Today my yoga instructor said that improving core strength, which involves the muscles in the abdomen and back, promotes healthy digestion. Enhancing core strength is a central tenet of yoga practice. So are relaxation and mindfulness, both of which have been shown to enhance immunity, general health, and mental health. I’m no yogi, but I can tell you that practicing yoga on a regular basis has made a huge difference in my health and outlook on life. Taking some time to slow down and practice focusing exclusively on the moment, the pose, and the feelings inside my body has allowed me to carry the practice into the rest of my life. When I’m in a restaurant, and nobody seems to know what’s gluten free, or when someone in my office is eating a big cheeseburger and fries that smell impossibly delicious, I can focus my mind and move through the frustration, the temptation. Similarly, when I’m tired, crabby, or tempted to blame myself for ingesting a hidden source of gluten in a restaurant, I can explore the negative emotions without getting lost in them.
But yoga is not only for Buddhist types. If you’re into a hardcore cardio routine, you might be reluctant to try yoga because it may not seem as intense as your regular workout. However, I had been running and doing crunches 4-5 times per week for nearly a year, and I had no signs of a single abdominal muscle. I started doing yoga twice per week for one hour and cut way back on my cardio and crunch routine, and within two months, my posture had improved, and I had abs. Yoga doesn’t involve crunches or poses dedicated specifically to working the abdominal muscles; instead, core strength training is built into nearly all of the poses.
So, if you haven’t tried yoga yet, I highly recommend that you check it out. Many studios have beginner classes. You can use this website to find yoga classes in your area. If you’re not into trying yoga in public for the first time, there are some great videos that you can get online. I recommend Yoga for Life with Kurt Johnsen. You can also catch Yoga for Life on the Veria network if you have Dish Network.
Photo credit: lululemon athletica
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{ 2 comments }
Hi Crystal,
I came across your site while researching gluten free makeup, and then read this post. It must be serendipity, because I am trying to find time in my life for yoga, and am also in the limbo between positive blood test and first visit with GI doctor. The writing is on the wall, since my daughter has been on a gluten free diet, and I started feeling better when eating gluten free with her. Thank you for sharing all your research, and for giving me motivation to make that yoga class tonight.
Anne
Thank you so much for your comment! It made me smile. I hope that your yoga class went well. Please stick with it–you’ll find that it gets much easier over time, and the health benefits are amazing!
I’m sorry to hear that you might have celiac disease. Here is a terrific informational blog from celiac physicians discussing diagnosis and treatment http://www.glutendoctors.blogspot.com/.
Best wishes,
Crystal
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