My chi needs tweaking

I know I'm out of shape when deep breathing makes me tired. 

Back in my college days I was probably the most active I've ever been.  I did ballet, tap, jazz, yoga, kegstands...(ok, technically I'm making that last one up, though my college roommate did dance once on the fireplace mantle of the frat house next door.  And that, I would say, was pretty damn sporty.)

My point is, back then I had stamina.  Back then I had a flat tummy without even batting an eyelid.  Back then I could do graceful backwards clown rolls!  (I went to theater school, what can I say.)

These days I can barely extend my arms above my head while simultaneously breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. 

It's not that I'm completely inactive; after all, this is New York and walking is inevitable.  On top of the considerable amount I do just to get around, I also fit in at least thirty minutes every day on my lunch break.  This usually pushes my daily step count up to somewhere in the 10,000 area.  (My pedometer is very proud.  Highfalutin, even.)

But I was appalled the other afternoon when I popped my new chi gong dvd into the dvd player.  Incidentally, this particular dvd had been one of my "had to have it" Christmas gifts.  That and a teeny tiny Nigella Lawson whisk.  (It's unbelievably dainty.)  Hubby was mystified that among the myriad of splendid, spectacular gifts I received, a whisk could make me so giddy.  (Truly, I was beside myself and mimed whisking for a good five minutes.)  Still haven't used it for actual whisking yet, but I'm getting around to it.

So there I was, comfy pants on, coffee table pushed to the side, prepared for Zen.  I suppose the only thing I wasn't prepared for was becoming exhausted midway through the dvd and having to lie down. 

It's not as if this was strenuous stuff.  On the contrary, mainly I was just keeping my legs stationary while moving my arms in conjunction with my breath.  It was quite lovely, actually.  Each exercise works something different.  Who knew that moving my arms at a certain angle while inhaling and exhaling could benefit my chardonnay soaked liver? 

When Hubby entered the living room he found me lying limply on the couch, feebly watching the couple in the chi gong dvd practice their chi gong.  (Well, I figured maybe just observing might still do something positive for my psyche.)

I'm not going to pretend that it wasn't a disturbing sight.

Ah, Reader.  Nearly all of my new Christmas pants are snug.  Perhaps I'm in need of something a bit more strenuous than chi gong.  I'll let you know when I find it.

xoxo

Comments

[Weinerdog]

I have an abundance of Yoga/Pilates DVD's w/ the wrapping still on.

We should resurect our Friday night (or when we don't feel weak) weave the space sessions........we can drink wine too!

[Karen]

I think we should all just connect with inner yellow and blue colors and call it a day. :0)