Yesterday in yoga, Mindy had us close our practice with a mantra: ‘my body is sensational and it does amazing things.’ I think that was it?! We chanted it three times. That was at least the essences of the sentiment and I completely concur. This vessel takes care of me and I, in turn, am more aware of it than ever before.
The combination of yoga and personal training is definitely teaching me body awareness. I’m learning how to stretch to pull muscles. Josh was just helping me adjust my head in such a way to lengthen a muscle in my back and alleviate the tension there. Who knew I could do that for myself? I’m like a self-cleaning oven. Josh and my yoga instructors continue to remind me to listen to my body and give attention to the muscle or joint that needs it.
After nearly 50 years of wishing for a different body, I’m finally appreciating the one I have. Even my knee is returning to normal. I’m back stepping over 10,000 daily and heading for my 15,000 goal. I’m back in yoga twice a week and my regular bi-weekly sessions with Josh. I’m still doing the elliptical for at least 1/2 of my daily workout. The movement just seems gentler for my knee.
I also went to Dr. P. a couple weeks ago for my annual blood tests. Since my gastric bypass in 2002, I have my levels checked for any vitamin deficiencies or oddities. Through a new online ‘my chart’ process, I don’t rely on just the ‘all clear’ diagnosis from Dr. P. I actually can review the test results at my leisure. Sure, I don’t probe to heavily into ‘what is that?‘ I just go for being pleased to be in the desired optimal range. And mostly, I am!
My MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Neutrophils, lymphocytes and many other phls and cytes report out in the desired zone. My glucose is good. My hemoglobin A1C falls below 5.7 and indicates ‘decreased risk for diabetes.’ My Vitamin B-12 comes in ‘in the range’ barely but there! I take B-12 daily and I’ve been lax about it on the weekend. I can get better at that.
Over in the cholesterol area, my HDL, Triglycerides are on! BUT my cholesterol at 235 is above the 125-200 range and my LDL Cholesterol at 142 is 12 above the >130 target. The Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is in the desired zone so I’ve got that. Yet, my non HDL Cholesterol is 30 mg/dl higher than LDL cholesterol target. Nothing critical but all stuff I need to be aware and adjust in my quest to be healthier and stronger.
My blood pressure was also low… that’s pretty typical. And my weight was officially down 12 pounds since my April 2014 appointment. So, good on me.
Yesterday, Linda, a gal I’ve been practicing yoga with for a year and a half, gave me an almost new top. She wore it once and it doesn’t fit since she had her implants removed. It’s a nice workout top. I mostly work out in t-shirts from my old job at Wilde. It’s hard to see your body change under a baggy unisex shirt. Michelle has suggested I invest in pretty workout clothes. I’m getting there. Meanwhile, I’m going to ease into it with this gifted tank top. Tank top?! I’m going to wear it in the privacy of my homework assignments and get used to looking at my wobbly arms. 😉