For the last six months I’ve been kinda into something I never thought I would be; yoga. It all started when Kat from Tone It Up got her yoga teacher certification and threw out a few live yoga workouts. Y’all know the Tone It Up girls are my boos, so of course, I joined in. Despite the fact that prior to this, I always claimed to dislike yoga, I thought of it as slow and not worth my time. Mark my words, I was wrong.
One of the very first yoga workouts that had me hooked, was this live yoga tone workout. It was hard, made me sweat and oh my gracious I felt it the very next day. So I started to add in a least one day of yoga every week to my routine – and after years of working out I noticed changes in my body.
How Yoga Changed My Body in Six Months
1. My Flexibility Improved – Of course when you think of yoga, you think of a lot stretching. So, yes I immediately started to notice improvement in my flexibility. I tend to gravitate toward resistance training, and not enough stretching. So, my muscles tend to be sore and tight. After adding yoga to the mix, I’m more flexible, feel like I have better posture and have less aches and pains!
2. I’m Leaner – My 4’10” frame, just wants to be beefy. My love for weight training over the years, just added to that thickness – especially in my thighs. Which, I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of. We all have those little things that drive us crazy about ourselves, and for me, it’s my thighs. The grass is always greener on the other side, right?! I would kill for a pair of long, lean legs, but, the good Lord gave me nubby ones, and I’m working on loving myself just the way I am. When I started practicing yoga weekly and stretching those muscles, my thighs started to lean out, a little bit! So, for that reason alone, yoga is my new favorite.
3. My Core is the Strongest it’s Ever Been – Since having babies, I’ve really struggled with core strength. Like, I could barely do a sit-up, lol. Since adding yoga into my routine, I can plank like a beast and can visibly see my abs. I’ve noticed that the increased core strength has improved other parts of my workouts too, because I have better balance now. I’m sure the core strength helped lessen some of my back pain too.
So, six months later – I feel leaner, stronger and fully committed to keeping yoga in my life. I probably look a hot mess and a half actually doing it, but luckily there’s no one at home to judge me. (Just another benefit of working out at home!) I’m late to this game, so I know there are plenty of you out there who’ve been singing yoga’s praises for years. Where my yoga fans at?!
-Brooke
Yoga was part of my routine and you totally reminded me why I need to go back to that.
xo
Pinksole
I’ve tried to get my body into yoga, but somehow my mind doesn’t follow! Glad you’ve found something that works for you! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
That’s so awesome! I’ve done hot yoga once and it was killer! Props to you girl!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Oh my goodness, this is just what I needed to read. I’ve been contemplating yoga but felt the same way you did – too slow, not enough of a workout, etc. You’ve convinced me to give it a try and I am going to. Thank you! I need to work on flexibility and of course leaner is always nice and anytime I can strengthen my core I’ll take it!
xo,
Kellyann
http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
Now that I’m not working, I want to add in yoga! You look amazing. I’m going to check out Tone It Up!
I have been doing yoga on a weekly basis for close to 2 yrs now. I so miss it if I am unable to go to class in a week. I know part is the studio and instructors but I also know that I just enjoy and relish in how I feel afterwards.
I know it has helped my fibromyalgia (which I have had for over 20 + yrs) and I do most with a bit of a health issue other than that but it all helps.
I usually do Yoga one day a week, but I need to check out the workout in the link you shared! I might like it better than the DVD I’m using now.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Well you look incredibly fit and fabulous, so yoga is working very well for you. I agree it’s very healthy thing for both mind and body. I wish I liked it more. Maybe one day… I use the treadmill quite a lot and that helps. Have a fabulous week ahead!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
All in finding what you like! I will say I didn’t like it at all until I tried it with the Tone It Up girls – they made it fun!
I think they’re fun! Totally got me hooked!
That’s amazing it helped your fibromyalgia! I have a lot of upper back and neck prob (probably from lack of stretching over the years) and it has helped!
I think you’ll love it! They’re so upbeat and fun!
I totally thought I just didn’t have the time for it, if it was just stretching – but it’s a great workout!
I would love to try hot yoga, I’ve heard it’s awesome!
It took me a while to chill out enough for it, even still I’m not very good at keeping up with the breathing part.
Yeah girl!! Feels good!
You look so healthy and fit 🙂
– Marina
https://waitmarinawho.blogspot.tw/2018/02/neon-jungle.html
Isn’t yoga amazing, Brooke? I always say that once I’ve discovered pilates and yoga that I’m a believer in a kindler, gentler workout—and it’s so good for my body!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
This is uplifting! I just signed up for yoga classes and I feel sooooo uncomfortable and clumsy right now!! Can’t wait to see the result tho.. – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
You look great Brooke – fit and fab! I can feel you on flexibility as I feel like that’s the first thing to go but stretching does do a whole lot of wonders for the body and I love the way I feel afterwards. I am sure my body appreciates it too though it took me a few years to do it!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I just recently started doing yoga again mainly for stress relief and it seriously is amazing! So great for mind body and soul!
Rosy Outlook
I felt the same way about yoga until I finally tried it. I thought it was going to be all stretching, breathing, and meditating while I crave a real workout. Boy was I wrong! It’s such an amazing experience for your mind, body, and soul. The strength you gain is amazing too. Get it girlie! <3
Green Fashionista
I agree! Yoga will change your body, more flexibility, stronger muscles…it will also change your life if you’re open to it! Thanks for sharing this post!
Yoga has so many benefits, I wish I liked it more. I’m glad you enjoy it and your body is responding well to it
Carly at A Modern Mom Blog
I need to get better at doing yoga. I used to do it when I was pregnant with the boys and really enjoyed it. Sierra~Beautifully Candid
I love yoga (I am actually a certified teacher), but as I tell everyone who asks me, it is all about finding the right style of yoga for you and the right teacher for you. There are so many different styles and sometimes a teacher can make all of the difference. I really believe there is a fit for everyone, but so many people give up because they don’t like one class. So glad you found something that you like!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
This is so awesome! I have never done yoga regularly. I did pilates in college and loved it. Makes me want to get back in it.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I really need to add yoga….I haven’t gone for the same reasons you state but I know it would be so good for me especially in this mid 40’s body that is creaking just a tad
That’s so cool Nikki! You are so right, I really enjoy the style of the tone it up girls, but didn’t care for some of the other yoga routines I tried before. I’m glad I found a style I like!
Thank you Marina!
So amazing and you’re right it feels so good! I’m trying to be much kinder to my body these days too!
It gets better! I still feel awkward some but to so much better than when I first started!
Thank you Maureen! I just love the way I feel afterwards too, it’s the best!
I thought the very same thing, I’m like stretching is good but I don’t have 30 mins to stretch haha! I was so wrong!
Such a great point! Thanks for reading!
Thank you Carly!
So good for you during pregnancy!
I did Pilates years ago too, so hard, but so good!
It’s really been positive for me! I bet you’ll love it!
I was pleasantly surprised by it!
Well I pinned their board. I’ve been thinking for a while I really want/need to add at least one day of yoga to my workouts. I’d like to lean up my thighs too…they’ve always been heavy. Thanks for th inspo, Brooke!
I used to do Yoga, my fave is the feeling after every class. It’s so fulfilling. I need to go back, I miss that feeling! You look lovely dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com