Today was a little better, but I'm still experiencing the dizzies in the standing series. I don't really know why, but Jason keeps telling me I'm not eating enough. I am hesitant to increase my caloric intake, cause I'm not really hungrier than what I'm currently eating. Also, when the goal of taking up a practice is weight loss, it's sort of hard to make yourself eat more. Also, I have a lot of issues with food. So basically, ehhhhh, I dunno. I'm going to add a glass of freshly-squeezed veggie juice to my pre-class meal to see if that makes a difference.
I haven't really had any breakthroughs since I've been struggling just to get through class the last few days. I'm much closer to locking my leg in head to knee pose, which is good news for standing head to knee too! Once I can grab my foot, I think I'll be in really good shape. Bow also continues to improve. I really pushed up with all my might in the last few moments of second set and felt myself go deeper than ever. So exciting!
So next week, I'm going to see Bikram speak in Memphis, which I'm crazy excited about and will obviously be sharing all my thoughts and experiences here. I'm also thinking of heading to San Antonio for the Texas Yoga Asana Championship in a couple weeks to support people from my studio who will be competing and also to hear Rajashree (Bikram's wife) speak. She's also doing a posture clinic, and since she's a 5-time winner of the All-India Yoga Championship, I'd be really interested to hear her corrections on my poses. These are the things I'm thinking for September. Gonna be a big month!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day 31: Ew
Today's class was just bad. I've continued the trend of getting annoyingly dizzy, which I am starting to think might be due to me not eating/hydrating enough before class. I'm going to have a larger lunch tomorrow and make sure I'm hydrated and see if that makes a difference. I couldn't stay on my feet during the standing series. Every time I stood up, I'd see stars. I also got super emotional. I'm not sure if that's due to me being frustrated with myself or tension release, but at any rate, it's annoying and embarrassing to well up with tears after nearly passing out after the first pose of the balancing series.
Anyways, bad classes happen and I know this. They suck and the best thing you can do is just get through them and hope tomorrow will be better. That's how I'm rolling with this, anyway. Let's hope for a better class in the morning!
Anyways, bad classes happen and I know this. They suck and the best thing you can do is just get through them and hope tomorrow will be better. That's how I'm rolling with this, anyway. Let's hope for a better class in the morning!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Day 30: Halfway Done!
Today was my 30th class of my 60 day challenge! HALFWAY DONE. That wasn't so bad, to be honest. I've gotten used to just going every day. I like the days where I can go early-ish, 10 am or noon. Four thirty classes aren't really desirable, but if I have to go into work, they're unavoidable. I usually feel pretty accomplished just by walking in the door, regardless of what time of day it is.
Today's class wasn't exactly as awesome as I wish it would've been. I don't know if the temperature was higher than normal, or if I was just more sensitive to it, but it felt HOT and I got crazy dizzy for a huge chunk of the standing series. I was getting weird tingles in my lower face around my mouth and a muscle in there was twitching non-stop. It made for a very uncomfortable sensation in my head for the majority of class. Things were better on the floor, but I still had to bail on some postures due to light-headed-ness.
All in all, I felt pretty weak and tired and like I wanted to pass out. Definitely not the triumphant feeling I wanted after reaching my halfway-mark! One bad class doesn't discourage me anymore, though. I know that having a bad class means a good class is coming, and that I should keep my practice regular and I will improve.
Looking back to the beginning of this challenge, I had just started to get the body tingles. They appeared in small waves after certain postures. Now, I get tingles after quite a few poses, and most of them feel amazing (unlike the aforementioned weird face-tingle). My flexibility has definitely increased a lot, notably in my spine, which I barely paid any attention to before starting my yoga practice. I've gained a ton of strength, most obviously in my legs, but my arms are definitely toning up too. I've lost a lot of bulk in my shoulders and chest, and my collarbone is more visible than I think it's ever been.
In the next 30 days, I'm hoping to improve the following poses:
- awkward
- I would like to be able to balance on my toes, even if I can't bend my knees yet
- eagle
- I would like to get my foot 1 inch closer to being wrapped around my leg
- standing head to knee
- I would like to be able to hold both feet and lock my standing knees.
- standing bow pulling pose
- I would like to be able to hold both sides for the entire first round.
- standing separate leg stretching
- I would like to be able to consistently hold my heels and lock my knees.
- locust
- I would like to get my legs even a fraction of an inch higher while keeping my hips in alignment.
- full locust
- I would like to be able to keep my feet & heels together.
- bow
- I would like to keep my knees & feet 6 inches apart while not sacrificing depth.
- head to knee pose
- I would like to get my right knee locked; left knee closer by half
- spine twist
- I would like to keep my both hips on the ground and get my hands-knee-heel together in front of me.
- sit up
- I'd like to get my head to touch my knees.
There is a lot more to my practice that needs improvement, but these are just some specific things I'm going to focus on for the next 30 days and see how it goes. This way, I'll have some actual way to measure my improvement.
Today's class wasn't exactly as awesome as I wish it would've been. I don't know if the temperature was higher than normal, or if I was just more sensitive to it, but it felt HOT and I got crazy dizzy for a huge chunk of the standing series. I was getting weird tingles in my lower face around my mouth and a muscle in there was twitching non-stop. It made for a very uncomfortable sensation in my head for the majority of class. Things were better on the floor, but I still had to bail on some postures due to light-headed-ness.
All in all, I felt pretty weak and tired and like I wanted to pass out. Definitely not the triumphant feeling I wanted after reaching my halfway-mark! One bad class doesn't discourage me anymore, though. I know that having a bad class means a good class is coming, and that I should keep my practice regular and I will improve.
Looking back to the beginning of this challenge, I had just started to get the body tingles. They appeared in small waves after certain postures. Now, I get tingles after quite a few poses, and most of them feel amazing (unlike the aforementioned weird face-tingle). My flexibility has definitely increased a lot, notably in my spine, which I barely paid any attention to before starting my yoga practice. I've gained a ton of strength, most obviously in my legs, but my arms are definitely toning up too. I've lost a lot of bulk in my shoulders and chest, and my collarbone is more visible than I think it's ever been.
In the next 30 days, I'm hoping to improve the following poses:
- awkward
- I would like to be able to balance on my toes, even if I can't bend my knees yet
- eagle
- I would like to get my foot 1 inch closer to being wrapped around my leg
- standing head to knee
- I would like to be able to hold both feet and lock my standing knees.
- standing bow pulling pose
- I would like to be able to hold both sides for the entire first round.
- standing separate leg stretching
- I would like to be able to consistently hold my heels and lock my knees.
- locust
- I would like to get my legs even a fraction of an inch higher while keeping my hips in alignment.
- full locust
- I would like to be able to keep my feet & heels together.
- bow
- I would like to keep my knees & feet 6 inches apart while not sacrificing depth.
- head to knee pose
- I would like to get my right knee locked; left knee closer by half
- spine twist
- I would like to keep my both hips on the ground and get my hands-knee-heel together in front of me.
- sit up
- I'd like to get my head to touch my knees.
There is a lot more to my practice that needs improvement, but these are just some specific things I'm going to focus on for the next 30 days and see how it goes. This way, I'll have some actual way to measure my improvement.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Day 29: Further
Today, it seemed like I was able to go further in most of my poses than normal. I felt pretty flexible and loose all over. I am now officially reaching for my right foot every time in standing head to knee, though it's weak and wonky right now.
