the notebook
Learn how to love Yoga X
There are a lot of people doing P90X and I've met dozens of them. There seems to be a prevailing complaint from the majority of them and it's one of the reasons people stop using the program. The deal breaker I'm referring to is Yoga X. In my latest round of P90X, I had a breakthrough moment with Yoga X which makes me look forward to it every week.
Realization: Yoga X is hard
Anyone who has tried P90X knows just how hard Yoga X is. Out of the 12 DVDs included in the program, it's the longest workout (1.5 hours), and it is also one of the most difficult because you're working muscles in a whole new way. It's not about quick bursts of power or reps and sets— yoga is about slow and fluid transitions between movements. It's also about holding poses for extended periods of time.
I hadn't done any form of Yoga before starting P90X and I'd wager most people who quit haven't done it either. What I now realize, is in order to enjoy yoga you have to get used to the idea of doing it. Yoga is challenging if you're doing it right and the sooner you realize this, the better. Your muscles will burn, your body will shake, and you may not finish (at least with proper form) the first few times through. Everyone who is good at yoga has gone through this, so know that you're not the only one.
Persistence
It's cliché saying this but "Practice makes perfect!" applies in such an amazing way. Nobody, not even the top yogis in the world, were good at yoga the first time. They became the best the same way everyone else does: with practice.
Even if you currently dislike yoga, keep doing it. Focus on your form and concentrate on doing the best you can. Over time, you will get better and as you get better, you'll start to enjoy Yoga X.
Having the right mindset
A large part of yoga is a good mindset. As Tony mentions at the beginning of the workout, focus on "the now." You will see vast improvements each week if you just concentrate on your movements while making sure you maintain the proper form. You'll know which poses you need to work on and which areas you are great at.
Having a positive attitude toward yoga goes a long way. People easily slip into focusing on the negative because it hurts, it's too long, or they aren't flexible enough. Instead, as I have, look at the positive things you accomplished each time. Remind yourself of the excellent form you had for the triangle pose sequence. Revel in the fact you made it through the Warrior Three section.
Focusing on the positive points every time you do Yoga X creates a positive association with the workout. You'll be looking forward to yoga in no time.
Breathing is important
My biggest breakthrough while learning to love yoga was breathing. When I was just starting with P90X yoga early on, I would struggle through each movement. I'd start my breathing at the beginning of a movement, hold it, then release after I had finished the move. Bad idea. I soon realized that holding my breath was just increasing the difficulty of each move so I started breathing through the transitions and poses. I concentrated on my breathing for each move. By making sure I am breathing properly, I keep my focus on "the now."
Taking long, deep breaths gets that much-needed oxygen to your muscles and keeps them stronger, longer. Proper breathing is the key that brings everything together.
Other helpful tidbits
Here are a few more things you can do to increase your love for yoga:
- Work out in a nice, quiet environment
- Take some Strength Formula 10 - 20 minutes before your workout
- Make a to-do list before working out (to clear your mind)
- Listen to the video instead of watching it (I turn sideways for my yoga workouts)
