Yoga Queens update

[daner94]

I am so excited, I got back into my routine and went to yoga class on Monday and also yesterday. It had been several weeks since I had gone to both classes in a week.

I have felt muscles in my back *working* while doing downward dog, yippee!! And I feel like I am sitting up straighter while at this darn computer all day. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I might have mentioned this but, my favorite instructor is pregnant and she told us that she probably will not be teaching past Sept 1. I was so sad to hear that!

How is everyone else doing??

Dana



[This message has been edited by daner94 (edited 06-22-2001).]

[gabbyh]

Dana,
Good for you! I can't seem to fit a yoga class into my schedule...I'm a nursing administrator and work evening shift (3-11:30 PM)...it seems everytime I sign up for a class, I have to go in to the hospital early for an important meeting on the day of the class...or my boss is on vacation and I have to work her schedule, etc.,...now I moved my TV/VCR into my dining room so I can at least use a video...my question is...do you know of any good yoga videos that I can purchase? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[This message has been edited by gabbyh (edited 06-22-2001).]

[hlao23]

I haven't managed to make it a routine yet. The university I work for offers yoga classes at lunch. I went to the first session then had to miss the next 5 because of stupid report deadlines (classes are Mon & Fri). I finally went again on Wednesday only to learn that our instructer would start her two week vacation next week http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif. I did invest in a mat and 2 blocks so I plan to practice at home the few positions I've learned.

I still can't get over how sore my entire body is for the two days following a session. I never expected yoga to work on so many different muscles.

Dana - even tho' I've only been to 2 classes, I have felt like I am sitting/standing straighter the day of class and at least 1 or 2 days after. Or maybe I'm so sore that I don't have a choice http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif.

[SusieO]

gabbyh, if you run a search on "yoga" you will find lots of previous threads on the subject, many of which offer tape suggestions. My favorites are from Living Arts, and I especially recommend Yoga Practice for Beginner with Patricia Walden.

Here's a sampling of past threads: http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000533.html http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000434.html http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000408.html http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000242.html

Dana, good job!

For the past couple of weeks, I've started every day with Rodney Yee and A.M. Yoga. It means getting up a little earlier, but I think it makes a big difference! (It's easier to get out of bed when I remind myself that all I have to do is go lie down on the floor in the living room. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) I also try to get in another tape in the evening, but some days are better than others.

[mandarin2j]

Since this term began, I've been in a routine that I'm pretty pleased with. I have my class only one night a week, but that allows for flexibility (har har http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif ) on the other nights when I do an at-home practice. Having classes two nights a week just didn't work out last term. For my two night per week at-home practice, I lift weights, then do some basic warm-up poses (desk, cobra, both dogs), then use the Denise Austin Pilates video, do a few more basic poses (palm tree, desk again, triangle) and then do sivasana. I'm not noticing any greater flexibility in my hamstrings-a major problem area for me from years of running without stretching at all & now they're also taxed by me cycling to/from work every day-but my lower abdomen is definitely stronger. When I first started yoga in January, I couldn't pull it in, it was that out of shape. Now I can feel my abs working as I move through the poses and I have greater control over flexing them. Yay! Another thing I notice is that I'm much more aware of my posture when I'm walking and I stand up much straighter than before. I still slump when I sit, but the standing and walking is much better! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[BeckyM]

I usually go to yoga class on Monday evenings, but this past week I was travelling for work, and this coming week I'll be out of town on vacation. I have been doing some yoga on my own at home, but I like it so much better at class! I think the next time I'll be able to go will be a Saturday class on June 30th! I can hardly wait! I feel so much better when I'm going to yoga class regularly!

[Leslie w]

I've managed to keep up my at home yoga practice 3 days a week. In between I'm weight training twice a week and doing pilates. I do the Austin pilates tape and I find it very effective on my abs and back. It supplements my yoga nicely.

I have noticed dramatic results with my yoga workouts. Since starting the program 4 months ago I've made great strides in the strength and flexibility departments. Although like Mandarin I have very tight hamstrings from years of running and downward dog can hurt!

My balancing has improved dramatically. I can now stand on one foot and hold the other high for 5 breaths. That took a lot of practice!

My upper arm strength is back. I can lift my body off the floor while in half lotus position... I am now working on back bends.

I love my Ashtanga yoga tapes and I highly recommend Yoga Zone's Flexibility and Tone video for those starting out. The instructor does a great job in teaching breathing and form. Their Strength and Endurance tape is great for an intermediate practice.

[This message has been edited by Leslie w (edited 06-26-2001).]

[KValley]

Thank you all so much. I've been travelling a lot recently and just haven't been practicing, other than using several poses to stretch out after running (which I have also been inconsistent with these past couple of weeks).

Last night I very nearly didn't go to class- my first in two weeks-but I read through these posts and knew how much better I'd feel afterwards. SUre enough, I felt wonderful. I had tears running down my face during sivasana, I just needed so badly to relax and let go. You've also inspired me to pick up my at home practice with renewed energy.

Leslie, what Ashtanga tapes are you using? I'd like a recommendation. My class is Kripalu and I'd really like something more physically challenging.

I'm so happy for and proud of everyone. Let's keep supporting each other!

Julie

[SusieO]

Leslie, you're amazing. I would like to be able to lift myself up in half-lotus. Actually, I would like to get into half-lotus. One of these days . . .

Julie, I know exactly how you feel. Some days I have to force myself to pop a tape in, and by the time I finish I can't imagine why I ever resisted.

I've found that an evening practice is a wonderful deterrent to snacking. If I make a "date" with myself, I know I have to refrain from eating for two hours beforehand, and if the tape is an hour long, that's three prime time hours of not snacking!