I am mighty.
Sep. 29th, 2011 10:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
missroseroseI think I'm starting to understand how it is some folks get addicted to working out.
One of the things I think I've mentioned here (or at least alluded to) is the fact that, for quite some years, I've felt rather blah emotionally. Sure, there've been the usual ups and downs, but on the whole I was very distanced - I only very rarely cried at movie or books, for instance, when at one point a good story could move me to tears fairly easily. (I remember first really noticing it when watching 9 1/2 Weeks, and thinking that I should really be finding all of this quite arousing, but somehow couldn't seem to find that emotional core.) It's something I've been working to change, and with some recent success, which has helped immensely with things like interpersonal interactions, or my performance skills.
So when I woke up this morning feeling kind of apathetic and disengaged from everything, I was kind of concerned - was the emotional authenticity fading already? Was I going back to my quasi-Vulcan worldview?
I've been working on establishing a Monday-through-Friday yoga routine, in preparation for other routines I want to establish soon, so I went and spent some time with my Rodney Yee DVD. That helped a bit, as did whizzing down the hill to work on my bike - something about the wind rushing past your face at that speed is just plain invigorating, no matter how emotionally shut-down you are.
But what really did the trick was the ride back up. I'm still far from in-shape enough to be able to ride all the way up the hill, but (since I'd been gone a month and not working out regularly, in addition to being at sea level instead of my usual mile-high altitude) I pushed myself significantly. Not enough to the painfully-gasping-for-breath stage, but more than I thought I'd be able to do the first time upon my return. I was plumb tuckered out when I got home, and immediately collapsed onto the futon, but once I'd recovered I went to have a shower and a nap.
And I don't think there are words for how much more invigorated and engaged and just plain positive I feel. Endorphins are truly awesome things.
One of the things I think I've mentioned here (or at least alluded to) is the fact that, for quite some years, I've felt rather blah emotionally. Sure, there've been the usual ups and downs, but on the whole I was very distanced - I only very rarely cried at movie or books, for instance, when at one point a good story could move me to tears fairly easily. (I remember first really noticing it when watching 9 1/2 Weeks, and thinking that I should really be finding all of this quite arousing, but somehow couldn't seem to find that emotional core.) It's something I've been working to change, and with some recent success, which has helped immensely with things like interpersonal interactions, or my performance skills.
So when I woke up this morning feeling kind of apathetic and disengaged from everything, I was kind of concerned - was the emotional authenticity fading already? Was I going back to my quasi-Vulcan worldview?
I've been working on establishing a Monday-through-Friday yoga routine, in preparation for other routines I want to establish soon, so I went and spent some time with my Rodney Yee DVD. That helped a bit, as did whizzing down the hill to work on my bike - something about the wind rushing past your face at that speed is just plain invigorating, no matter how emotionally shut-down you are.
But what really did the trick was the ride back up. I'm still far from in-shape enough to be able to ride all the way up the hill, but (since I'd been gone a month and not working out regularly, in addition to being at sea level instead of my usual mile-high altitude) I pushed myself significantly. Not enough to the painfully-gasping-for-breath stage, but more than I thought I'd be able to do the first time upon my return. I was plumb tuckered out when I got home, and immediately collapsed onto the futon, but once I'd recovered I went to have a shower and a nap.
And I don't think there are words for how much more invigorated and engaged and just plain positive I feel. Endorphins are truly awesome things.
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no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 03:23 pm (UTC)I need to get into a better yoga habit, for sure. I haven't even been back to Bikram yet. Although I have decided that Bikram's probably not for me for the long haul, I do want to at least get my Groupon's worth.
This post is inspirational!
L.
no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 05:06 pm (UTC)I've been using Rodney Yee's AM Yoga For Your Week (http://www.gaiam.com/product/a+m+yoga+for+your+week.do); it's a nice selection of routines that are slightly more challenging than the beginner stuff but not too strenuous. Plus each one's about twenty minutes long, so you don't have to block out a huge section of your morning - I've read in several places that, while most professional yogis aim for at least an hour a day, when it comes to casual stuff consistency will get you better results than intensity (i.e. it's better to do twenty minutes a day three or five days a week than an hour only once). I'd say that matches up with my own experience, too.
Also, you hsve my dumbfounded awe at being able to tough it out through one bikram session. Even more props if you make it through two!
no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 05:16 pm (UTC)Love you!
L.
no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 05:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 08:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-30 09:18 pm (UTC)Mum Votes: I agree 100%
Date: 2011-10-03 03:58 pm (UTC)Re: Mum Votes: I agree 100%
Date: 2011-10-03 04:07 pm (UTC)