For those of you that follow me on Twitter, catch my updates on Facebook, or regularly read this blog, it probably appears as if I’m on a yoga crusade. I have been a strong advocate of yoga, in particular the Yoga X program in the P90X series. The question I get a lot is why? Why yoga? What is it about this series of time consuming and uncomfortable poses that is so important?
To put it succinctly, implementing a bi-weekly yoga practice has improved my entire life. Since I started doing yoga twice a week (Yoga X and a 75 min guided “flow” yoga class) I have become stronger, faster in the swim/bike/run world, and my recovery times are much shorter. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, I have a degree of calm and clarity that I have never experienced before. I know, this sounds impossible, but you probably doubted the P90X infomercial as well.
My inspiration for this increased yoga focus, and most of my non-triathlon exercise was, of course, Tony Horton. Tony has been talking about the importance of yoga for a long time. After hearing Tony talk about yoga in Hawaii last year, we really changed our approach to P90X. Gone were the days of treating Yoga X as a rest/recovery day and skipping the difficult poses that still cause us to struggle (see twisting half moon). Instead, we have made it the focal point of our workout schedules. I do yoga every Tuesday night. It is a time that I have no conflicts and I don’t miss my 75 minute yoga flow class. Sunday it is time to recharge the batteries with Yoga X.
Yes, Yoga X is long and hard, but it is important. When people expressed concerns about the length and difficulty of Yoga X, Tony responded with the Fountain of Youth DVD in the “One-on-One” series. Why? Simply, because Tony believes that yoga is the single most beneficial exercise a person can do. If you struggle with Yoga X, check out the Fountain of Youth.
In February of 2009 Monica and I had the good fortune to attend Tony’s Yoga Retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We did morning and evening yoga sessions, which book ended epic bluebird days skiing and snowboarding. We asked Tony to take a moment and reflect the online conversation about the benefits of yoga and whether Yoga X was worth the time and effort that it demands.
We felt it was important to record Tony’s thoughts on yoga live, so you could hear it straight from his mouth. To be honest, I am on a yoga crusade. I want everyone to include yoga in their exercise routine. If you have reviewed my 14-week Olympic distance triathlon training program, you’ll note there is one constant and it is Yoga X every week. I can tell you how good yoga is until I’m blue in the face (and frankly I am), but I’m not Tony Horton. I’m just a guy who decided to push play.
Please take a moment to watch this video. When you are done, go grab your Yoga X DVD, put it in and do the ENTIRE routine. When you have finished, please write me a note and let me know how much better you feel. Then keep it up for at least three months to give yoga an honest chance. I my guess is that you’ll fall in love with it.
Click to Watch Video
I like to think of yoga as a flowing river. If you give a river enough time it will wear down even the hardest rocks. Yoga is the same way. It takes time and dedication. If you give it the time it deserves, like a river, it will create something beautiful.
Beginning on Sunday March 22nd, and continuing on as many Sunday’s as we are available, we will be holding free yoga workouts in Scottsdale, AZ. We will alternate between Yoga X and Tony’s Fountain of Youth DVD from the One-on-One series. If you are in Phoenix come join us for Sunday Morning Yoga Fit Club. Who knows, you might just end up feeling good.
Yours Truly,
“Gumby, Jr.”
About Dave
I am not sure why but Tony kind of reminds me of Michael Scott in this clip. Thats not a bad thing, just his delivery on yoga made me laugh. Great clip! Almost makes me want to do P90x yoga right now! Almost….
“I like to think of yoga as a flowing river. If you give a river enough time it will wear down even the hardest rocks. Yoga is the same way.”
That is a very good perspective of Yoga. I like that.
Thanks. I wish I could take total credit for it. The thought was inspired by Dr. Wayne Dyer. He was talking about yoga and life generally making the point that slow, steady and flexible wins the race over fast, unsustainable, and rigid. Still, it works doesn’t it?
“Let me tell you a thing or two about a thing or two, cause I know a thing or two about these things.” ~ Tony Horton
Initially Yoga was the rest in my routine. I recall sending a MySpace message to Canadian Girl crying like a baby from the first few workouts. I beleive I said to her “I can’t wait for Yoga its going to be so relaxing!” Her reply was “Message me after Yoga
” Little did I know or appreciate the power of Yoga.
Now Yoga is the backbone of my regiment, thats when I really focus and push myself. Like TaiChi slow and steady, one day I will be able to hold Crane without rolling into a headstand.
Thanks Tony
Tony – I overlooked yoga for a long time. It was a rest day and half the time I’d skip it. It is pretty easy to do when you don’t understand WHY yoga is important. As I have gained a better understanding of what yoga is all about, I have enjoyed it much more. At the beginning of each yoga session I set an intention. It is something that I want for myself or for another person I care about. During the practice I focus deeply on this one singular thought at the exclusion of all others. At the end of the practice, I release that thought. I have been doing this for about 5 months now. I don’t always think about the same thing, but I am never surprised when my intentions are realized.
Have a great day Tony.
Nameste.
I’m going to have to watch this video every time it’s Yoga X day. I want to increase my flexibility. However, it’s the constant going back to start (downward dog, runner’s pose, warrior 1, etc, warrior 1, runner’s pose, downward dog, repeat), that I CAN’T STAND!!! The “10 minute trainer” yoga is more suited for my attention span because of the LACK of repetition. (sigh)
Yoga is something that takes a lot of focus. I suggest turning down the lights and doing it at a time when you can devote your attention to it exclusively. Give yourself over to the process, and you’ll find it is the best workout you do all week.