to exercise”. If your kids have nowhere else to go, get them involved in your practice. One of the great things about yoga is that kids can do it too, even babies! Healthy fun for the whole family.
Cute clothes
Another great thing about yoga is that you don’t need to squeeze yourself into a sports bra, old trainers and some awkward jogging bottoms that make your bottom jiggle at the gym. Yoga clothes are much more relaxing and comfy, basically like working out in your pyjamas! Then if you end up lying on the sofa all day after your intense work out, you don’t even have to get changed. Win win.
During my recent yoga exploits I’ve been wearing yoga gear from Earth Kind Originals. They are based in the south west and make loads of clothes with wonderfully soft organic cottons, making them ideal for yoga. I really love the shape and of their yoga and pilates range and having something nice to wear is definitely an incentive to get up and practice some yoga.
Stay fresh
As we all know, one of the most important parts of exercise is the selfie that you take afterwards to show people that you are healthy and full of life. You may remember by running selfies, I was always extremely red faced and sweaty. With yoga though, the redness seems to be less, so I can take an effortlessly poised selfie in my lovely yoga clothes every single time. Very glamorous.
Treats
As with all exercise, doing half an hour of yoga means that you get a treat at the end. Anything that means that you get a treat is worth doing. Yay treats!
Are you a yoga fan?
Thank you to Earth Kind Originals for sending me this yoga gear for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own.