It's summer time in beautiful Victoria, and here I am being a prodigal yogini. It has been a week since I last practiced. I have been missing the yoga, but at the same time, I have been enjoying these lazy summer days.
So today I decided to get back into the yoga groove. I love coming to the 9:30 when hubby and daughter are not around, but since they are these days it is tricky to be in the hot room at this time. They are not early risers like me, and they start their day at around 10:00AM. Which means breakfast time is soon after that. I love having a leisurely breakfast with my family. So the 9:30 will not work in this case, but the 1:45 will.
After not having practiced for a week, the monkey mind gets the better of you. I get apprehensive. I get scared of being out of breath and not being able to hold the posture. But practice I must and TODAY is the day. When I arrived at the studio, the place was deserted, save for the front desk ladies, our instructor and four other students. Entering the hot room, I saw that my favourite spot was available. To recap, this spot is at the upper right corner where I have the front and side mirrors to guide me. I had trepidations--will I survive without the comfort of being right by the door for some drafts of cool air seeping through the cracks? I made my decision and parked my mat on my favourite spot and hoped for the best.
Surprisingly, I survived the week-long hiatus. I didn't feel hot at all. I made sure I hydrated well before class as I am still determined to keep up with not taking water during class. I'm sure the room was heated to the regulation temperature of at least 105 degrees F. It must be the lack of bodies that provide the extra heat--there were only nine other students with me. As it is with practicing in the afternoon and the benefit of a week-long rest, I was more flexible and less achy. My Standing Head to Knee was good, as was my Cobra. I thought I had a good Floor Bow, until I felt discomfort in my left hamstring, so I had to relax and pull back a bit. But I was happy with it. I think I was able to kick higher this time. I'm not supposed to look at myself in the mirror, but hey, it was just a small peek :)
"Never regret coming to the hot room, as after class you will always feel so much better!", was what I took away from Niecia this afternoon. That pretty much summed up my practice today. I had my apprehensions and trepidations, but I'm glad I went ahead and faced the challenge. True enough, I felt like a million bucks afterwards! And that's all that matters!
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 = Changes Are Good!
A few of us in the hot room resist change. Some stick to the same spot on the same side day after day, class after class. Some stick to the same class time each day, although this might be dictated by one's daily itinerary. But for those of us who have some flexibility, it is nice to shake things up a bit.
I had planned on showing up at 6:00AM. But a very, very late night "watching TV/falling asleep/waking up to watch more TV" until finally some shut-eye at 1:00AM(!!!) kiboshed that plan. The 9:30AM was out of the question as my little one's camp starts at the same time and I have to sign her in. So my next option was the 1:45PM. I have not tried this class time before so I was curious as to how I would do.
After 5 straight days of practice, 1 day off, 2 days on, then 2 days off, my body was screaming at me at this point. I was very, very sore. I did the 30 Day Challenge in April, and although I felt sore most days at the time, I had enough momentum to keep going. But I feel that I am much more flexible these days than when I did the challenge. For one thing, my "nemesis", the Standing Head to Knee Pose, is slowly but surely becoming my friend. My lower back is loosening up. I am very close to consistently locking my knee each time I do Hands to Feet Pose. Yes, my lower back and glutes are screaming at me all day long, but thanking me profusely at the same time! :)
I came out of that room feeling fantastic! I heard one of the other students say that the room was not that hot today. Maybe so, maybe not. I liked it, it worked for me, que sera sera. Tomorrow's another day, and I look forward to being back in the hot room. Hmmm, I wonder what it's like to practice just before bedtime?
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
I had planned on showing up at 6:00AM. But a very, very late night "watching TV/falling asleep/waking up to watch more TV" until finally some shut-eye at 1:00AM(!!!) kiboshed that plan. The 9:30AM was out of the question as my little one's camp starts at the same time and I have to sign her in. So my next option was the 1:45PM. I have not tried this class time before so I was curious as to how I would do.
