Starting Yoga !

[BeckyM]

Hey everyone! I just wanted to post because I'm excited that I'm starting a yoga class tonight. My husband (a physical therapist) has been telling me that yoga would probably be very good for me, but I've been concentrating on Tae Bo & weightlifting. But thanks to things I've read on this board and other reading & thinking I've been doing about it, I've decided I ought to vary my exercise a bit and fit in something gentler that will also improve my flexibility.


I found a place that just does yoga, and all their instructors are certified. They have a variety of different classes, but they recommended I start with the "Basics" class. They also have more advanced classes and even a special pre-natal one (which I will hopefully someday need). I decided I should start right away, while I have the momentum, then I'm assuming I will like it so much that I will love going every week.

I was taking a yoga class a few years ago, and I really liked that, but I felt like I should be doing more strenuous workouts, so I stopped going. But now I'm being more reasonable with myself, and I'm going to start yoga again. I am convinced that the benefits will be tremendous!

[SandyM]

How timely, Becky! I just now found a certified instructor in my town, and I am sooooo excited! She has taught in California (and is now in Michigan), and she's been an instructor for 25 years. She even does private tutorials in her home.

She has a class currently running now, which I may drop in, but the next class starts May 14th. I'm very excited!!! WOO HOO!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[SusanT]

So.. how did you like it?

[BeckyM]

I definitely liked it, but I think it will take a bit for me to get used to. They run their classes in 8-week sessions, but they told me I could start any time in the session. Last night was the fifth week, so I was a bit nervous about knowing what to do. The instructor did refer several times to postures they had learned in previous weeks, but she talked through them fairly thoroughly, so I was able to follow along.

My body did feel really good afterwards, and I think that feeling will get even better as I continue to go and be more comfortable with the movements.

The place itself was nice -- they had a large, quiet room with dim lighting and soft music. They even had a candle lit, and I think it probably was an aromatherapy one. The instructor was also very good -- she explained what we were doing and why, plus she had a soothing, positive voice. She also encouraged us to listen to our bodies and not try to push past where our bodies were comfortable. I could tell she really enjoyed teaching yoga and that she knew the subject well.

So, I will be back! I paid for the remaining four weeks of the session, so I HAVE to go! But I would go back even if I hadn't paid. The only downside is that the place isn't very close to work or home for me, but it's only about a 20 minute drive from work, so that's not too bad. I'm just glad I finally did the research, found a place, and started going. I don't know why it took me so long!

Becky http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SandyM]

Check out this site from Time:
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/yoga/

Oh, those poses!!!

[daner94]

Hi everyone!
SandyM, thanks for the link, my yoga instructor had mentioned the articles and I have not had the chance to pick the magazine up.

I jumped on the yoga bandwagon the first week of January- one of my New Year's resolutions. I just love it! My next thing is to buy a new VCR so I can tape the "Inhale" series on Oxygen, and maybe rent some tapes to do at home.

It felt really awkward at first but I have gotten the hang of it and I really look forward to class. I have studied Tae Kwon Do, weight trained, swam, cardioed like crazy, but nothing compares to how your body feels after an hour of yoga.

My instructor is about 3 months pregnant, so I am sad she has a limited time with us, her substitute is tough!

But the best thing is that I have finally become inspired to stop smoking- today is day one and I am going to stretch when I get home- I can't wait!

[Leslie w]

daner94, congrats on your decision to quit smoking. Yoga should help you in that dept.

I'm glad more people are turning to yoga. Even doctors are recommending it to patients who have sports injuries and other chronic conditions. My gf just told me her doctor strongly suggested she start doing yoga because nothing else is helping her back pain and he doesn't want to perform surgery. She asked me about some tapes but because of her back pain I strongly suggested she take a class and learn from an instructor.

Yoga does look so much easier than it really is. I notice if I don't do it for a week there is definitely more tension in my muscles and it takes me a long time to loosen up. To maintain maximum flexibility I need to do it at least 3 times a week so if you're only going to one class a week I'd suggest getting a video too.

[SusieO]

Originally posted by daner94:
But the best thing is that I have finally become inspired to stop smoking- today is day one and I am going to stretch when I get home- I can't wait!

Congratulations! That's so wonderful that you've decided to take this step. My husband is a smoker; I'm hoping he will be similarly inspired after practicing yoga for a while. Let us know how you're doing. Nothing wrong with replacing the one addiction with an addiction to this BB! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KValley]

BeckyM I'm so excited for you to be starting yoga (and envious that you have such a lovely studio at which to practice).
I must say that DH and I did a grueling 8 mile (RT) hike on MOnday, one that left my thighs trembling and knees aching. I was certain I'd be sore the next day. NOPE!!! NOt a muscle ache in site- I attribute that in part to yoga- the strength I've built in my knees from stability poses. Weight-training has helped of course- it's all about balance in exercise routines...

daner94 (what does that stand for BTW?) I wish you so much peace and strength as you work to quit smoking and I applaud your courage. PLease know that you have this BB pulling for you- a huge cheering section.


Isn't it the truth about this BB being addictive? I've been on for a month- I feel so wrapped up in everyone's lives, joys, struggles... I travel a lot for my job (in San Jose, CA at the moment, writing from my hotel bed!) and this BB gives me a sense of connection amidst the unfamiliar. Y'all are great!

Namaste, Julie

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-19-2001).]

[daner94]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement! Day 2. I feel okay! SOmeone gave me some Nicorette which tastes weird but it helped my craving for my after lunch cigarette.

Going to a different yoga class tonight with a different instructor, very excited.

I'll keep you posted, and thanks again for caring.

Dana (my little sister called me Daner when she was real small, and daner94 is my email address)

[woodsl]

Originally posted by daner94:
Hi everyone!

But the best thing is that I have finally become inspired to stop smoking- today is day one and I am going to stretch when I get home- I can't wait!

daner94

I quit smoking last Thursday - April 19th. I have quit many times before, but I really want it to work this time. Maybe we can provide support for each other through this BB. Good Luck.

Sharon

[This message has been edited by woodsl (edited 04-21-2001).]

[SusieO]

Yea, Sharon!
Best of luck to you!

[KValley]

We're pulling for you, Sharon! Keep us posted, you two, on your progress.

Best wishes, Julie

[daner94]

Hi everyone!

Sharon- good luck- we can do this!!!!!!
It is now day 5 and I made it through the weekend! And, I had cocktails both Friday and Saturday evenings which is rare for me BUT I didn't have a cigarette at all. I am so proud of myself, it was tough. This Nicorette gum is helping a little but it's not the same. But I won't give in!!

How are you doing, Sharon?

Dana

[beacooker]

Dana and Sharon -

Congrats on quitting smoking!! I have been a non-smoker for over two years now, and I thought I would tell you the things that made the biggest difference for me -
1. When I was having a cigarette craving, I would stop trying to resist it, but pay close attention to it instead. I noticed that all the craving really was was a little bit of tightness in my chest, and my heart beating a little fast. Nothing really unpleasant. It may sound weird, but this made it easier to resist the urge to smoke.
2. Understanding that I absolutely could not have a single cigarette!! I had tried to quit several times before, and after a few weeks I would always convince myself that one cigarette (or one puff!) wouldn't hurt anything. Thats not true!! By giving in to the urge sometimes, you make yourself have to make a decision about whether or not to have a cigarette every time you get a craving.

Good luck, sounds like your off to a great start!!