My name is Carol. I started yoga a year ago, when we brought a yoga instructor to the workplace for a lunch-hour class. I have done aerobics and strength training in the past, but yoga was new to me.  I really enjoy it, even though I’m still very much a beginner. The class is very low-key and I’m not pressured to do anything more than what I’m comfortable with. 

Within just a few class periods I could tell my balance was better and my flexibility had increased. And they’ve continued to improve. Another benefit to yoga – and any other type of exercise – is stress reduction.  I find I am able to control my hunger better when I control my stress level, and that happens far more often on the yoga days.  I plan to continue both yoga class and the walking I am doing with my co-workers.

I’m also managing to control my weight. Last year I changed my eating habits, a little at a time, and was able to lose 30 pounds in six months! I feel much better, my blood pressure is lower, and my cholesterol is lower, too.

My secret: making sure that I had a balance between protein, carbs and fat at each meal. I had been concentrating on eating very low fat foods in the last few years, and since I’m not a big meat eater, that left me with primarily carbs. To make it worse, I was eating a lot of high glycemic carbs which really affected by blood sugar during the day, resulting in hunger. We’ve all been there in that ‘vicious circle’. Once I broke the cycle I found I could easily control my hunger.

My goals for 2009 are to continue doing 30 minutes a day of brisk walking/stair climbing. Exercising as a group with the Ms.Fits makes that a little easier and a lot more fun. I’m also determined to lose another 10 pounds through proper diet and small portions.

Tags: carbohydrates, exercise, Ms.Fits, stress, weight loss, yoga