Debbie Does Push-ups! Day 8

Dear Diary,

Today’s push-up target number is 140. Oh snap! The highest number so far!

Apparently, moving your body can increase your wellbeing by 14%.

Fourteen percent? I’m not buying it. Every time I move my body, I feel 140% better.

This afternoon, for example (still a little congested, still not feeling 100%) but I stepped into the hot room for the 12pm class (because hot yoga is the best) and just started breathing.

Heat dilates blood vessels. Muscles soften. You sweat. You move. Your heart works. Your mind quiets.

And by the end, you feel less crazy. You handle life better. You're happier. Coincidence? I think not. Canadian Mental Health Association says, "A global study found that people who move more report higher happiness, greater life satisfaction, and significantly lower psychological distress. Why? Because physical activity sparks changes in the brain that reduce stress and improve mood. Even light movement releases endorphins, sharpens focus, and builds resilience." Debb translation. Movement changes your brain. Double endorphin boost: go for a walk in the sun and get some vitamin D too.

You don’t need to be a crazy fitness fanatic (but you can be). Any movement helps your mood.

Then vs. Now

There was a time in my younger years when I didn’t move like this. And I remember how that felt.

Heavier. More anxious. More stuck in my head. When I found yoga, something shifted. It wasn’t just stretching. It wasn’t just sweating. It was the first time I felt connected to myself. Like my brain and body were finally in the same room. That “mind to muscle” connection everyone talks about. It's deeper than that. It’s nervous system to soul. Movement didn’t just change my body. It changed my default setting. And there's something super special about practicing yoga in the heat with bright light and mirrors. There's no running away from yourself. You're there. In the moment. With you. Your best teacher. It took me a while to look right into my own eyes. At first it's weird. Now, I love it. I'm seeing myself. Not in a vanity kind of way. In a clear, this is me. I accept what I see kind of way. Of course somedays easier than others. Work in progress.

The Runner Phase

I used to jog. I did a 5K. Then two 10Ks. Then a half marathon. I’m thinking about another 10K in June. But here's the deal: I have to sign up. If I don’t register, I definitely won't just “go for a run for fun.”

I need a goal. A reason. A date. A little healthy pressure. That’s how most of us work. And then there are those people who just run because they’re hardcore. I'll try to be hardcore one day. But as Yoda says:

“You do or you don’t. There is no try.”

Push-Up Report Pending

Today I’m breaking my push-ups into about 40 mini chunks. Because life. Will report back.

Yesterday’s Blog 💗

You may have to go back and read it for this part to make sense. I just want to say thank you.

After I shared yesterday’s post, so many of you reached out.

“Thank you for keeping it real.”“I’ve struggled with mental health too.”“I’ve never really talked about it.”

That touched my heart more than you know. When I read the blog to my husband before hitting publish last night, I was tearing up. I said, “Sorry… I don’t know why I’m so emotional. Maybe this is too much to share.” He looked at me and said: “Why sorry? No sorry. It's perfect. It’s you. See these emotions? Real. You have a gift. Keep sharing.” And there you go.

Thank you for reminding me that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s connection.

I Want to Hear From YOU

I know you’re reading. (Yes, I see the behind-the-scenes stats.). Just sayin' ;)

Comment on the site. Send me a message. DM me on Instagram @yogadebb or email me at yogadebb@gmail.com. I’d love to hear what resonates. Or what you want my perspective on (besides push-ups and triceps.). I'd love to hear what yogadebb should write about after this challenge is done!

Lunch Break Thoughts

I’m currently on a lunch break before heading back to teach my Thursday Debbie Double: Hot Yoga + Hot HIIT Pilates. Somewhere in there, I’ll squeeze in those push-ups.

Because here’s the thing: Your strongest muscle isn’t your glutes. It's not your core. It’s not even your heart. It's your mind. And movement trains it. So keep moving. For your wellbeing. For your brain. For that 14% (or 140%). Now go move. But before you go, I'll leave you with a funny moment that just happened.

The Other Woman (named Debbie)

The receptionist’s name. Debbie. Obviously we’re already friends. Shout out to Deb at Big Bay Dental and honestly everyone there is amazing if you’re looking for a clinic. Anyway.

She calls to book me in and says,“Oh Deb, can I just tell you something about your husband when he came in recently? He is the sweetest guy ever.”

I said, “I know, Deb … but please, go on.”

She tells me Rui was in for an appointment and she says to him,“Rui, you are just the nicest guy. Will you marry me? I know you already have a Debbie, but see? We even have the same name. It wouldn’t even be confusing.” Flirting. Bold. Asking if he has any single brothers. I respect it. And my husband responds:

“Oh no… the problem would be I don’t call her Debbie. I call her my love.”

And this, my friends, is why I keep him.

Movement changes your mood and brain chemistry.

And kindness does too.

— Yoga Debb

 Building strength, mindset, and real-life consistency; one breath at a time 💗