I still hate half moon currently. I got a tip from my Bikram instructor friend Liz in Illinois to suck in my gut and see if that helped me feel the stretch in my side. I felt the stretch a little more but I still think part of this posture is still locked for me. I just have to keep trying and it will eventually unlock.
I also really hate standing separate leg head to knee pose. If I push really hard, I can get my forehead to my knee, but my chest winds up pushing up and into my throat, which chokes me and then I stop breathing and get dizzy. It's frustrating, but I know I just have to keep trying. I've felt a spine stretch in the past few days in that pose, so it's not as bad as it could be.
Tomorrow is day 30! Hard to believe it's halfway already. How time flies!
I still hate half moon currently. I got a tip from my Bikram instructor friend Liz in Illinois to suck in my gut and see if that helped me feel the stretch in my side. I felt the stretch a little more but I still think part of this posture is still locked for me. I just have to keep trying and it will eventually unlock.
I also really hate standing separate leg head to knee pose. If I push really hard, I can get my forehead to my knee, but my chest winds up pushing up and into my throat, which chokes me and then I stop breathing and get dizzy. It's frustrating, but I know I just have to keep trying. I've felt a spine stretch in the past few days in that pose, so it's not as bad as it could be.
Tomorrow is day 30! Hard to believe it's halfway already. How time flies!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 28: More Cardio!
Today's class was surprisingly good for having gotten nabbed at a speed trap in a school zone nary ten minutes prior. I thankfully had enough time before class to lay in savasana and will my body to let it all go. I had a rough breathing exercise, but things got better as I warmed up.
The biggest thing I noticed today was that I was getting more of a cardio workout than normal. I'm thinking that since my muscles are getting a little stronger, I'm able to do more, and therefore my heart has to work harder. Makes sense to me!
I actually grabbed my foot in standing head to knee! It felt insanely awkward and uncomfortable, which usually means you're doing it right. I couldn't hold it very long and could only grab my right foot, but it's an improvement! I'm happy.
I got my feet closer together in bow pose, too. I think I've got this one wrapped around my brain finally. I have to set my hips on the ground so they're straight and THEN reach for my feet. This might sound like common sense, cause it is, but it's just recently come to me. Since I discovered this, I have had a huge improvement in my bow. I even got a shout-out from the instructor today!
I'm getting so close to halfway done with the challenge! I'm excited to do a midterm review and get some idea of how far I've really come.
The biggest thing I noticed today was that I was getting more of a cardio workout than normal. I'm thinking that since my muscles are getting a little stronger, I'm able to do more, and therefore my heart has to work harder. Makes sense to me!
I actually grabbed my foot in standing head to knee! It felt insanely awkward and uncomfortable, which usually means you're doing it right. I couldn't hold it very long and could only grab my right foot, but it's an improvement! I'm happy.
I got my feet closer together in bow pose, too. I think I've got this one wrapped around my brain finally. I have to set my hips on the ground so they're straight and THEN reach for my feet. This might sound like common sense, cause it is, but it's just recently come to me. Since I discovered this, I have had a huge improvement in my bow. I even got a shout-out from the instructor today!
I'm getting so close to halfway done with the challenge! I'm excited to do a midterm review and get some idea of how far I've really come.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 26 & 27: Almost halfway
First things first: Jason's mom got me an Academy gift card for my birthday and I spent it on yoga clothes! Woo hoo! I got a new bra, pair of shorts, and shirt - all of them were Under Armour brand. Holy crap, I love it all! They don't hold moisture like my regular clothes, which keeps me a lot cooler. The clothes tend to stay in place better, which leads to less fidgeting. All in all, totally awesome and I'll be investing in even more clothes in the future. Perhaps as a gift to myself for the end of my 60 day challenge? We'll see.
I am pleased with my progress in standing bow pulling pose. It's a little better every day. My big breakthrough came in regular bow, though! If I get my hips right in this posture, I can really achieve good depth. My biggest problem is getting my feet together, so tomorrow I'll work even harder on that. It was intense feeling my hips dig into the ground and my legs shoot back up. I don't want to say it was effortless because it definitely wasn't, but it was much easier with my hips aligned properly.
My sit-ups are getting better, too! I really almost did touch my head to my knees several times today. My spine is gaining a lot of flexibility, both forward and backward bending.
What poses do I hate, you ask? Half moon can suck it. If my hips are right, my weight's not in my heels. If my weight is in my heels, my upper body is somehow forward. I almost never feel a stretch in my side. It's a jerk. I'm glad it's the first posture so I can get it the hell out of the way. I also, uh, kinda hate savasana because my hips never feel like they're in alignment and I get the awful itch to wiggle them until they're right, which I nearly never achieve (or if I do, it's an instant before the instructor begins talking about set-up for the sit-up).
I keep daydreaming about Bikram's lecture. I'm nervous with anticipation!
I am pleased with my progress in standing bow pulling pose. It's a little better every day. My big breakthrough came in regular bow, though! If I get my hips right in this posture, I can really achieve good depth. My biggest problem is getting my feet together, so tomorrow I'll work even harder on that. It was intense feeling my hips dig into the ground and my legs shoot back up. I don't want to say it was effortless because it definitely wasn't, but it was much easier with my hips aligned properly.
My sit-ups are getting better, too! I really almost did touch my head to my knees several times today. My spine is gaining a lot of flexibility, both forward and backward bending.
What poses do I hate, you ask? Half moon can suck it. If my hips are right, my weight's not in my heels. If my weight is in my heels, my upper body is somehow forward. I almost never feel a stretch in my side. It's a jerk. I'm glad it's the first posture so I can get it the hell out of the way. I also, uh, kinda hate savasana because my hips never feel like they're in alignment and I get the awful itch to wiggle them until they're right, which I nearly never achieve (or if I do, it's an instant before the instructor begins talking about set-up for the sit-up).
I keep daydreaming about Bikram's lecture. I'm nervous with anticipation!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 25: Strength
Today's practice was great! Due to my run last night, I was holding a lot of tension in my legs and hips which seemed to translate to a great deal of strength. I was definitely more in control of my legs than usual, but my flexibility was a little decreased. Tree pose felt really incredible, due to the loosening I felt of my hip muscles. I am very grateful to my practice for allowing me to release the tension that other exercise puts into my body!
Hands to feet pose is increasingly awesome. I'm so close to getting my face on my legs. It feels very, very strange to relax my lower back so much and pull so hard with my arms, but it's definitely improving my posture so I keep trying.
My hamstring is feeling much, much better. I can still feel it in the deeper stretches, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was a week ago. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully the pain will be entirely gone soon.
Standing bow pulling pose was great today! Oddly enough, the best part was on my "bad" leg - standing on my left, lifting my right. My new-found leg strength really helped me out. I had my abdomen totally parallel to the ground and my leg was stretched up so high to the ceiling I actually surprised myself. After around thirty seconds of holding and pushing and holding and balancing, I popped a little too far forward and lost my balance, but I am definitely proud of the depth I achieved in this posture today.
IN OTHER REALLY EXCITING NEWS: My friend Sunny and I are going to go see Bikram speak in Memphis in September. I find that I need to keep motivating myself in different ways to keep my focus solidly on my practice, and what better way than to hear a lecture from the man himself? Also, Memphis is a great city and not too terribly far from Dallas. Sunny's friend is getting us free standby plane tickets so we don't even have to drive! Totally fabulous. My biggest worry is making sure I practice both days of the trip, since it falls within my 60-day challenge. I'm confident it can be done, just need to figure out the logistics.
