My DDP Yoga Experience: Breaking Down Perceptions and Going All in

Diamond Dallas Page was one of my favorite wrestlers of all time, but the idea of getting back in shape using DDP Yoga was not an option I ever seriously considered. That was until recently.

With a sedentary job working on the computer, a new wife and a home purchase, it was easy to see that I was gaining too much weight and had to do something fast.

Diets and workout routines never really worked for me, but a video for DDP Yoga featuring Page and the inspirational story of Arthur Boorman changed my negative perception of yoga and its ability to make a difference.

Boorman is a veteran that was injured in the Gulf War. After being told he would never walk without assistance again and gaining weight over the last 15 years, he discovered DDP Yoga and has completely turned his life around.

Add in the stories of triumph from wrestling legends like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Scott Hall—each has made strides in overcoming addiction and getting their lives back on track, as chronicled by author Keith Elliot Greenberg—and this was a program that came with plenty of hype and anticipation.

While I don’t have an amazingly inspirational story like Arthur, Roberts or Hall, I had the desire to get in better shape and the need to increase my activity level.

Instead of maintaining the negative perception (stereotypes like real men don’t do yoga or it can’t help me lose weight), I used my love of wrestling and the unique chance to do a workout led by a legend like DDP to get excited about the program.

As if the aura that surrounds the former WCW world champion wasn't enough, the wrestling references that are littered throughout the workout—like the Diamond Cutter, figure-four stretches and kickouts—have made the workouts through the first week challenging and fun.

I didn’t think I’d have fun losing weight.

There is no question that the hardest part for me has been following the strict diet, but with the mindset that only I can do the hard work for me (as well as the My Fitness Pal app on my phone to log the foods I ate), I have maintained my goals and haven’t missed a workout yet.

This is the first installment of a three-part series chronicling my experience with the DDP Yoga, and over the next 90 days, my experiences, failures and successes with the diet and the workout will be shared with you for the betterment of everyone trying to get in shape.

If DDP Yoga works for me, there is a good chance it will work for you. BANG!

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