So why did I need a month of daily yoga? Because a month ago I woke up feeling old. I plodded into the bathroom; my feet hurt; my back was stiff. Feeling like this is understandable if you’ve earned it, but I couldn’t pinpoint anything I’d done to feel that way. Maybe I slept wrong, I thought; and then the thought that sleep could injure me made me feel even older.
What’s the best song you ever wrote?
Someone asked Duke Ellington about the best song he ever wrote. ‘I haven’t written it yet,’ he replied.
So what’s the best song I ever wrote? I don’t write songs.
Alright then, Mr. Trainer, comparatively, what’s the best you’ve ever felt. When, all things considered, was your physical peak?
The last time I sprang out of bed pain free was during/after Yoga Teacher Training. It only took 4 months of 6-10 hours of yoga every week to feel that way.
Decisions, decisions…
That’s how I decided I would do yoga for 1 hour every day, for 5 weeks. What’s the best my body has ever felt?
I’ll tell you in 5 weeks.
Why 5 weeks?
If you do 5 weeks of anything fitness related you’ll see a major result. The kind of result that your friends and family will notice. The kind of result that’ll enrage your psycho ex.
As you read this I have completed 30 of the 35 hours of yoga. To make the journey more fun I select a favorite album to play front to back while I practice. 35 hours. 35 albums.
What have I noticed?
Would you believe I’ve become more flexible, that nagging wrist and knee injuries have disappeared, that my strength low to the ground has improved. That, all in all, I move better.
I’ve gotten deeper into Steely Dan, The Police, Incognito and the Brand New Heavies.
This morning I got out of bed, walked into the bathroom, and turned on the shower without a a hint of stiffness or soreness.
Maybe I slept right.
Movement is medicine and you want the minimum effective dose. I already had a strong yoga practice but wanted to feel a noticeable change. That called for a heavy commitment: 35 hours. If you’re reading this thinking of beginning your own journey start with 15 minutes. That’s where I started 10 years ago.
Why not just get a cortisone shot?
Cortisone shots are great in the right situation. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort then talk to your Doctor. Maybe cortisone is the answer. It usually relieves pains for several weeks/months at a time. It is not, however, a cure.
My foot pain was persistent and perhaps a shot would have helped, but I’m authentic. I’m on this blog preaching about the benefits of exercise and nutrition. This was an opportunity to prove that what I’m selling actually works. And it did. Big time.
Moreover, it kept me in shape and I learned about myself in the process.
Your Turn
Who knows? Maybe 5 weeks from now you’ll be on your mat, your favorite music pumping, deep in a pose that wasn’t possible a month ago. Your family and friends have noticed how comfortable you look in your body, your ex is driving by your house an extra time every week just to catch a glimpse of your improved physique. People are taking notice. They stop and ask you ‘what’s your secret’?
You tell them about the hours you’ve spent on your mat.
‘Wow, So is this the best you’ve ever felt?’
Ask me again in 5 weeks.