Of the three siblings in fitness (Cardio, Endurance, and Stretching), stretching is the most neglected. Often it's inserted at the beginning of a workout or added to the end, if it's there at all. Too bad. Stretching the muscles on their own as a workout provides mutiple benefits. Static stretching, the kind done in yoga, produces strength, flexibility, and endurance Yoga, also provides the benefit of breath work. Inhaling as you begin a twist, and exhaling as you achieve that twist. The more inhaling and exhaling you do, the deeper and longer the breaths become. These deeper, longer breaths create calm. While you are concentrating on inhaling and exhaling, you are paying attention to what you are doing (not "did I pay the water bill?")
Why not try a yoga class at Better Body Basics, 700 S. Seven Points 214-923-6891. (Voted the best workouts on the lake.) Elian Haan, owner, offers ongoing weekly yoga classes and others, for all fitness levels. Or if floor work is not for you, you might try Billie Anderer's, Easy Does It Yoga at 10:15 every Saturday (214-793-9763). Both women have extensive workout experience and are very easy to follow. Give one of their classes a try. The three siblings will thank you for it.