See you tomorrow!
Hands to feet pose is increasingly awesome. I'm so close to getting my face on my legs. It feels very, very strange to relax my lower back so much and pull so hard with my arms, but it's definitely improving my posture so I keep trying.
My hamstring is feeling much, much better. I can still feel it in the deeper stretches, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was a week ago. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully the pain will be entirely gone soon.
Standing bow pulling pose was great today! Oddly enough, the best part was on my "bad" leg - standing on my left, lifting my right. My new-found leg strength really helped me out. I had my abdomen totally parallel to the ground and my leg was stretched up so high to the ceiling I actually surprised myself. After around thirty seconds of holding and pushing and holding and balancing, I popped a little too far forward and lost my balance, but I am definitely proud of the depth I achieved in this posture today.
IN OTHER REALLY EXCITING NEWS: My friend Sunny and I are going to go see Bikram speak in Memphis in September. I find that I need to keep motivating myself in different ways to keep my focus solidly on my practice, and what better way than to hear a lecture from the man himself? Also, Memphis is a great city and not too terribly far from Dallas. Sunny's friend is getting us free standby plane tickets so we don't even have to drive! Totally fabulous. My biggest worry is making sure I practice both days of the trip, since it falls within my 60-day challenge. I'm confident it can be done, just need to figure out the logistics.
See you tomorrow!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Day 24: Running
Class was pretty good today! It started off with an amazing improvement in hands to feet pose. My face almost touched my legs! It was so weird. I just kept pulling on my heels with all my strength and suddenly, I was almost face-planting my own legs. I was so elated I almost started laughing, which has become my latest thing-to-suppress after postures. Hey, it's better than grunting, which is what I used to have to hold back.
Also, head to knee with stretching continues to improve a thousandfold. I almost locked my right knee today! It was only last week that I was grumbling and pushing my chest out of the way angrily. I still can't lock my left leg - not even close - but I know I eventually will be able to and that is worth a lot.
The most exciting thing ever happened to me today. Jason's decided his knee is okay to start running again, so he's been going out the past week or so. Tonight, I decided I wanted to go with him. Quick recap: I ran for a few months before yoga, but hurt my knee. I took a couple months off, and then started yoga. The fastest mile I've recorded running was a ~18 minute mile, and this was three months into training (running 3/4 times a week).
Tonight, after taking over four months off from running and under 60 Bikram yoga classes, I ran 12.5 minute miles. That's right, folks: in under two months, Bikram yoga helped me shave 5.5 minutes off my mile. This run included a gigantor hill that I've only ever been able to run up a quarter/half of in the past. My legs weren't even burning on the run, not at all! My lungs need work, and once they've regained more flexibility, I'll be able to go even faster.
I can't even believe it. I feel like someone waved a magic wand and made me better.
Also, head to knee with stretching continues to improve a thousandfold. I almost locked my right knee today! It was only last week that I was grumbling and pushing my chest out of the way angrily. I still can't lock my left leg - not even close - but I know I eventually will be able to and that is worth a lot.
The most exciting thing ever happened to me today. Jason's decided his knee is okay to start running again, so he's been going out the past week or so. Tonight, I decided I wanted to go with him. Quick recap: I ran for a few months before yoga, but hurt my knee. I took a couple months off, and then started yoga. The fastest mile I've recorded running was a ~18 minute mile, and this was three months into training (running 3/4 times a week).
Tonight, after taking over four months off from running and under 60 Bikram yoga classes, I ran 12.5 minute miles. That's right, folks: in under two months, Bikram yoga helped me shave 5.5 minutes off my mile. This run included a gigantor hill that I've only ever been able to run up a quarter/half of in the past. My legs weren't even burning on the run, not at all! My lungs need work, and once they've regained more flexibility, I'll be able to go even faster.
I can't even believe it. I feel like someone waved a magic wand and made me better.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Day 23: Good & Bad
Today was hands-down the weirdest class I've had so far. The standing series was completely wretched. I got so dizzy that I actually had to lay in savasana for a couple postures to avoid passing out. It felt like my first week of practice again! I just kept trying to breathe and keep my eyes open and get myself to standing as soon as possible. To be honest, I didn't really do too much of the standing series.
Then, in the floor series, my day turned completely around. I think I may have figured out how to properly align my hips. I did the best locust pose I've ever done before! I made sure that my hips were aligned on my forearms and tried to push them as hard as possible into the ground and lift my legs from that joint. I know I got my legs up farther than I ever have before. After the first set, my hands were tingling so hard. It felt amazing.
The proper alignment of my hips totally skyrocketed my bow pose, too. I was able to squeeze my knees together and push up from the ground. I didn't have my wonky left leg way out to the left side. I felt solid and strong and the spine tingle I got after was well worth the exertion.
So class started off terrible and ended up awesome. I guess there's some kind of lesson in there, eh? Keep going even when it's awful and sometimes it turns around. I'm pretty tired now, but I'm really glad I got to class today.
Then, in the floor series, my day turned completely around. I think I may have figured out how to properly align my hips. I did the best locust pose I've ever done before! I made sure that my hips were aligned on my forearms and tried to push them as hard as possible into the ground and lift my legs from that joint. I know I got my legs up farther than I ever have before. After the first set, my hands were tingling so hard. It felt amazing.
The proper alignment of my hips totally skyrocketed my bow pose, too. I was able to squeeze my knees together and push up from the ground. I didn't have my wonky left leg way out to the left side. I felt solid and strong and the spine tingle I got after was well worth the exertion.
So class started off terrible and ended up awesome. I guess there's some kind of lesson in there, eh? Keep going even when it's awful and sometimes it turns around. I'm pretty tired now, but I'm really glad I got to class today.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Days 21 & 22: Energy
The past couple days have been a little rough on my endurance, which I am attributing to the fact I've been not eating as much as I should before class and that it's that time of the month. I've had to take more breaks in the past two days than normal, and I feel like I need more water in class. After standing separate leg stretching, I got super dizzy and had to sit down for almost the whole first set of triangle today. I pushed as much as I could, but it wasn't as hard as normal.
Yesterday, I had a dread client. Good news, but my back was totally shot by the end of the day. My right shoulder, which used to bug me constantly before my Bikram practice began, was really tight and painful. I raced to the last yoga class of the day and by the end of class, my shoulder was all better and my back was around 90%. Normally after dread appointments, my back and shoulders kill for days and I try to make Jason massage/beat the hell out of my shoulder to get some relief. It's fantastic to release that tension that a good day's hard work puts in your body.
I did better than normal on bow pose today! In the second set, I really pushed my legs together and it actually made it a little easier to push up. Who'da thunk? It definitely did some crazy compression of my lower spine, much more than normal, but after the posture, I honestly felt like my entire body was glowing and humming with energy.
Speaking of energy, today is the first weekend day since starting my practice that I did not want to collapse on the couch and do nothing for the rest of the day. Finally having enough energy to do some of my fiber work has been amazing. Back to it! Thanks, yoga!
Yesterday, I had a dread client. Good news, but my back was totally shot by the end of the day. My right shoulder, which used to bug me constantly before my Bikram practice began, was really tight and painful. I raced to the last yoga class of the day and by the end of class, my shoulder was all better and my back was around 90%. Normally after dread appointments, my back and shoulders kill for days and I try to make Jason massage/beat the hell out of my shoulder to get some relief. It's fantastic to release that tension that a good day's hard work puts in your body.
