anyone do yoga and/or Qi Gong?

[ellenrr]

I used to do one or both.
I was never 100% consistent, I was moderately consistent.

and I always knew if I got the blues either or both of these would chase them.

but these days I cannot make myself do either, or meditate, or even listen to inspiring music.

any tips from those of you who are fairly consistent about your practice?

thanks.

also, I am sleeping really badly, and I know (from experience) any of the things I mentioned would be helpful.
I don't know why I cannot make myself do anything positive.

[nezlie]

Do you do it alone or in a class? If you do it alone, going to a class might be more fun and motivational.

[Miss Hepburn]

Well, I say this about everything....if I want to lose weight... I don't read cookbooks,
but rather Diet books with testimonials of successes.

If I want to exercise, I may buy a muscle magazine.

If I want to meditate more I read Love poems of the Mystics... and listen to
inspiring CDs.

I inspire myself.

My friends ask me to inspire them...I do, but I think, "Why aren't they inspiring themselves?"
I get into their cars and they have rock music on their radios!
You get into my car and you will hear spiritual/self-help CDs.

My personal rant...you simply must pick up a book or something even
tho you say you can not 'make yourself do anything 'positive'...
you have to ...or continue in this slump.

I'm kind of a warrior inside myself...to myself.
You don't have to listen to me...this is just what I must do...
I am a sentry 24/7 in my own mind....shooting down many thoughts that are useless...
or might take me into a downward spiral.

Remember Sarah Connor saying, "Get up soldier!" To Kyle?

[ellenrr]

that's true.
I used to do yoga in a class, but I can't find a class near me.

Plus it's kinda expensive. $18./class.

Actually I did find one good yoga class (and free!). It is a great class, but unfortunately it will not meet til January.
That is probably why I'm feeling a little down.
I always look forward to that class, even tho it is only once a week.

I used to do yoga on my own, every day, and that felt so good.
I wish I could get back to that.

However, I definitely agree - easier to do it in a class.

I tried to find a class thru meet-up, but they were so far away.
I think I will go back and try meet-up again.
even far away - I just feel like I need some spiritual activity.

thanks.

Originally Posted by nezlie

Do you do it alone or in a class? If you do it alone, going to a class might be more fun and motivational.

[gypsychic]

Ellen, do you have a YMCA near you? I belong to one where I live and there are yoga classes of all kinds every day. I only started about 4 mo. ago and I am hooked! I only attend one class per week; but I have learned enough poses correctly that I practice at home every day. I inspire myself, because in only 4 months of consistent practice I cannot believe the improvement in my body and flexibility. I have always been active but very tight and literally "wound up" emotionally. Yoga helps immensely.

At the Y I also recently started tai-chi, and am loving that also. Check around your area, there might be more available than you think. You definitely want to take classes with people at first, so you can get into it, and then start doing it at home on your own. No one has to make me do it - I LOVE it, and WANT to do it!

Good luck, and hope this helps!

[Cattknap]

I am in my early 60's and I do yoga almost every day - a few basic moves, lots of long stretches and Pilates - I find that Pilates is much more toning that yoga - to me yoga is more about balance, breathing and stretching. I love doing both yoga and Pilates but they serve different purposes for me. My stomach has never been flatter, by butt firmer - since beginning Pilates about 8 months ago. I plank every day. Weights and lots of push-ups keep my arms firm - no old-lady creping or sagging. Diet of course is very important - it is the most important element of staying within your normal weight range which allows you to feel more like exercising on a consistent basis. When you are overweight, exercising is much more difficult to do which makes it more likely that you won't be consistent.