OK, so you need to pull yourself up and out of it. Whether it's a slight bit of inertia from a breakup, a complete and utter lack of motivation due to a bad week or a general lethargy that's been sapping you dry for weeks/months on end, lying on the couch in a pool of sweat clothing is not going to make the situation any better. It's time for some exercise.
Personally, my workout of choice is yoga. I've been an enthusiast for years and I love the long. lean muscle tone and fat-burning properties it gives me. Yoga for me is like wringing out a wet towel; every twist and turn of my body forces my body to relieve stress, rid itself of toxins and get stronger and leaner. The more I practice yoga, the stronger my body becomes and the leaner I get. I'm losing weight and shedding excess breakup drama in the process so I'll call this a win-win.
If you've never done yoga before, there is no better time like the present to get started. Please consult your doctor before starting this or any other workout program but once you're cleared to work out, I insist that you head to a gym or yoga studio before trying any DVDs at home to get the essentials down. Don't feel self-conscious about taking a class if you've never done it before and don't think that people will stare at your or make fun of you if you're new to the class. My favorite yoga instructor, Sebastian White, told me years ago that "everyone has to start somewhere" (and if you're in NYC, take his classes at Exhale - mind-blowing instructor) and it's totally true. So find a beginners class at your local Y, gym or yoga studio. You'll emerge from the class peaceful, centered and with a head empty and if you keep practicing you'll get longer, leaner and hotter, which is an essential part of any breakover: you always want to end a breakover in better shape than you started it.
One of the best things about yoga besides the amazing workout and the fantastic relaxation properties is that, in my opinion, it's the method of exercise with the cutest wardrobe. Once a month, I buy myself one new workout outfit because getting slimmer means new clothes (not like I need any incentive at ALL to shop). Right now, some of my favorites are from Victoria's Secret. Their VS Classic Yoga Pant ($29.50 and fits up to a size 18) is super comfortable in class but cute enough to run errands (or work in, for those of us who work from home during the day.) Also shown is one of my wardrobe staples, the Ultimate Tank in Stretch Solids (on sale for $10), which I wear almost every day all year round. This is a great workout outfit that will take you from mat to street in no time flat.
As far as a mat goes, I love this Eco Sticky Mat by Prana ($44), which is made without any heavy metals so you can reduce and the size of your backside simultaneously. Throw it in this gorgeous The Sak Pax Eco Yoga Bag ($69) and you'll be the hottest thing at the studio other than the instructor.
One of the hardest things about getting yourself together again after any disappointment is remembering to focus on yourself and your needs. What you need right now is to get your brain and body going in the right direction, so head to your nearest yoga studio or gym and go downward facing, dog. Who knows? You might rediscover your inner warrior all over again.
1 comment:
Hi there- I enjoyed your post and totally agree about the outfits! I came across your post because I took yoga with Sebastian White in NYC at Exhale Spa. He's no longer there, and I'm trying to figure out how to get in touch with him to see if he teaches somewhere new. Exhale had no info. You wouldn't happen to have any contact info for him or any idea if/where he's teaching now, would you? If so, would really appreciate it if you could email me back. Either way, thanks for the post. Be well. - Nita
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