Trying to Do Something Like Yoga

I have to admit that I am not big into yoga, in spite of my interest in so many other forms of fitness. I have friends who are all about the yoga and any problem you have they’ll suggest yoga as the answer. Are you in pain? Try yoga. Are you stressed? Try yoga. Are you sad? Try yoga. Are you full of mucus and earwax? Try yoga. OK, so I’m just being silly--they’re great people and they’re probably right about how great yoga is, but I have a hard time getting into it--at least into the more spiritual type (and the non-spiritual type is probably not really yoga at all but just poses taken from yoga practice). Still, I try to do that more Western non-spiritual yoga when I can work it into my schedule (which is probably not often enough). Today I did Karen Voight’s Yoga Stretch, which is one of two workouts on her DVD Yoga Power. I like it because it is mainly about stretching and relaxing, which I really needed today, and it’s also not full of mystical stuff. I just like to chill and do poses and not go that particular direction. I actually wished it were a little longer, whereas I’m usually bored before I get to the end of a yoga routine. So I think this one’s a keeper for me.

Another yoga-ish DVD I like is one I’ve mentioned before: Ellen Barrett’s Crunch: Super SlimDown which is a Pilates/Yoga blend. I can’t even tell you what I like about this workout, but I like it. It’s great for core strength and it flows deliciously.

And of course there’s Cathe’s Stretch Max which is not even called yoga but it’s wonderful for stretching.

I’m working yoga (and Stretch Max) into my rotation a little more often since I don’t want to stress my recovering ankle.

Speaking of the ankle, I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday to have a look at it. I hope that goes well!