A recent yoga class left me stiff-necked and temporarily discouraged. A substitute teacher taught at a much higher level than the regular one, and did not offer suggestions for lower level students. After a while, I noticed that my neck was getting stressed and I consciously slowed down. However, while I have learned to modify my poses to accommodate my needs, this time I ended up feeling blue, and “bad” about not keeping up or even wanting to. While I am happily back to my regular class, I thought about how many of us have had similar experiences that still get in the way of our heart-felt intentions to take good care of our bodies. So, I would like to reflect on the courage and strength it takes to exercise well.
Many of us have had teachers or coaches that shamed us when we were not performing at the level of the class. It takes strength and courage to take part in a class and take care of our bodies, rather than try to keep up and not stick out in a crowd. However, if we want to start new exercise routines, or return to some that we have loved in the past, this may be exactly what we need to do in order to not injure ourselves, or get too discouraged.
I remember sticking out like a sore thumb in my early modern dance classes. For one, I loved wearing my flowery, brightly colored tights, while the serious dancers all wore black. But I was obviously a beginning dancer in my mid twenties. I figured, might as well have fun. And– I am still dancing twenty-five years later. I learned a few things back then and along the way that have kept me going all these years.
Get into a routine. Find something that you can do at least two times a week with some enjoyment. Routines are important parts of our lives, not just for the body to adjust to, but also for our emotional well-being. Routines can get you through all kinds of hard times.
Show up. You may be surprised that if you go to your class even though you are achy, grumpy, or tired, you will feel better afterwards– more energetic, happy and successful. Over time your self-worth and willpower will also grow.
Listen to your body and learn what is healthy for you to do. There is no yoga or dancer or runner body. Your body has its own holding patterns, stiffness, mobility, and movement needs. When you are aware of these you can maximize your gains without setting yourself back by getting injured. A physical therapist is an excellent resource for helping you understand your limitations and strengths. No pain is your gain.
Keep moving. Many aches and pains come from not moving enough. Many of us stiffen up through sitting too long, poor posture, and too many hours lying in bed. Start slow and gently, stretch well to your current edge and not further, and find out how your body responds. Walking up and down stairs can be a good way to start.
Have the courage to do what is right for you. My best Yoga teacher would always make a comment the instant I started to come out of a difficult pose (usually earlier than the rest of the class), to validate me for taking care of myself. I have never worked harder and smarter in any yoga class since.
Step out and try something new. I watch with delight as new students come to Zumba class. Here, having fun counts more than looking good, or doing it right, and you can feel it in the atmosphere. Find the exercise that is right for you. Perhaps you need to grow into it over time, or like me modify what you do. If you feel good afterward its worth it.
Begin again and again. Everything changes, our bodies, moods, abilities, work, routines and teachers. A “beginners’ mind” invites us to notice what we need today, and from moment to moment, and to exercise accordingly. It invites us to treat ourselves with kindness. Say encouraging things to yourself as a good friend would. Have compassion with yourself for breaking your vows; as the Rumi poem says, just return and begin again.
“Come, come, whoever you are, even though you’ve broken your vows a hundred times, come, come again come.”
~ Jalaluddin Rumi
Have fun! Be on the look out for what will feed you, put a smile on your face, or set your body humming with contentment. Not everyone likes classes, but these tips can apply to solitary exercise as well. Add a friend and you may add some smiles to your workout.
Happy exercising.
This pieces was originally published in Isis Scrolls as: Compassionate Reflections on Getting that Exercise in the New Year, February/March 2011. Image: License
Some rights reserved by daveynin