If you have the pleasure (or misfortune) of knowing me in person, you know I have quite a bit of energy. To burn it, I’m constantly moving. Swimming in the morning, running in the evening, sometimes getting a bike in as well. 

Before last year, I actually hated yoga because of how little movement there was. I did it quite a bit in middle school with a teacher who would lead us in a yoga session outside during study hall. 

Easily bored by the quiet, slow activity, I lacked the focus to do it properly, and it didn’t interest me to try. I really only continued so I could go outside during the school day. To some extent, this is still true. But here’s why I’m trying now.

As an athlete training every single day, recovery has become abundantly important, working its way into my routine. My favorite form of recovery is swimming or aqua jogging (what can I say, my past as a swimmer still hasn’t left my blood). But, I knew I needed to integrate something that was all recovery, no hint of cardio allowed. 

I reluctantly started the hobby back up, wanting to better my craft in running. Without recovery, I wouldn’t be able to work as hard during the week. That’s really what motivated me to give yoga a fair shot.

The first misconception I had about yoga was that it had to be some long, drawn out session every time. My YouTube playlist full of yoga practices is full of videos as short as 10 minutes. These allowed me to stay focused the whole time and get a productive stretch in. As I got better at these, I upped my practices, going on to 30 minutes, and even over an hour. 

I very quickly saw the benefits, with higher flexibility and less stiffness/soreness. This motivated me to continue. And the more I did, the more I grew to enjoy it.

I’m still not great at rhythmic breathing or true sense of focus. I’ve been known to watch basketball as I do yoga. But I think that’s okay. I’m still reaping the benefits of the exercise. 

I’m also busting the stereotype that all yogis are experts at what they do. Nothing about my style, personality, or natural habits would make you think I also do yoga. But it has helped me immensely in my craft, and also in life. 

Sure, running feels a bit better. But so does walking to class, going up stairs, and just moving overall. I encourage everyone to look up a short yoga video and give it a try. Even if you already wrote yoga off, take it from me, it is so worth it to try again.