I talked hubs into giving me a neck massage, and took a motrin and went to bed. This morning, not so surprisingly, I'm the same sore, and I know tomorrow, it will be even a bit worse. Why you ask? Yoga. I went to my first class in quite a while - and I struggled. Who knew just stretching could be so difficult?
I went to Yoga Bliss in Akron, and had a great basic instructor. She was fun, helped guide me, and helped offer modifications so that I didn't overwhelm myself.
Why Yoga?
That's kind of easy. Yoga is known to have so many benefits:
- Promotes overall flexibility and strength and increases your energy flow
- Promoting health and well-being, as well as peace and balance
- Helps increase metabolism and assists in weight loss
- Builds mental focus and concentration.
I walked into the studio and everyone right away was super sweet and nice. I got my stuff put away, form filled out and got a spot in the back of the room so if I totally failed, at least I wouldn't be center stage for everyone.
The room was a nice size, and the class was a nice balance (about 5-6 of us). The instructor explained everything, walked around making sure we were doing it right, and offered props and modifications. I really appreciate her attentiveness. I feel like right now if I learn something wrong or a bad habit that could possibly injure me, it's going to happen now that I'm learning, so I want to learn it right the first time.
A few poses I can do and enjoy (in no order - and I think I'm referring to them correctly.. who knows):
- Bridge
- Locust
- Cobra and upward facing dog
- Cat-Cow
- Child's Pose (though personally for me, it's not relaxing, it's uncomfortable.. maybe due to my weight and stomach still..)
- Chair
- Warrior 1 and 2
- Tadasana
- Uttanasana
- Eagle - I'm semi on this, I kept losing my balance
Poses I am doing modifications to:
- Downward Dog - I do NOT have the strength to hold my body weight on my arms and legs like that. I did table pose instead pretty much for most of it. If it's a short hold, I can handle it, long holds of it I can't and didn't want to force myself
- Plank - No one likes a plank, but when you have core strength, they are a lot more enjoyable. Me - not so much. So I did a few, and then modified it by doing it on my knees.
Pose I didn't attempt:
- Crane
And my favorite:
- Final corpse
How can you not enjoy laying there and relaxing? ;)
So... The final verdict. Will I go back? Yes, I'm going back this week. And next Saturday I have a meditation class I'll be taking as well.
I figured I'd give it 11 classes (so I bought a package of 10). If I still don't love it, or don't feel as though I'm benefiting from it after that, I'll stop. But I wanted to give it a fair shot. And I will stick in the beginner class for quite a while. :)
3 comments:
Brilliant! I'm so excited for you. :D You have no idea what a kick-ass journey you are embarking upon. I'm serious! As for Down Dog, you'll hear extremely experienced teachers say that this is one of the most difficult poses — and it is. It looks simple, but the body is held in a completely unintuitive position at length and there are so many little tweaks and movements the body begins to become aware of. Don't let that discourage you though, I wanted to make sure that you know it's tough for advanced practitioners, too. :) You should see me in DD — I go up on my toes, wiggle my booty, and pretty much shimmy and settle into place. It's a whole funny process.
When the mental part of yoga begins to kick in, it will knock your socks off. :D I can't wait to hear more about your journey.
Much Love, Lo :)
I've been trying to get rededicated to yoga. I'm glad you've started! Keep up the good work!
Your post has reminded me how much I miss yoga. It really did wonders for me - physically and emotionally. I originally went to yoga to try and relax, we were in the midst of our infertility woes, and I needed a way to relax, a place to go where I could leave EVERYTHING at the door. It never worked anywhere else, but when I walked in the room of that yoga studio, it was like I found an "off" switch to all my negative thinking. That feeling would stick with me fr awhile. I loved my yoga instructor, she was wonderful. I stopped going due to the cost. The studio ended up closing and then I found out my instructor was at a nother studio. I took one class with her there and while I enjoyed her, the atmosphere was totally different. I've tried to do yoga at home and it doesn't work. My "off" switch does not work at home. I would love to find another studio where I can have that peace and relaxation again.
I hope to hear more from you about your experiences with yoga. Namaste. =)
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