I did better than normal on bow pose today! In the second set, I really pushed my legs together and it actually made it a little easier to push up. Who'da thunk? It definitely did some crazy compression of my lower spine, much more than normal, but after the posture, I honestly felt like my entire body was glowing and humming with energy.
Speaking of energy, today is the first weekend day since starting my practice that I did not want to collapse on the couch and do nothing for the rest of the day. Finally having enough energy to do some of my fiber work has been amazing. Back to it! Thanks, yoga!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Day 20: 1/3!
As predicted, Day 20 was much better than Day 19. I had good focus and could push myself again. My hamstring is getting better every day, but I'm still being gentle with it and standing separate leg stretching still hurts.
Right now, my biggest problem is my hips. They keep popping out of alignment and since in a lot of postures, you're not looking in the mirror, I can't really tell when they're correct. It's a little frustrating but I just keep trying to sneak peeks in the mirror and realign my hips and hold it.
In bow pose, it's become a noticeable problem. I start off kind of wonky and I have to realign in the air, which is really hard and kind of impossible. In attempting to fix my bad alignment, I turned my left shoulder a weird way and, man, did that not feel good. I also think that in bow, I'm not pushing my legs up equally. I know I need to keep my legs closer together, but it's so hard to find my alignment that the rest is kind of impossible right now. Sigh.
In other news:
1/3 done with the challenge! It's flying by. Kind of.
Right now, my biggest problem is my hips. They keep popping out of alignment and since in a lot of postures, you're not looking in the mirror, I can't really tell when they're correct. It's a little frustrating but I just keep trying to sneak peeks in the mirror and realign my hips and hold it.
In bow pose, it's become a noticeable problem. I start off kind of wonky and I have to realign in the air, which is really hard and kind of impossible. In attempting to fix my bad alignment, I turned my left shoulder a weird way and, man, did that not feel good. I also think that in bow, I'm not pushing my legs up equally. I know I need to keep my legs closer together, but it's so hard to find my alignment that the rest is kind of impossible right now. Sigh.
In other news:
1/3 done with the challenge! It's flying by. Kind of.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Day 19: Ugh
I got some bad news today and it was on my mind the entire class. I couldn't get my brain off it. I was weepy and emotional. My postures suffered. I stuck it out and stayed in class even though I couldn't get a handle on my emotions. Breathing was the hardest part because I kept getting gasp-y and panicky. I tried to force my breathing through my nose instead of using my mouth. No breakthroughs; just survival.
Today was hard, but it's over and tomorrow is a new day that will be better.
Today was hard, but it's over and tomorrow is a new day that will be better.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Days 17 & 18: Compression
So, I didn't write yesterday because it was my birthday and I didn't feel like it! So there. The best part of class was when everyone sang happy birthday to me during triangle. It made triangle shorter, which was excellent in my book. Heh.
Today's class was really good, despite some problems with balance. I finally held standing bow pulling pose for the entire time! Every time I felt myself getting wobbly, I figured out if I needed to lower my abdomen more or kick my leg more. It was really interesting to feel that "natural human tug-of-war" in this pose. Hooray!
Today was all about the compression postures. I got my head to my knee for the first time ever in standing head to knee! VICTORY! Of course, my boobs were choking the shit out of my throat and my knee is nowhere near locked, but I got my forehead to my knee. That means I got the benefit for the very first time today. I almost started laughing I was so happy.
I also had success in head to knee with stretching, much in the same way as above. I got my forehead a little above my knee and my legs were MUCH closer to being straight than ever before.
Whatever's going on with my hamstring was sort of painful last night so I had Jason slap some Tiger Balm on it and it really seemed to help. Today it didn't hurt too bad, but standing separate leg stretching is still kind of painful so I continue to place my hands on the floor instead of under my heels. It doesn't hurt so bad when my knee is unlocked, but when I lock it, it really restricts my movement. I'm just going to keep working through it and push myself as far as I can without causing more pain. It only hurts when I'm stretching the muscle so it doesn't give me any trouble in my day-to-day life.
Life is good and I have yoga to thank!
Today's class was really good, despite some problems with balance. I finally held standing bow pulling pose for the entire time! Every time I felt myself getting wobbly, I figured out if I needed to lower my abdomen more or kick my leg more. It was really interesting to feel that "natural human tug-of-war" in this pose. Hooray!
Today was all about the compression postures. I got my head to my knee for the first time ever in standing head to knee! VICTORY! Of course, my boobs were choking the shit out of my throat and my knee is nowhere near locked, but I got my forehead to my knee. That means I got the benefit for the very first time today. I almost started laughing I was so happy.
I also had success in head to knee with stretching, much in the same way as above. I got my forehead a little above my knee and my legs were MUCH closer to being straight than ever before.
Whatever's going on with my hamstring was sort of painful last night so I had Jason slap some Tiger Balm on it and it really seemed to help. Today it didn't hurt too bad, but standing separate leg stretching is still kind of painful so I continue to place my hands on the floor instead of under my heels. It doesn't hurt so bad when my knee is unlocked, but when I lock it, it really restricts my movement. I'm just going to keep working through it and push myself as far as I can without causing more pain. It only hurts when I'm stretching the muscle so it doesn't give me any trouble in my day-to-day life.
Life is good and I have yoga to thank!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 16: Bring a Friend to Yoga Day!
Okay, so I didn't write yesterday because it was the busiest of busy days! But I did indeed go to class, despite my initial fears that I would bail on this day. Now I am insanely confident that I can complete the 60 day challenge. If I can go to yoga the morning after my birthday party... well, I think I can do anything.
Part of the reason I think I got there was because my good friend Sunny decided Sunday would be her first Bikram class! She takes a fire yoga class at a studio closer to her house, but this was her first time in the extreme heat of Bikram's world. She did an awesome job! My first class was embarrassingly bad. I kept feeling like I was going to faint and sat down pretty much every other posture. She looked like an old pro! I was very proud of her for coming out and seeing what it's all about.
Class for me was pretty good. I'm starting to find my natural tug-of-war balance on standing bow pulling pose. I keep getting right to the end of the pose and falling out of it, though. I need to set my mind harder to hold it the entire time. Perhaps today will be the day! In the floor series, bow pose keeps getting better for me. I need to work on pushing my legs together and my left leg up a little higher. I will hopefully do that today. I love the spine compression feeling that happens when my legs get high enough. It's definitely a cool sensation.
Okay, it's time to get ready for today's class! I'll report back later.
Part of the reason I think I got there was because my good friend Sunny decided Sunday would be her first Bikram class! She takes a fire yoga class at a studio closer to her house, but this was her first time in the extreme heat of Bikram's world. She did an awesome job! My first class was embarrassingly bad. I kept feeling like I was going to faint and sat down pretty much every other posture. She looked like an old pro! I was very proud of her for coming out and seeing what it's all about.
Class for me was pretty good. I'm starting to find my natural tug-of-war balance on standing bow pulling pose. I keep getting right to the end of the pose and falling out of it, though. I need to set my mind harder to hold it the entire time. Perhaps today will be the day! In the floor series, bow pose keeps getting better for me. I need to work on pushing my legs together and my left leg up a little higher. I will hopefully do that today. I love the spine compression feeling that happens when my legs get high enough. It's definitely a cool sensation.
Okay, it's time to get ready for today's class! I'll report back later.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day 15: 1/4
I am now 1/4 done with my 60 day challenge! WOO HOOO!
