I started cycling and practicing yoga at about the same time in May/June and my body has changed quite a bit. I had already been doing some light weight lifting, but didn't see it all together until I started to drop a bit of weight and body fat, presumably from cycling. I have defined arm muscles for the first time ever. I get tons of compliments on that alone. I also lost inches in my waist, hips and upper thighs. I have better defined muscles in my legs and my butt, while still a little on the flabby side, is smaller. I ultimately had to buy a whole new work wardrobe, mostly in size two or xs. I haven't seen those sizes since I was overworked and overstressed in law school over ten years ago. I haven't had my cholesterol checked since this before I started riding. I'll be interested to see if it's changed (it was already "normal"). My blood pressure has always been low so I expect that it still is.

Most of the changes that really matter to me are mental and emotional. The thought of riding more than five miles at a stretch or doing a backbend in yoga were alien concepts to me a year ago. I haven't thought of myself as an active or athletic person since my running days in high school so to do what I do now on a regular basis is a source of tremendous pride and satisfaction. I am an athlete now, and that new image of myself has opened the world up to me in a new way.

Both cycling and yoga are very "zen" to me. I find peace in both--in different ways. They have both helped me stave off depression and are a reliable antedote to a bad day. I've made new friends, too, which is a great bonus as well. I've spent a lot of money on both this year, all of it very well spent. I feel like I've reinvented myself.