Since then, I've been increasingly interested in everyone's different preferences when it comes to exercise.
I've mentioned before that Weston is a runner. He finds a quick 7 miles "relaxing". When I run, I feel like every stride just gets me one step closer to my death haha, that is only a slight exaggeration. Less dramatically... running is just not for me.
But yoga I love. Yoga I can do.
Not super well yet.. but it challenges me to improve, which is one of the reasons I love it!
I like my practices at home to be energizing, challenging, and refreshing. A gradual warm up, increased heart rate and some strength building in the middle, and a calm ending before my favorite pose - savasana. ;)
I try to put my playlists in that order to keep things flowin' smoothly.
Even if you aren't into yoga at all, these are some good jamz. Give 'em a listen!
So tell me - what is your favorite way to exercise?
And more importantly - what do you listen to during your workouts?!
I'm really (strangely?) curious about this one, so I hope you'll share, haha.
Keep those endorphins pumpin', people! ;)
Haha I love the way you described your running outlook - too funny!
ReplyDeleteI used to do color guard which was always a good workout esp. because of the long rehearsals but i liked the dance aspect of it too.
This past semester I played ultimate frisbee which was a lot of fun. I also did kickboxing last month which made me feel like a bad ass haha. If their academy wasn't so far away or so expensive I would kept it up.
But currently I guess I'm a combination of both you and Weston - I run and do yoga! I definitely like how individual the activity is and the different modifications you can do depending on where you're at or how you feel that day.
And speaking of savasana... I saw this (http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail/511929730664363262_26628452) the other day haha.
And your post is so relevant because I finally got around to putting together a (rough) playlist of mostly really calming music/sounds.
If you're interested, you can take a listen:
http://open.spotify.com/user/125680370/playlist/7IlUIXtlqQ5DlNVrhnoBLN
Disclaimer: I haven't fully listened to all the songs yet and they kind of start to blend/sound the same after a while. But usually I tend to tune out the music during my practice anyways.
When I get a chance I'll listen to yours and maybe I'll add some to my playlist for some variety :)
Uh, difficult question. I like too many sports: martial arts, baseball, tennis, biking... I also love running but an old knee injury makes it very hard to me right now. So, for the last year or so I've been swimming, lifting heavy-weights and (since a few months) spinning. I usually don't listen any (human-made) music when I workout outdoors , I find it dangerous when you're biking and not as relaxing as nature's music when you're running. for swimming, I have never had a water-proof ipod, so I don't know, maybe one day I try it.
ReplyDeleteSo that only leaves the gym. This is a random sample of the random things I listen to... I think it's quite eclectic (well, maybe too much rock, so I probably pick a little jazz from your list :P )
http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Yellow+Paper+Workout/89038510
love that song by mogwai and thinking back to it, it is definitely a wonderful song to do yoga to! i've been doing yoga/pilates on and off since i was in high school and it is my favorite form of exercise. i always feel so refreshed and relaxed and stretched when i'm doing it regularly.
ReplyDeleteI grew up playing softball in the summer, so that's my go-to sport, but since getting sick, I can't really play it anymore.
ReplyDeleteIn the past few years, I've really started getting into running. (And by "running," I mean a step up from walking. xD) I can't go consistently (depends on how I'm feeling), but this is my running mix. I switch songs in and out pretty often: https://play.spotify.com/user/crystaldorrington/playlist/1iC8UHwBTirpT8AMYJR8rF
I also like to take Chase for walks. There's a few conservation areas around here that I sometimes take him to, and he always get so excited to be there.
i remember doing that pose a child when i was in gymnastics. i did yoga for a while.. about six months.. but i couldn't stick to it. i am now running/walking everyday but man.. running for me is basically how you described it. after i'm done, i feel good, but while i'm running it's torture (how was i ever in track and field during high school??) -- i of course also tried zumba and when it's just tough to anything else.. yes.. sweatin to the oldies gives me a good workout :)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same exact way about running, eek. Growing up, I remember being involved with swimming and tennis, and doing a tiny bit of yoga here and there. Recently, I haven’t been active as much because school pretty much consumed my life, but after being inspired by your post here, I hope to finally get myself going with archery and lindy hop lessons, as well as continuing with horseback riding after a very long hiatus. For my “workout” music, I just put on some upbeat 60s tunes and sporadically dance for ten minutes or so, haha :)
ReplyDeletelove love your playlist. thanks for introducing me to that high highs song. i'm trying to find somewhere to take yoga now that i'm in seattle; I took a class at UCI and I've been wanting to go back so badly!
ReplyDeletehope all is well, kelle :)
I really like to dance, and play some sort of sport when I exercise. I hate hate running because my knees aren't the greatest and idk for some reason I just can't do it. I'm a really fast runner but when it comes to long distances I just can't do it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really belated comment but here we go :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I practice yoga, I prefer to play sacred mantras and chants. I light some candles, turn on some Bhagavan Das or Kumuda's rendition of the Sri Guru Gita, and turn the lights out. Having the room dark helps me focus and be more present in the moment. Having the sacred mantras and chants playing help to not only drown out the sound of my husband watching ESPN in the next room, but also helps ground me spiritually and get me in the right mindset.