I had a nice class today, though I did get a little out of sorts on triangle, which is my new most hated posture. I managed to pull it together for the left side second set, where my instructor commented on my "beautiful arms" - a phrase I am not accustomed to hearing too often! So my struggle was worth it for the end result.
Anyways, it's my birthday on Monday and my party is about to start so enough about yoga today. I'm 1/4 done and I'm happy with that. See you tomorrow!
I had a nice class today, though I did get a little out of sorts on triangle, which is my new most hated posture. I managed to pull it together for the left side second set, where my instructor commented on my "beautiful arms" - a phrase I am not accustomed to hearing too often! So my struggle was worth it for the end result.
Anyways, it's my birthday on Monday and my party is about to start so enough about yoga today. I'm 1/4 done and I'm happy with that. See you tomorrow!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 14: Changes
Okay, I think I had another breakthrough today! They tend to follow a couple really bad days, it seems. So therefore, I shouldn't be sad on the bad days, because I know a really good one is coming.
My hamstring is almost completely worked out. The only posture it bothered me in was standing separate leg stretching, which makes sense because that's when you're trying to achieve a crazy deep hamstring stretch. I had to put my hands on the ground for most of the posture and move them to the outsides of my feet for the remainder, when I can usually get my heels. This is okay with me, I'll just go gentle in this posture ("go to pull, not pain") until it's back to its normal loose self.
I experienced serious advancement in standing head to knee - I actually grabbed my foot and locked my knee! I held it for 0.5 seconds, but that's not the point. I got there! Also, in toe stand, I actually touched my hands to the floor and began bending my knee! I got almost all the way to sitting on my heel when I rather ungracefully popped my leg out and collapsed in a smiling heap of accomplishment.
In other minor accomplishments, I again almost held standing bow pulling pose for the entire time, losing it just at the very end. I managed to hold on through three of the four sides of balancing stick, which is a record for me! I managed to keep my hips in alignment today, too. Even in savasana! The spine strengthening series was excellent and I pushed to a personal best in bow pose. I felt amazing afterwards! In head to knee with stretching, I got my elbows much closer to the ground than ever before. It was lovely.
I'm starting to notice some major changes in my body, too. My collarbone is clearly visible now, and I'm starting to get more of a defined waist. My body shape is going from blob to curvy. Even when I was 30ish pounds lighter in college, I don't think my shape was as nice. I'm very happy about this.
Tomorrow I will be 25% done with my challenge. My, how time does fly.
My hamstring is almost completely worked out. The only posture it bothered me in was standing separate leg stretching, which makes sense because that's when you're trying to achieve a crazy deep hamstring stretch. I had to put my hands on the ground for most of the posture and move them to the outsides of my feet for the remainder, when I can usually get my heels. This is okay with me, I'll just go gentle in this posture ("go to pull, not pain") until it's back to its normal loose self.
I experienced serious advancement in standing head to knee - I actually grabbed my foot and locked my knee! I held it for 0.5 seconds, but that's not the point. I got there! Also, in toe stand, I actually touched my hands to the floor and began bending my knee! I got almost all the way to sitting on my heel when I rather ungracefully popped my leg out and collapsed in a smiling heap of accomplishment.
In other minor accomplishments, I again almost held standing bow pulling pose for the entire time, losing it just at the very end. I managed to hold on through three of the four sides of balancing stick, which is a record for me! I managed to keep my hips in alignment today, too. Even in savasana! The spine strengthening series was excellent and I pushed to a personal best in bow pose. I felt amazing afterwards! In head to knee with stretching, I got my elbows much closer to the ground than ever before. It was lovely.
I'm starting to notice some major changes in my body, too. My collarbone is clearly visible now, and I'm starting to get more of a defined waist. My body shape is going from blob to curvy. Even when I was 30ish pounds lighter in college, I don't think my shape was as nice. I'm very happy about this.
Tomorrow I will be 25% done with my challenge. My, how time does fly.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 13: Working Through
My hamstring felt better today than yesterday. I'm glad I didn't decide to try and rest it at all. That normally would've been my first inclination but all it really needs is some gentle stretching and working out, I think. Resting it would've tightened things up even more and made me feel worse in the end. I'm still not at 100% with it - standing separate leg stretching was really hard and slightly painful. Most of my other postures were okay hamstring-wise, though.
I balanced almost the entire time in standing bow pulling pose! I felt so accomplished and I tried so hard to keep my balance, but I fell in the very last seconds. At least I know that I can do it and I just have to focus and make it happen. It'something to work on for tomorrow!
In head to knee with stretching
I pulled my toes really far back and managed to get myself down the farthest I ever have - in both sets! It felt really good to get my hamstring stretched out that way. I can still feel the stretch in my butt.
I have a really busy weekend coming up and I'm starting to get nervous about making it to class on Sunday. I know I can do a double to make up for a lost day, but I really would rather avoid that particular unpleasantness. Plus, I don't want to have a big gaping hole on my chart and then a crammed-in double. I think I have to drag myself to class on Sunday no matter what shape I'm in. Even if I can just lay there the whole class, that's an accomplishment. I know I can do it, I just have to actually get there.
I balanced almost the entire time in standing bow pulling pose! I felt so accomplished and I tried so hard to keep my balance, but I fell in the very last seconds. At least I know that I can do it and I just have to focus and make it happen. It'something to work on for tomorrow!
In head to knee with stretching
I pulled my toes really far back and managed to get myself down the farthest I ever have - in both sets! It felt really good to get my hamstring stretched out that way. I can still feel the stretch in my butt.
I have a really busy weekend coming up and I'm starting to get nervous about making it to class on Sunday. I know I can do a double to make up for a lost day, but I really would rather avoid that particular unpleasantness. Plus, I don't want to have a big gaping hole on my chart and then a crammed-in double. I think I have to drag myself to class on Sunday no matter what shape I'm in. Even if I can just lay there the whole class, that's an accomplishment. I know I can do it, I just have to actually get there.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 12: Breathe
My hamstring is still a little tender, but I was able to push through it today much better than yesterday. It's still not great, so I'm being a little cautious with it, but at least it's not as painful as it was yesterday.
I'm still having a bitch of a time with my hip alignment. It seems I either have it or I don't, which probably can be attributed to my mindset. The more out of alignment I feel, the more frustrated I get, and the worse my postures are. It's all connected, I just have to figure out how to get control over it.
I don't recall any standout postures, or any postures that were worse than usual. A fairly generic class, I suppose. I also usually write these posts pretty quickly after taking class and I did not today, so I'm fuzzier.
I did notice today that I'm able to breathe a lot better than I ever have. I had a vocal audition for a show and I didn't have to gasp for air during it, I was relatively controlled. It made me rather happy. See you tomorrow.
I'm still having a bitch of a time with my hip alignment. It seems I either have it or I don't, which probably can be attributed to my mindset. The more out of alignment I feel, the more frustrated I get, and the worse my postures are. It's all connected, I just have to figure out how to get control over it.
I don't recall any standout postures, or any postures that were worse than usual. A fairly generic class, I suppose. I also usually write these posts pretty quickly after taking class and I did not today, so I'm fuzzier.
I did notice today that I'm able to breathe a lot better than I ever have. I had a vocal audition for a show and I didn't have to gasp for air during it, I was relatively controlled. It made me rather happy. See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day 11: Ugh
Today's class wasn't that great for me. I had a really hard time stretching my left hamstring and the tightness plagued me for the entire class. I also felt very off-balance and thus struggled during the standing series. My alignment was crazy off and so the floor series didn't go so great either.
