This year, I want to get into better shape! This is what many people think around this time of year and I am one of them. Possibly, I am one of a few who starts half way through January when some others start to fizzle out already. Who knows. I want to look and feel better – ideally immediately.
Given my (middle-ish) age, I’m supposed to do weight training two times a week or more often. This way, my muscles stay strong to give my body what it needs to weather the storm of old age. It also means my body would use more calories at rest and I can have more fruit (I am one of those strange creatures who doesn’t like the taste of sugar) or 85% chocolate.
Unfortunately, COVID is still a thing (or is that again?) and last time I walked past the local gym, masks were worn around the neck and most certainly not covering mouth and nose. So that won’t be an option for me.
A few years ago, I was the only person to turn up to a really early gym class and since then I know that individual classes may not be my jam either. The pressure to perform when the spotlight is on me is just too much.
What would you do in my situation?
Yes, exactly! Yoga to the rescue. Yoga counts as resistance aka body weight training and therefore gives me what I need from it. Furthermore, recent research suggests that stretching such as done in Yoga benefits the blood vessels and muscles alike giving you an all round fantastic workout. Best of all, there are plenty of YouTube classes available which I can follow from the privacy of my own bedroom.
Initially, I will start with small steps and try to fit in one workout for a couple of week to see how I like it and when the best time of day is. Then I thought of doing two weeks with two sessions, followed by three weeks with three sessions… You get the idea.
Will you join me and work out too?