FDLIC President and CEO Kris Seale blogs about issues of life and the things he is most passionate about--pursuing a life of purpose, discovering meaningful insights, and inspiring others to go after the things that really matter in life.
Time For A Change in Routine
May 19, 2013
Are you like me? Do you struggle with sticking with the same old exercise routine for a long period of time? Over time, I've really learned the way my body works, and when I start feeling bored with my exercise regimen, I know that I had better change it or I will begin getting less and less out of my workouts.
The trip to Israel caused me to get out of my P90X routine. We were so active in Israel that I never had an extra hour to exercise. Honestly, I didn't miss it much! So, on the way home, I decided that it was time for change. Yoga was my answer.
As part of the P90X program, I learned how to do active yoga, and I found that it was challenging and I kind of liked it. This admission is really hard for a West Texas country boy to make. I mean, come on, yoga is for sissies, right? I have to admit, I had lots of trepidation when I started doing the yoga portion of P90X. I thought it would be too easy, it would have some type of Eastern spiritual stuff associated with it, it would involve sitting cross-legged on the floor doing some type of loud humming, and frankly, it would just be weird. In reality, I found yoga to be difficult and challenging; yoga routines exist that do not involve Eastern spiritual stuff; and I did not have to do anything that I considered weird. The fact is, yoga is a challenging physical and mental workout!
Well, last week, I started a total yoga DVD exercise routine. It is called The Ultimate Yogi, and it is advertised as "the P90X of yoga." I will attest, the advertisement was accurate - it is extremely physically challenging. After completing the first week, I can see that it will help me with balance, flexibility, and even strength. The yoga coach is a little goofy, but he lives in California - what else needs to be said. However, he explains, in great detail, how to do the exercises - which is very helpful. Each routine is different, but challenging. When I finish working out, I am soaking wet, but I feel like a million bucks!
I'll see how long yoga can hold my attention; however, I know that there will come a time for another change of my exercise routine.
What are your thoughts? Do you get bored with your exercise regimen? When this happens do you make a change to something different or do you just try to work through it? What are your thoughts about yoga? Have any of you gotten into a yoga practice routine?
Blessings, Kris
Comments
Jennifer Thomas
Monday, May 20, 2013
Yeah, cross training has always been the key to keeping in top mental and physical shape. The challenge has been being able to get to places that require the different equipment. For me at least.
I think yoga is great!! I feel it should be supplemented with weight training. I think the 2 compliment each other. I love trying new things so that my other muscles can say "Hey, what about me!"
You are not strange for doing yoga- being from big Texas!! And you certainly have provided all the employees with a beautiful work out facility at FDLIC!!!
Chris Baber
Monday, May 20, 2013
I've stuck with the same couple of marathon training programs over the years and have certainly gotten bored with them at times (even though they're good, effective programs). When the boredom of doing the same types of runs week after week does set in, I'll usually shake it up a bit and cause some confusion in my body just so I don't become lazy in my effort. Sometimes just switching two workouts is enough, but then there are times where I'll change up a whole week. Listening to my body has been one of the most valuable lessons I've learned.
Until I did yoga for the first time as part of the P90X program, I had the same thoughts that you had. I was picturing humming and tights. I wasn't really sure what else to expect, but it turns out that yoga is a very challenging workout and is a great addition to your weekly exercise regimen, regardless of what kind of training you are doing. Many professional athletes use yoga to enhance their balance and coordination, so it has to be effective.
Good luck with your new regimen and keep us updated on how it's going!
Rob Davidson
Monday, May 20, 2013
You are exactly right. The most important thing IS to keep moving. I, for one, can and do become complacent with almost any exercise routine.
I am currently enrolled in a boot camp that could be described as a plyometric/martial arts/cross fit experience which is compounded by the fact that I have to get up at 5:15 to attend.
I never know what we will be doing.
Your comment about getting less and less out of your workouts reminded me of a comment I heard in boot camp a few months ago...
Paraphrasing our instructor:
"Look at professional bowlers. They use the same arm to wield a heavy ball everyday. Why then does his/her bowling arm not enormous?"
The short answer was that your body always will always find a way to balance itself... or something to that effect. There was some other stuff he said too, but I was distracted by how funny it would look to have one giant overgrown muscle arm - and the fact that I seldom ever think about professional bowling.
For me, a general, mediocre fitness level can probably be maintained with a routine like running a few times a week and maybe a little weight training. But I am easily thrilled by what happens to my body when I push it a little. As I age, I am finding that pushing a little harder than I did in my youth is helping me realize a quality of life that I may have taken for granted when I was younger.
There is nothing easy about yoga though. It's good to see that someone I know is enjoying it. I may have to give it a try.
Iris Williams
Monday, May 20, 2013
Although I'm usually someone who likes a lot of change, I find in exercise, I am like you in that I like to become strong in a section or DVD, then move on to more challenging things.
I have not yet gotten to the level of sweat some of you guys do, but I am getting stronger every day in a safe way. For me, safe is every bit as important as effective, and pain-free is a daily blessing for which I am grateful.
And I absolutely love the P90X Stretch and Yoga routines. Although I cannot do every move, I move as much as I can and get a great benefit from it. Thank you, Kris for making that available to all of us.
Melanie Carr
Monday, May 20, 2013
I can totally relate Kris. I get bored easily doing the same routine all the time. For me to stay active, I have to change up what I am doing. It not only helps with the mental boredom but I think it is also good for the body because each type of work-out works different muscles in the body.
Running is always my go to exercise but I supplement it with something else. Recently I have done barre routines, Insanity, and most currently Hip Hop Abs. I think the most important thing is to keep moving.
Good luck with the yoga program Kris. I too love yoga because it greatly helps with balance and flexibility, while also producing a calming influence mentally. All this talk though is making me want to go workout now!
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