Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Time to "out" myself...

I consider myself a real "Guys guy", so believe me when I say, what I am about to admit flies in the face of many of my beliefs about what a man is all about. For the past 3 weeks I have been doing YOGA and worse yet, I like it! But before you revoke my Guys club Membership let me explain...

For the past couple of months I have been getting "runners stitch" when doing my 20 km+ runs. While at the gym lifting big heavy weights (...very manly) I ran into a fellow runner who suggested the problem was most likely due to my breathing and suggested that yoga would benefit all aspects of my running. I have always said I would do anything if it helped, so I started researching.

I stumbled across a great yoga website where you can download an hour long instructional video. It is an easy to follow, high quality production and best of all it's free!

I have been doing the program for a few weeks and have noted the following improvements:


  • Smoother breathing while running

  • Increased flexibility

  • Improved stress control

  • Absence of the dreaded "runners stitch"

  • Increased felling of well being
I encourage everyone to try it once...like me you may be surprised by how much you enjoy it, despite what my buddy's might say.

In the spirit of admitting the embarrassing/Non-guy things, here are a few more:



  • I sometimes I intentionally watch movies that will make me cry

  • I sing in the car and imagine myself performing the song on stage

  • I have had a facial...it was only once, but I did like it

  • I have waxed body parts

  • I watch and enjoy, "Dancing with the Stars" and "So you think you can Dance"..ouch!

  • I have no less then 4 books from Oprah's book club

.....and I don't care who knows it!

4 comments:

Suds said...

okay. I was okay with everything (and even ready to admit to my keen interest in yoga too) up until the point you mentioned... dancing with the stars.

You need help.

twugster said...

I am utterly impressed! Your commitment to running and your health is astounding - adding yoga in the process - amazing! Unlike the gruff Suds (wink wink nudge nudge), I appreciate and admire that you are open to so many facets of yourself. It takes a keen, wide open, limitless man to develop and share to a level at which he may fear ridicule. PLUS you get the added bonus of a very happy partner! As I am sure she appreciates that you are willing to go the extra mile when it comes to communication and understanding - women love that stuff! ahahhaha As I'm sure you already gathered from her ;)

I personally adore yoga and after much experience have found this amazing studio (Open, Serene and Full of SUN) accompanied by one of the most amazing techers! *jeannine* here: http://www.jivamuktiyoga.ca/gallery1.html

They are so culturally open that they have this once a month Yoga Class alongside a Hip DJ! See article here:
http://www.jivamuktiyoga.ca/buzz/article3.jpg

SO FUN!

Anonymous said...

Just remember, Jim - You are only gay after the third time. The first time you were drunk, the second time you were just curious. But the third time you are gay...

Just thought I would add that in there!

Pierre

Jim said...

Thanks for your kind words VP! I have not always been whiling to do things without worrying about what other think. This new found confidence comes mostly from age and truly knowing my abilities. I can honestly say that I am the most content I have been.

Thanks again!