After 5 straight days of practice, 1 day off, 2 days on, then 2 days off, my body was screaming at me at this point. I was very, very sore. I did the 30 Day Challenge in April, and although I felt sore most days at the time, I had enough momentum to keep going. But I feel that I am much more flexible these days than when I did the challenge. For one thing, my "nemesis", the Standing Head to Knee Pose, is slowly but surely becoming my friend. My lower back is loosening up. I am very close to consistently locking my knee each time I do Hands to Feet Pose. Yes, my lower back and glutes are screaming at me all day long, but thanking me profusely at the same time! :)
I came out of that room feeling fantastic! I heard one of the other students say that the room was not that hot today. Maybe so, maybe not. I liked it, it worked for me, que sera sera. Tomorrow's another day, and I look forward to being back in the hot room. Hmmm, I wonder what it's like to practice just before bedtime?
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"Walking On Sunshine...And Don't It Feel Good!"
I made it to the 6:00AM class, wasn't planning on going, but my neighbour and yoga buddy K. made the decision for me. I let go of sleeping in, and caved in to an opportunity to get my practice done and over with first thing instead of rushing right after work (3:45PM) or missing dinner time with my family (5:45PM).
I had a shaky start, with a sore right shoulder brought about by a jerky movement in the shower after class yesterday morning. I felt it happen, and thought nothing of it as it didn't bother me for the rest of yesterday. But it came back to haunt me at Pranayama and the first backward bend. I thought, oh great, another write-off. But magic happens when one doesn't give up, takes it easy, but still gives an honest effort. I made the decision to do just so. Once the heat warmed up my muscles and the sweat started to drip, drip, drip, I'm on my way.
My practice was fine, not as great as yesterday's, but taking into account that it's 6:00AM, and I've just gotten out of bed, muscles and joints still asleep, I think I did well. I showered, left the studio, dropped off K. at her place, arrived home, got ready for work, dropped the kid off to summer camp, and with 1/2 hour to spare before work starts I splurged on an iced coffee and breakfast sandwich at Starbucks. No, I didn't forget to drink my Emergen-C spiked water after class! :)
I arrived at work feeling just fantastic! There was a bounce to my step, I was walking tall and sitting tall--my posture has improved a lot since I started practising. I was in a great mood...ALL DAY. I thought about the song, "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. I think that pretty much sums up how my day went.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
I had a shaky start, with a sore right shoulder brought about by a jerky movement in the shower after class yesterday morning. I felt it happen, and thought nothing of it as it didn't bother me for the rest of yesterday. But it came back to haunt me at Pranayama and the first backward bend. I thought, oh great, another write-off. But magic happens when one doesn't give up, takes it easy, but still gives an honest effort. I made the decision to do just so. Once the heat warmed up my muscles and the sweat started to drip, drip, drip, I'm on my way.
My practice was fine, not as great as yesterday's, but taking into account that it's 6:00AM, and I've just gotten out of bed, muscles and joints still asleep, I think I did well. I showered, left the studio, dropped off K. at her place, arrived home, got ready for work, dropped the kid off to summer camp, and with 1/2 hour to spare before work starts I splurged on an iced coffee and breakfast sandwich at Starbucks. No, I didn't forget to drink my Emergen-C spiked water after class! :)
I arrived at work feeling just fantastic! There was a bounce to my step, I was walking tall and sitting tall--my posture has improved a lot since I started practising. I was in a great mood...ALL DAY. I thought about the song, "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. I think that pretty much sums up how my day went.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tanking in the Standing...Second Wind on the Floor
My practice last Sunday morning at my home studio rocked...then kerplunk! Yesterday and today were the complete opposite. I made it to the 6:00AM class on Monday, only to tank during the majority of the postures. I felt very hot, and I was hoping the fans would be turned on but it didn't happen. The little throbbing pain in my head which did not escalate in class morphed into a big headache at work. I was breathless, and my body felt like a ton of lead. I was not limber enough that morning, but who among the majority of us are, at that time of the day anyway? But I let it all go, and hoped that the next day will be a better one.
But it was not to be. The Standing Series today was a complete write-off--well, not completely as I locked my knee for a few seconds in Hands to Feet Pose (yes!!!). I was breathless yet again, two days in a row. I sat out for most of the postures. I couldn't hold my arms parallel to the floor; yes, they felt like a ton of lead. Trikanasana was more like "Cheat-anasana"! Thankfully I was able to get through the last 3 postures. That 2-minute Savasana could not have come any sooner!