But I went and I finished the class. Really, that's all I have to say about today's practice that was good. I'll wrap it up with a photo of my chart!
But I went and I finished the class. Really, that's all I have to say about today's practice that was good. I'll wrap it up with a photo of my chart!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day 10: 1/6
Ladies and gentlemen, I am officially 1/6 finished with my 60 day challenge! That wasn't so bad. I can definitely do 5 more sets of 10 classes.
Today, class was taught by one of the "tough" instructors. You know the type. You may inwardly groan a bit when you see them out front in their workout clothes. You know the class is going to be really hot and some of the poses will seem to take forever. You know you're going to be pushed to your limit. You hate them and love them at the same time; hate for the pain you're about to go through and love for the amazing feeling you know is going to come after that pain. With some help from my instructor, I had a definite breakthrough on half moon.
I didn't know I could bend so much at the waist, seriously. I'd previously been having trouble feeling the stretch in my side which was, I thought, due to my alignment being off. Turns out I just wasn't pushing myself enough. The instructor called my name out and told me to push, push, push, and before I knew it, I felt a searing stretch on the right side of my body and I was bent in half farther than I'd ever thought possible. I even got a compliment from the instructor, who said I had a "beautiful" half moon pose. I'm normally pretty reserved and serious in class, but that caused a huge grin to pop up on my face.
Other things of note: my spine strengthening series continues to improve. I got tingles in my lower spine and my butt after cobra, and the energetic feeling kept zooming through my back after each pose of the series. Oh, and I still love camel. It puts a big goofy grin on my face.
I tried to take a picture of my chart today with ten blue stickers completing the first row but, wouldn't you know it, I left my cell phone at home and couldn't sneak a picture. I will do this tomorrow! In theory.
Today, class was taught by one of the "tough" instructors. You know the type. You may inwardly groan a bit when you see them out front in their workout clothes. You know the class is going to be really hot and some of the poses will seem to take forever. You know you're going to be pushed to your limit. You hate them and love them at the same time; hate for the pain you're about to go through and love for the amazing feeling you know is going to come after that pain. With some help from my instructor, I had a definite breakthrough on half moon.
I didn't know I could bend so much at the waist, seriously. I'd previously been having trouble feeling the stretch in my side which was, I thought, due to my alignment being off. Turns out I just wasn't pushing myself enough. The instructor called my name out and told me to push, push, push, and before I knew it, I felt a searing stretch on the right side of my body and I was bent in half farther than I'd ever thought possible. I even got a compliment from the instructor, who said I had a "beautiful" half moon pose. I'm normally pretty reserved and serious in class, but that caused a huge grin to pop up on my face.
Other things of note: my spine strengthening series continues to improve. I got tingles in my lower spine and my butt after cobra, and the energetic feeling kept zooming through my back after each pose of the series. Oh, and I still love camel. It puts a big goofy grin on my face.
I tried to take a picture of my chart today with ten blue stickers completing the first row but, wouldn't you know it, I left my cell phone at home and couldn't sneak a picture. I will do this tomorrow! In theory.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Day 9: Getting There
Last night, we had some friends over to the house and we stayed up pretty late. I woke up past the class I was planning on taking, which in the past would have completely derailed the day. Instead, I skipped the FC Dallas game I was planning on going to and opted to take a later yoga class. I am counting this as a victory. FC Dallas had a similar victory; they won 3-1!
Onto today's successes! I had a breakthrough on eagle pose
which included getting a tingling sensation in my arms! I didn't really grasp that the lightning sensations would extend to more postures as I improved on them. It's very motivating, considering how much finding it in camel pose sent my practice in a very positive direction.
I had another breakthrough in full locust pose
in which I saw farther back on the ceiling than ever before and felt really incredible afterward. While I was lifting my chest up, my brain conjured up the image of my spine as a cat's tail, curling up effortlessly. It took a lot of effort, but I tried to make it look like it didn't. TRICKS!
In the spine strengthening series, I did a lot better at keeping my feet and heels together, even if I had to sacrifice depth of pose. My butt hurts now, but that just means it's toning up. I like this very much.
Tomorrow is my tenth day and I will be 1/6 done with my challenge! Not too shabby.
Onto today's successes! I had a breakthrough on eagle pose
which included getting a tingling sensation in my arms! I didn't really grasp that the lightning sensations would extend to more postures as I improved on them. It's very motivating, considering how much finding it in camel pose sent my practice in a very positive direction.
I had another breakthrough in full locust pose
in which I saw farther back on the ceiling than ever before and felt really incredible afterward. While I was lifting my chest up, my brain conjured up the image of my spine as a cat's tail, curling up effortlessly. It took a lot of effort, but I tried to make it look like it didn't. TRICKS!
In the spine strengthening series, I did a lot better at keeping my feet and heels together, even if I had to sacrifice depth of pose. My butt hurts now, but that just means it's toning up. I like this very much.
Tomorrow is my tenth day and I will be 1/6 done with my challenge! Not too shabby.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Day 8: I've got to admit, it's getting better
I had a lot of successes today! I think the increase in flexibility and strength of my spine is having a huge impact on the rest of my practice.
I figured out what was plaguing me in the first part of half locust pose!
STUPID BALLET HIPS, that's what. My years of being told to turn out have really been funking with my yoga! In half locust, I could never feel the pain I was told I should be feeling in my back. Por que? The lifting leg's hip kept rolling out on me! Today, I focused on squaring my hips on my forearms and lifting up instead of out. I felt a compression in my lower spine, and got spine tinglies after releasing!
I got spine tinglies after every part of the spine strengthening series! HOT DAMN! It is all starting to fall into place for me. Along with the spine tinglies comes energy. It's fascinating to watch this whole thing unfold.
I also had some success on head to knee pose
in which I previously had to bend my knee to even get remotely close to grabbing my foot with a ten-finger interlocked grip. Today, it was no sweat! I also didn't have to bend my knee as much to get my forehead on my knee, which I'm hoping means I'm not just gaining flexibility but also losing bulk.
I think I've started to figure out that in a lot of stretches, it helps immensely to just relax into it. If I focus my concentration on releasing a tight part of my body, all of a sudden I'm three inches closer to where I'm supposed to be - with less effort than it takes to try and grunt and groan my way there. This is also true for standing separate leg stretching pose.
One last thing! I've decided to throw my scale into a drawer for the remainder of my 60-day challenge. According to Bikram, it's very normal in the early stages of your practice to gain weight, but that's not a bad thing. It doesn't mean I'm really gaining fat, it means I'm gaining muscle. It means I'm working hard, so I'm hungrier. He says that you shouldn't count calories and worry so much about what you're eating, because as you practice, you start to crave that which is good for you. If you keep practicing, the weight at some point will start to melt off your body. There's a particularly inspiring part in the book that deals with this, and I almost started crying when I read it. So, I figure since he's been right about everything so far, I should listen to him here. Also, I've been finding myself getting monster cravings for things like fruit (strawberries and grapes in particular) so I figure I've already got a firm start towards a lower weight. Goodbye, scale! See you in 52 days.
I figured out what was plaguing me in the first part of half locust pose!
STUPID BALLET HIPS, that's what. My years of being told to turn out have really been funking with my yoga! In half locust, I could never feel the pain I was told I should be feeling in my back. Por que? The lifting leg's hip kept rolling out on me! Today, I focused on squaring my hips on my forearms and lifting up instead of out. I felt a compression in my lower spine, and got spine tinglies after releasing!
