5 Reasons You Should Try Yoga

Okay, I will admit that there was a time that I thought yoga was kind of silly. Granted, I didn't know much about it, but I certainly didn't consider it a workout. I thought it was slow and boring and a waste of time. Kinda harsh, but you might be thinking the same thing. I thought I would never try yoga, but if there is one thing I love, it's finding new ways to get fit and feel better about my body and my health. So, I started with a simple beginner video on YouTube, and have been doing daily yoga for almost a month now. Suffice to say, I've fallen in love. To the naysayers, check out this list. I hope it inspires you to try it even once!

1. It IS a workout.
I used to think that the only type of workout that was worth anything was the type that left you panting, sweating, and feeling like you were going to die. Untrue. I have done yoga sequences specifically designed for weight loss. It does raise your heart rate, it does burn fat, and it does strengthen your muscles. Sounds like a workout to me. Plus the low impact can be perfect for those who are just getting started with exercise or those with injuries.

2. Increased flexibility
I am about as flexible as a wooden rod. Before I started yoga, I couldn't even touch my toes. I can now, but more importantly I've remembered how good it feels to just stretch. It gets your blood flowing, and it's a wonderful way to loosen up in the morning.

3. Relaxation 
We all know that in this day and age we can get a bit carried away with our busy schedules. We're always running, and barely have a moment to ourselves. This stress contributes to all kinds of health problems. Yoga is the perfect opportunity to connect with yourself, and push all distractions out of your mind. The deep breathing alone can be enough to quell the anxiety of a busy schedule. Give yourself the opportunity to unwind.

4. Overall health
Weight-baring exercise (like yoga), is awesome for healthy bones. We tend to reach our maximum bone mass at around 30, and then it all goes downhill from there. During yoga, you spend most of your time resisting gravity, which puts a strain on your bones and muscles, and forces new growth. The deep breathing is great for your lungs, the overall practice is great for your mental and emotional well-being, and the increased blood circulation improves your organ function.

5. Easily accessible 
Pretty sure one of my favorite parts of yoga is how easy the set-up is. I don't have to put on my socks, or sneakers, or even a sports bra if I'm not feeling it. I usually just wear whatever I woke up in, roll my mat out, and get going. There are tons of videos available on YouTube that will walk you through the poses in a beginner friendly way. So, what are you waiting for? Go improve your health, flexibility, muscle mass, bone strength, and mental-well being already!

10 Fun Ways to Release Your Inner Child

Kids have it all figured out, man. They're honest, full of energy, and unashamedly themselves. We start out as these lovely little human beings, and somehow morph into this strange thing called an adult. I believe that the more we can tap into our inner childishness, the better. It makes us feel free, it connects us to ourselves. It reminds us of a simpler time, and it forces us enjoy life a little bit more.

1. Go outside
Remember when we were young and 90% of our time was spent outside? I grew up playing hopskotch and rollerblading and playing in the sprinklers until it got dark. Being inside was like a sin, and to this day nothing makes me feel more alive than spending all day out in the fresh air.

2. Play games
Kids take any opportunity they can get to play games; board games, arcade games, video games, etc. Why don't we? Games are just plain fun, and in my opinion, we need to make more time for them.

3. Go to the park
I light up like a child every time I get to go to a park. The swings are my personal favorite. The novelty of parks seems to wear off as we get older. The next time you're there, enjoy it!

4. Hang out with kids
Being around children forces you to use your imagination, be a little crazy, and generally expel whatever energy you have left after all of those adult obligations.

5. Play dress up
I love Halloween, and reason #1 is that I get to dress up. Kids play dress up on the daily. Maybe it becomes less socially acceptable as we get older, but that doesn't mean we can't take advantage of every possible opportunity!

6. Try new things
Rarely does a child turn down the opportunity to try something new. They are adventure seekers. They want to see the world and experience it all. It seems that somewhere along the line we become a little more reserved. Next time you see something that you've never done before, just do it man!

7. Go barefoot
Go outside barefoot, and I guarantee you will flashback to your childhood. Something about being barefoot is incredibly liberating. Connect your body with the earth. Feel the sand, dirt, cement, grass, etc. underneath your toes. Run around, splash some water, kick the sand up, or play some hopskotch! ;)

8. Display your talents

I'll tell ya, if a kid has a talent, you'll know about it. They have no shame in breaking out in song or dance, or showing you their magic trick. As we get older we start to worry about being judged. We refrain from showing our talents because we're worried about what other people may think. Talent should not be wasted. You know the drill, sing like no one is listening, dance like no one's watching, etc etc. 

9. Follow your dreams

As adults we tend to squash our dreams like helpless little bugs on hardwood. We have a list full of things we would love to do, but we pretend like we don't have the time or resources to do them. Kids believe with their full hearts that they will get to do everything they have ever wanted to. Don't give up on those things that you have always wanted to do. 

10. Reminisce with movies/TV shows

I actually really adore watching shows and movies that were my favorites as a child. Watching Step by Step or Boy Meets World takes me back to grade school when my brother and I would watch them every day when we got home from school. Disney movies are always classic as well. While you're at it, listen to some old school music too!

So go on, embrace your inner child. As they say, age is nothing but a number.