To my surprise, after Savasana I felt way better. I seem to have had a second wind from nowhere. It may have been that 2-minute rest. I decided to let the Standing Series go, and looked forward to the Floor Series. I rocked the Floor Series. My "animals" did well: Cobra, Tortoise, Camel, and Rabbit. The real test for me was the Camel. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning, but I mustered enough determination to stay in the posture for both sets and not get out of it until the teacher said so. My sit-ups were energetic enough. When class ended, I stayed in the room to cool down for 300 seconds.
I don't know what happened to me in there, what brought about the lack of energy and the breathlessness. Could have been dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, that coffee I drank this morning, late nights, who knows? They're just all curveballs my body has thrown at me to keep my practice challenging, and at the same time, humbling. That's why I love it so much.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
But it was not to be. The Standing Series today was a complete write-off--well, not completely as I locked my knee for a few seconds in Hands to Feet Pose (yes!!!). I was breathless yet again, two days in a row. I sat out for most of the postures. I couldn't hold my arms parallel to the floor; yes, they felt like a ton of lead. Trikanasana was more like "Cheat-anasana"! Thankfully I was able to get through the last 3 postures. That 2-minute Savasana could not have come any sooner!
To my surprise, after Savasana I felt way better. I seem to have had a second wind from nowhere. It may have been that 2-minute rest. I decided to let the Standing Series go, and looked forward to the Floor Series. I rocked the Floor Series. My "animals" did well: Cobra, Tortoise, Camel, and Rabbit. The real test for me was the Camel. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning, but I mustered enough determination to stay in the posture for both sets and not get out of it until the teacher said so. My sit-ups were energetic enough. When class ended, I stayed in the room to cool down for 300 seconds.
I don't know what happened to me in there, what brought about the lack of energy and the breathlessness. Could have been dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, that coffee I drank this morning, late nights, who knows? They're just all curveballs my body has thrown at me to keep my practice challenging, and at the same time, humbling. That's why I love it so much.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - A Rockin' Practice Today!
2 days of no yoga...I had planned on getting back on the 6:00AM yoga train again, but my body would just not cooperate. I am perplexed about this because I should not have a problem getting up and going; it's much lighter out earlier during these summer days, but somehow my body just wants to stay in bed.
Today being a Wednesday, I would be going to the 9:30AM, but I decided to miss that and go to an evening class this time. Not by choice, but it's by necessity. Our little one is not going to summer camp today, so I have to stay home with her until my hubby comes home.
Updated at 10:48PM
I made it to 5:45PM yoga. It's a class that I rarely go to as it cuts into dinner time. But go I must as missing 2 days has been bugging me.
I parked my mat on the left side of the room, second row, right next to the windows. I had an awesome Pranayama today. I wasn't out of breath and kept good pace all throughout. My right shoulder was a little sore but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was happy with my Half Moon. I was able to keep my arms straight with elbows locked for almost the entire time. I kept them plastered behind my ears which is definitely an improvement. I still haven't gone quite deep yet as I am still struggling to keep my hips square to the front, like being sandwiched by two panes of glass.
My Standing Head to Knee rocked so much today. A yoga buddy told me that gripping the arch of my foot is not the correct grip, so I'm back to holding on to the ball instead. My glutes are still sore, and I wondered whether I will be successful in doing the posture. But I nailed it. Although it took me a while to prepare for the posture, once I got my leg up, I was able to keep it up longer and bend my elbows for a short while before the change.
Triangle Pose was pretty solid and strong. I kept my thighs parallel to the floor and was successful in keeping my arms stretched out to the side the entire time. Usually I run out of breath, but a great Pranayama does keep you strong and solid.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Today being a Wednesday, I would be going to the 9:30AM, but I decided to miss that and go to an evening class this time. Not by choice, but it's by necessity. Our little one is not going to summer camp today, so I have to stay home with her until my hubby comes home.
Updated at 10:48PM
I made it to 5:45PM yoga. It's a class that I rarely go to as it cuts into dinner time. But go I must as missing 2 days has been bugging me.
I parked my mat on the left side of the room, second row, right next to the windows. I had an awesome Pranayama today. I wasn't out of breath and kept good pace all throughout. My right shoulder was a little sore but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was happy with my Half Moon. I was able to keep my arms straight with elbows locked for almost the entire time. I kept them plastered behind my ears which is definitely an improvement. I still haven't gone quite deep yet as I am still struggling to keep my hips square to the front, like being sandwiched by two panes of glass.