I got spine tinglies after every part of the spine strengthening series! HOT DAMN! It is all starting to fall into place for me. Along with the spine tinglies comes energy. It's fascinating to watch this whole thing unfold.
I also had some success on head to knee pose
in which I previously had to bend my knee to even get remotely close to grabbing my foot with a ten-finger interlocked grip. Today, it was no sweat! I also didn't have to bend my knee as much to get my forehead on my knee, which I'm hoping means I'm not just gaining flexibility but also losing bulk.
I think I've started to figure out that in a lot of stretches, it helps immensely to just relax into it. If I focus my concentration on releasing a tight part of my body, all of a sudden I'm three inches closer to where I'm supposed to be - with less effort than it takes to try and grunt and groan my way there. This is also true for standing separate leg stretching pose.
One last thing! I've decided to throw my scale into a drawer for the remainder of my 60-day challenge. According to Bikram, it's very normal in the early stages of your practice to gain weight, but that's not a bad thing. It doesn't mean I'm really gaining fat, it means I'm gaining muscle. It means I'm working hard, so I'm hungrier. He says that you shouldn't count calories and worry so much about what you're eating, because as you practice, you start to crave that which is good for you. If you keep practicing, the weight at some point will start to melt off your body. There's a particularly inspiring part in the book that deals with this, and I almost started crying when I read it. So, I figure since he's been right about everything so far, I should listen to him here. Also, I've been finding myself getting monster cravings for things like fruit (strawberries and grapes in particular) so I figure I've already got a firm start towards a lower weight. Goodbye, scale! See you in 52 days.
Day 7: Breakthrough
Okay, I didn't post this yesterday but I did go to yoga for day 7 of my challenge. I can't even explain how much Bikram's book helped me yesterday, but I will definitely try. It was as if suddenly the postures opened up to me (..."like a flower petal blooming"?) and I was able to sink into them comfortably. In the backbend part of half moon
I focused on relaxing my lower back instead of trying to push myself backwards. Suddenly, I was almost looking at the back wall. There were several spots where the relaxation of a certain body part, as prescribed by Bikram, completely changed the posture for me.
The spine strengthening series was absolutely amazing for me. Reading about the proper breathing techniques was extremely helpful in this series. I spent so much less time grunting and huffing and puffing and just focused on breathing correctly and trying to hold the pose as still as possible. I am rapidly gaining flexibility in my spine. Bow pose was really invigorating! Due to tips picked up in the book, I stopped my rocking chair-like movement, and just used my abdomen and leg muscles to push my legs up to the ceiling. It's definitely the highest I've ever gotten my legs in bow, and it's one of the few poses that I feel like I've got my head around now.
Also notably, yesterday was the first day where I actually felt electric and energetic post-class. I think I am beginning to experience the energy-giving aspect of yoga. Each class is a new adventure. I always uncover some previously unlocked jewel of this practice and it's wildly exciting. I can't wait to see what today brings!
I focused on relaxing my lower back instead of trying to push myself backwards. Suddenly, I was almost looking at the back wall. There were several spots where the relaxation of a certain body part, as prescribed by Bikram, completely changed the posture for me.
The spine strengthening series was absolutely amazing for me. Reading about the proper breathing techniques was extremely helpful in this series. I spent so much less time grunting and huffing and puffing and just focused on breathing correctly and trying to hold the pose as still as possible. I am rapidly gaining flexibility in my spine. Bow pose was really invigorating! Due to tips picked up in the book, I stopped my rocking chair-like movement, and just used my abdomen and leg muscles to push my legs up to the ceiling. It's definitely the highest I've ever gotten my legs in bow, and it's one of the few poses that I feel like I've got my head around now.
Also notably, yesterday was the first day where I actually felt electric and energetic post-class. I think I am beginning to experience the energy-giving aspect of yoga. Each class is a new adventure. I always uncover some previously unlocked jewel of this practice and it's wildly exciting. I can't wait to see what today brings!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 6: Frustration
I felt like I had a crappy practice today. My hips kept going out of alignment which made every pose feel incredibly weird. I couldn't really figure out how to right my awkward alignment and I felt myself getting increasingly frustrated. My balance was terrible, I felt like a pendulum swinging around everywhere. I may or may not have mouthed a curse under my breath at one point. I just tried my best to breathe and relax and let it go. You can't have a perfect practice every day, you can only try your best. Sometimes your best is better than others.
In an attempt to get past my frustration and channel my energy into something productive, I bought Bikram's book, Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class and I'm absolutely engrossed in it. It is insanely inspiring, and it's answering a lot of questions I didn't even know I had. It tells you how you should ideally do a posture, and then how you will realistically do a posture your first few times. It's so helpful.
Okay, back to reading. See you tomorrow!
In an attempt to get past my frustration and channel my energy into something productive, I bought Bikram's book, Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class and I'm absolutely engrossed in it. It is insanely inspiring, and it's answering a lot of questions I didn't even know I had. It tells you how you should ideally do a posture, and then how you will realistically do a posture your first few times. It's so helpful.
Okay, back to reading. See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 5: Continuing Improvements
Today, I actually felt myself tap into more of my lungs! Holy crap. The Pranayama breathing exercise was really intense for me during today's practice. I kept inhaling and pulled my spine as long as possible and I felt my lungs expand farther than I think they ever have before. It felt almost like someone was blowing air into my lungs like a balloon. Very strange, but it was nice to connect to the exercise as the instructors say it.
I had a shaky standing series today, quite literally. During standing head to knee, my right leg started shaking uncontrollably and I couldn't stop it. I kept balance for a little while but I eventually stood up and tried to calm my leg down for a second. It kept doing this intermittently throughout the standing series but I just tried my best to breathe into it.
Standing bow pulling pose
was a minor victory for me! I, quite frankly, usually tank this posture! But today, I set my mind to hitting it hard and holding it, and I actually did! It felt amazing. On the first set, I held the second leg for almost the entire time without pitching forward and losing my balance. It's the longest I've ever held it.
Also, bow pose
(btw, I am so insanely jealous of this lady's bow pose!)
keeps getting better and better. I felt the compression in my lower spine today and I worked exceptionally hard to keep my feet from separating too far. My butt is sore now! I actually kind of like it.
Oh, and Jason let me show him fixed firm pose for his knees today. This makes for a very happy Katie!
I had a shaky standing series today, quite literally. During standing head to knee, my right leg started shaking uncontrollably and I couldn't stop it. I kept balance for a little while but I eventually stood up and tried to calm my leg down for a second. It kept doing this intermittently throughout the standing series but I just tried my best to breathe into it.
Standing bow pulling pose
was a minor victory for me! I, quite frankly, usually tank this posture! But today, I set my mind to hitting it hard and holding it, and I actually did! It felt amazing. On the first set, I held the second leg for almost the entire time without pitching forward and losing my balance. It's the longest I've ever held it.
Also, bow pose
(btw, I am so insanely jealous of this lady's bow pose!)
keeps getting better and better. I felt the compression in my lower spine today and I worked exceptionally hard to keep my feet from separating too far. My butt is sore now! I actually kind of like it.
Oh, and Jason let me show him fixed firm pose for his knees today. This makes for a very happy Katie!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day 4: Staying Motivated
I have traditionally been the kind of person who is really into a particular style of exercise for, meh, a month or so before I get bored and stop. I've actually been somewhat surprised with my degree of dedication to this yoga practice, and I think it really boils down to one simple idea: I feel better when I go, so I go.
