9 years later and I still enjoy it..

I've really been enjoying my yoga classes lately.

It's been about 9 years since I tried yoga for the first time and I remember how frustrated I was with it.  My mind couldn't seem to "slow down" and enjoy each pose.  I was constantly distracted and looking at the time.  I was so used to the fast pace of running, aerobics, biking etc. that yoga didn't give me the adrenalin kick that I was looking for.

But, I stuck with it and it has rewarded me with a great sense of inner peace, increased flexibility, strength, focus and a sense of accomplishment. It has become a lifestyle choice.

Lately, I've been noticing that my body seem to crave certain positions.  When the class is doing bridge pose; my body wants to do Full Bridge.  It wasn't that long ago that I found it too difficult.  It's amazing how fast we build strength.

I love ending my yoga session with  Halasana (Plow Pose).  It's so enjoyable and relaxing to stretch out my lower back.  There was a time when I couldn't imagine doing, yet alone enjoying this pose.

I'm not to fussy about the style of yoga; I enjoy many but my favorites are Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga. I have a tendency to get bored easily so a mixture of yoga practices is probably the best for me.

For the upcoming winter, I'm planning on trying some new Yoga Studios.  I think it's time I took it to the next level.  

Exercise with Caution

No Pain - No Gain is a familiar term for all of us, and I tend to push myself into the Pain Zone.  I want to feel the aftermath of a good workout.

 This week, I might have pushed my body too hard as I've ended up with either a pulled or torn tendon in my leg.   I hate being told to relax and put my feet up.  It's like torture.. I could do so many other things.

A close friend told me that I exercise too much, and therefore I'm to blame for this condition.  I get her point! 

But, the fact is, I have not had any injuries, pain or other ailments, for years, while keeping up with my yoga routine. I love yoga, and the benefit that comes with it.   Normally, I'll practice yoga 3 times per week but for the past 6 weeks, I barely got 3 yoga session in.   My body was slowly loosing its flexibility and strength.

So, I truly believe this injury would not have happened had I kept up my yoga routine.

Now, I'll pay the consequence as I won't be exercising for a few weeks and that's punishment enough for me. 

So, lesson learned.. Know what's good for you and stick to it!

I surely don't want to sit around all day....

Zumba - Upbeat Fitness Party

I love my Zumba classes.   Talk about high-energy classes.  People are smiling while sweating away in these dance classes.  What a great way to burn calories and tone at the same time.  Doesn't even feel like exercise.  It's one big  fitness-party with great music and dance moves.   It is so addictive that I keep going back for more.  My favorite Zumba song at the moment is Waka Waka with Shakira.  Hey, we even try to imitate some of her moves..

Namaste Yoga

My first encounter with Yoga was through a DVD that I borrowed at the local library about 6 years ago. I remember not enjoying it at all, and struggling with holding the poses for what seemed like an eternity. I fast forwarded parts of the video as I was irritated with the slowness of the motions.

I have always been physically active and having spent the past 20 years taking aerobics classes, running, biking and swimming, yoga just did not seem to give me the workout I needed. I didn't feel as if I was accomplishing anything.
My two reasons for even trying out yoga was that I had encountered some sports related injuries, as well as feeling stressed at the time, and had read that yoga could be beneficial for both "problems".
I persevered for about 4 sessions and started to see a dramatic improvement in my mental well being as well as my flexibility. I still struggled with the slow pace of yoga but realized that the benefits were well worth it.
So, for the past 6 years I have been incorporating yoga into my weekly workout and can say that it does bring me an inner calm, flexibility, strength and mental well being.


During my regular Monday class, the instructor mentioned that she sometimes partakes in a yoga class, taught by Dr. Melissa West www.melissawest.com, that is posted on blip TV. So, last week when I couldn't get to the class, I remembered the conversation and decided to try it out.

There are currently 19 weekly episodes available and I'm determined to try one each day. I have now done an hour of yoga for the past 7 days, and feel great. I'm so relaxed at the end of the sessions that I fall asleep flat on the floor, and tend to wake up when I feel cold.

I wouldn't say that these are my favorite yoga sessions, but very good for the beginner or for someone looking for gentle, basic yoga. I would have liked it if the instructor had incorporated some vinyasas into the sessions.

Namaste Yoga does make me feel very relaxed though. So, let's check in when I'm done with all 19 episodes and see how my body feels.   Simple Pleasures at its best!

http://namasteyoga.blip.tv/posts?view=archive&nsfw=dc