My Standing Head to Knee rocked so much today. A yoga buddy told me that gripping the arch of my foot is not the correct grip, so I'm back to holding on to the ball instead. My glutes are still sore, and I wondered whether I will be successful in doing the posture. But I nailed it. Although it took me a while to prepare for the posture, once I got my leg up, I was able to keep it up longer and bend my elbows for a short while before the change.
Triangle Pose was pretty solid and strong. I kept my thighs parallel to the floor and was successful in keeping my arms stretched out to the side the entire time. Usually I run out of breath, but a great Pranayama does keep you strong and solid.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
I missed 2 days of yoga. I was supposed to practice last Friday (my 5th straight day), but I had to work late and the evening classes do not work for me. I decided to miss Saturday's practice as I felt the need to spend more time with my family, take the time to make dinner in a leisurely pace. I didn't regret missing my practice, but I missed it so much. Does that make sense? If you're a hot yoga freak like me, it does.
So just imagine my enthusiasm for Sunday's practice. I was a little late in arriving, so I missed out on my corner spot up front. I opted to stay close to the front mirror, so I took the first row on the left, not my usual spot but I thought it would be good to mix things up a little bit. It's funny how we human beings are creatures of habit. I see most yogis sticking to their usual spots in the room, although I also see some who move around the room.
We had one newbie in class. He did leave the room and came back, and he did this a few times. At least he kept coming back. No one else followed suit. Sometimes, it takes one to start leaving the room, then you have a few others deeking out, and it is very distracting. But this is part of the mind challenge. If you can overcome feeling annoyed by this, then your yoga mind comes out the winner.
So 4 straight days of practice equals sore glutes! Stretch and stretch and stretch, and OWWW!!! But take note, this is a lovely OWWW!!! Again, I experienced that homestretch high. When I left the room, the temperature registered at 112F!!! I knew it was HOT! Whew!!!
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
So just imagine my enthusiasm for Sunday's practice. I was a little late in arriving, so I missed out on my corner spot up front. I opted to stay close to the front mirror, so I took the first row on the left, not my usual spot but I thought it would be good to mix things up a little bit. It's funny how we human beings are creatures of habit. I see most yogis sticking to their usual spots in the room, although I also see some who move around the room.
We had one newbie in class. He did leave the room and came back, and he did this a few times. At least he kept coming back. No one else followed suit. Sometimes, it takes one to start leaving the room, then you have a few others deeking out, and it is very distracting. But this is part of the mind challenge. If you can overcome feeling annoyed by this, then your yoga mind comes out the winner.
So 4 straight days of practice equals sore glutes! Stretch and stretch and stretch, and OWWW!!! But take note, this is a lovely OWWW!!! Again, I experienced that homestretch high. When I left the room, the temperature registered at 112F!!! I knew it was HOT! Whew!!!
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wow! I had a super duper practice today, and it threw me off completely because I did not do well during Pranayama. For some reason, I was breathless. I couldn't breathe deeply and I tired easily that I couldn't control my breathing. I didn't feel very hot this time due to my very "cool" spot right in front of the door. Feeling that little draft IS a big deal for a room heated to at least 104F.
I was so pumped with my Standing Head to Knee. The key for me was changing the grip from the ball of the foot to the arch of the foot. My sweaty hands took longer to slip off my foot using this grip. I am also able to hold my leg higher and more parallel to the floor.
I felt more flexible today. My sit-ups after Savasana were very energetic and I was able to bend my torso deeper than usual. I have been experiencing a "high" towards the end of the class. It feels great to have that energy on the homestretch, despite the heat, humidity, and a lot of sweat! It is true that Bikram Yoga is the only workout that gives you energy, rather than sap it.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
I was so pumped with my Standing Head to Knee. The key for me was changing the grip from the ball of the foot to the arch of the foot. My sweaty hands took longer to slip off my foot using this grip. I am also able to hold my leg higher and more parallel to the floor.
I felt more flexible today. My sit-ups after Savasana were very energetic and I was able to bend my torso deeper than usual. I have been experiencing a "high" towards the end of the class. It feels great to have that energy on the homestretch, despite the heat, humidity, and a lot of sweat! It is true that Bikram Yoga is the only workout that gives you energy, rather than sap it.
Good night, Mommy. I love you.
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