This concept is so simple yet so mind-boggling to me. Exercise isn't generally the kind of thing I jump for joy about. I'll do it, but I don't love it. But for some reason, this yoga just clicks with me. Every day, there's something new to work on or an improvement in a posture that previously plagued me. What my teachers were saying on the first day is so true: the more I practice, the more benefits I feel in my body. If I skip a day, I don't really go backward, but I don't go forward either. I now crave improvement and progress.
Last week, I took a day off from practice because I had a somewhat busy day and was feeling kind of blah. As the day went on, the blah feeling persisted and by the end of the night, I was so cranky I just wanted to go to bed and hit reset. By contrast, today I was somewhat busy and feeling kind of blah. Instead of giving into the tight and anxious feeling in my chest, I pushed through it and took class. Now, my chest is open and light, and the constricted feeling I felt before practice has disappeared. I'm ready to do some dishes and cook some dinner and snuggle up on Jason. I really believe if I hadn't gone to yoga, I'd be grumped out on the couch with a pillow and some fast food and a big pouty face.
This brings me to my new mantra, which Nike has been yelling at me for years: JUST DO IT. Don't let yourself talk you out of doing things which are good for you and which will make you feel better. It's not easy to dedicate yourself to a discipline like Bikram Yoga, but the benefits are so enormous that it's truly worth it in the long run.
Of course, I'm only at day 4. I've a long way to go, but I have my eyes on the prize. Honestly, I don't think I could stand the sight of an empty space on my attendance chart right now. I will fill that sucker up with sparkly blue smiley faces if it kills me!
This concept is so simple yet so mind-boggling to me. Exercise isn't generally the kind of thing I jump for joy about. I'll do it, but I don't love it. But for some reason, this yoga just clicks with me. Every day, there's something new to work on or an improvement in a posture that previously plagued me. What my teachers were saying on the first day is so true: the more I practice, the more benefits I feel in my body. If I skip a day, I don't really go backward, but I don't go forward either. I now crave improvement and progress.
Last week, I took a day off from practice because I had a somewhat busy day and was feeling kind of blah. As the day went on, the blah feeling persisted and by the end of the night, I was so cranky I just wanted to go to bed and hit reset. By contrast, today I was somewhat busy and feeling kind of blah. Instead of giving into the tight and anxious feeling in my chest, I pushed through it and took class. Now, my chest is open and light, and the constricted feeling I felt before practice has disappeared. I'm ready to do some dishes and cook some dinner and snuggle up on Jason. I really believe if I hadn't gone to yoga, I'd be grumped out on the couch with a pillow and some fast food and a big pouty face.
This brings me to my new mantra, which Nike has been yelling at me for years: JUST DO IT. Don't let yourself talk you out of doing things which are good for you and which will make you feel better. It's not easy to dedicate yourself to a discipline like Bikram Yoga, but the benefits are so enormous that it's truly worth it in the long run.
Of course, I'm only at day 4. I've a long way to go, but I have my eyes on the prize. Honestly, I don't think I could stand the sight of an empty space on my attendance chart right now. I will fill that sucker up with sparkly blue smiley faces if it kills me!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day 3: Hot, Hot Heat
Another thing I love about Bikram Yoga is that it is a crash-course in adjusting to the heat. I live in Texas but spent the majority of my years in Massachusetts, where 85 degree weather is considered the dog days of summer. Through most of my life, I have despised the heat. Summer in Texas became like winter in Massachusetts - I wanted to hibernate, crank up the temperature control, and hide from the world.
Now that I practice Bikram's yoga, I barely even notice the heat. Case in point: today's high temperature was rumored to reach 106 degrees. I don't have any problem standing outside, and it actually felt amazing leaving class today to hit the 102 degree temperature that greeted me mid-afternoon. I went from suffering in the summer to celebrating. Fantastic.
Pose updates: I have totally and completely flipped my opinion of camel. It's now my favorite posture. I can't get over the spine tinglies! It's such an incredible burst of energy, and definitely the highlight of my floor series. And to think, in order to love this posture, all I had to do was try it the right way.
Today's minor success: I locked my knees in hands to feet pose. Now I have to practice trying to grab my heels from behind instead of the side. It's hard. So, I'll continue to practice.
My biggest success today was on standing separate leg stretching, in which I actually got my forehead on the ground! Getting up was another story, but I got down gracefully and with strength. I could feel my pesky right hamstring lengthening and stretching. It made me entirely dizzy for the first set of triangle, but I recovered eventually and finished the balancing series without fainting. It's the little things, people.
Now I've completed three days of the challenge! All I have to do is that again, times twenty. Simple as pie.
Now that I practice Bikram's yoga, I barely even notice the heat. Case in point: today's high temperature was rumored to reach 106 degrees. I don't have any problem standing outside, and it actually felt amazing leaving class today to hit the 102 degree temperature that greeted me mid-afternoon. I went from suffering in the summer to celebrating. Fantastic.
Pose updates: I have totally and completely flipped my opinion of camel. It's now my favorite posture. I can't get over the spine tinglies! It's such an incredible burst of energy, and definitely the highlight of my floor series. And to think, in order to love this posture, all I had to do was try it the right way.
Today's minor success: I locked my knees in hands to feet pose. Now I have to practice trying to grab my heels from behind instead of the side. It's hard. So, I'll continue to practice.
My biggest success today was on standing separate leg stretching, in which I actually got my forehead on the ground! Getting up was another story, but I got down gracefully and with strength. I could feel my pesky right hamstring lengthening and stretching. It made me entirely dizzy for the first set of triangle, but I recovered eventually and finished the balancing series without fainting. It's the little things, people.
Now I've completed three days of the challenge! All I have to do is that again, times twenty. Simple as pie.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day 2: Progress!
I think one of the best parts about Bikram Yoga is that you can constantly improve. With regular practice, changes happen quickly and decisively. The past couple classes, I've been noticing a big difference in standing separate leg stretching pose.
I can lock my knees, though my legs do have a tendency to start shaking like the devil once my thighs are contracted. Yesterday, I got my forehead so close to the ground. I could see it! It was mocking me! It continued to mock me today, but I'm closer than ever. Progress! A month ago, I couldn't even dream of locking my knees, so the improvement is encouraging.
I'm also starting to get rabbit pose!
I can't lift my hips up yet, but my forehead grows ever closer to my knees. My grip is definitely much more solid this week than last week, which I think might be due to an improvement in my core strength. In general, I'm starting to wrap my head around the compression postures. I really like feeling the blood rushing along my spine. It's an incredible feeling.
I don't see how I can possibly stop practicing this yoga as long as that lightness persists. I'm genuinely looking forward to tomorrow's class.
I can lock my knees, though my legs do have a tendency to start shaking like the devil once my thighs are contracted. Yesterday, I got my forehead so close to the ground. I could see it! It was mocking me! It continued to mock me today, but I'm closer than ever. Progress! A month ago, I couldn't even dream of locking my knees, so the improvement is encouraging.
I'm also starting to get rabbit pose!
I can't lift my hips up yet, but my forehead grows ever closer to my knees. My grip is definitely much more solid this week than last week, which I think might be due to an improvement in my core strength. In general, I'm starting to wrap my head around the compression postures. I really like feeling the blood rushing along my spine. It's an incredible feeling.
I don't see how I can possibly stop practicing this yoga as long as that lightness persists. I'm genuinely looking forward to tomorrow's class.
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