Anyone who knows me knows that I am addicted to or obsessed with exercise. It started in college and grew as I realized it was a nice and reliable way to temper my anxiety. I started on the stair master which was boring as hell. Soon I found running and the exquisite pain of going further and faster and further. I was able to squeeze runs into my busy parenting and working routine and they kept me in shape. I felt like running gave me control of something when a lot in my life was out of control.

It has just been in the last year that I have stopped running. I suffered from back injuries, sore feet and just a worn down body. It became clear that after age 50 I needed to try something else that was not as hard on the body. I found Peloton and have used the bikes and platforms to created workouts that kick my ass in France and America. I love it and feel like it gives me a better workout than what I used to get hobbling along in a run.

My mom had poor bone density and I never felt like I had the upper body strength I wanted so reluctantly I began weight training 18 months ago. I never thought it would count as a workout (because it was not cardio) but I have been pleased to feel challenged and stronger than I have ever been thanks to consistent strength training. Maybe exercise did not have to mean pain and suffering. Maybe cardio was not the answer.

Over and over in the last twenty years people have recommended yoga to me. “It will relax you.” “You don’t understand how hard it is.” “If you do it right, you will sweat.” I have tried a few classes and just didn’t feel the vibe. In fairness, one of the experiences was a night school class where the teacher spoke more about his colon than anything else.

Fast forward to now. I have joined the most amazing yoga class taught by my new friend, Leanne. I had met her at a party in France last fall and she told me about her newfound passion for practicing and teaching yoga. She said it made her stronger than she had ever been, more confident and centered. She actually said, “Come to yoga. I will help you love your body.” (You can probably see my eyes rolling.) Well she opened her studio, and I accompanied by friend Stella to class. She was a convert having started 4 months prior. Her body was changed and her mindset was blown.

I absolutely love it. The classes I take are challenging and demanding. Concentrated stretching, flows, holds, balance, and breathing. All the while, expertly led by the single most positive and encouraging teacher I have ever had. I sweat, I shake and I grow. I feel better after these classes than I ever have after a workout. My body is changing and I see linear progress. I am hooked. I still do my other stuff too but I am starting to be confident that a yoga workout 3 days a week may be the key to my future fitness life. Who would have thunk?