Hello there!
Now that I finally posted the Miele spaghetti and meatballs recipe for you all, I realize my fitness conversation has been lacking, too.
This is possibly due to my increased consumption of beer and television, but more likely due to my general apathy toward exercise, except for my beloved yoga. (Oh, and my single-sometimes-double-lap “walks” during lunch—can’t forget those.)
With cooler temperatures beginning to creep into this area—and The Color Run this Saturday—I have a feeling that running will make its way back into my life soon.
Until then, here’s a little recap on some improvements and discoveries I’ve made recently at Bikram. (Check out my last recap.)
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1. I can bring my palms together (left arm under right) in Garudasana (Eagle)—and I’m thisclose to doing the same on the other side. I’m ecstatic! Obnoxious man shoulders—I’ll show you who’s boss!
2. In Tuesday-before-last’s class with guest instructor Jeremy, we really focused on breathing. He moved quickly, which didn’t leave any time between postures to think about how tired I was. The class was brutal—in the best way—and I found myself focusing more on my presence in the room and less on the cloud of thoughts constantly circulating inside my head.
3. I’m not as intimidated in class. In the same Tuesday class, I practiced on the front row (partly because my usual spot was taken, also because we’re playing “Bikram Bingo” and front row is one of the squares). Little did I realize that 2 of our instructors were set up directly behind me. Of course they were focused on themselves rather than little awkward me, but even if they had been watching or critiquing, I was too focused to notice.
4. The only pose I feel like I haven’t improved at all is Supta-Vajrasana (Fixed Firm). I know it’s a gradual thing (one of our instructors always tells us it took 7 years just to get her hips on the ground!), but I’ve noticed at least minor progress in other postures. Maybe I’ll try sitting in this pose while watching TV?
5. I still feel like I sweat—and look like I’m on the edge of death!—more than anybody else in the room! Guess I’m doing something right?
6. I received a “good job, Catherine!” during Salabhasana (Locust) last class. Locust is pretty much the bane of my existence, so, even though yoga is not about perfection or impressing others, it felt good to know my struggle to push just a bit harder was noticed.
7. Even though we do the same 26 postures each class, I think Bikram has given me a good foundation for other forms of yoga. Last night, I joined the sunset “open flow” class with Kula Yoga at Bayfront Park; I’ve never taken any other Vinyasa class and probably looked like a jackass attempting some of the postures, but once I was in a good breathing rhythm, I really enjoyed it. I loved the fluidity of Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation)—and how it almost felt like a dance. The weather was absolutely perfect, too!
I suppose that’s it for now. I’m eager to see if the breathing exercises translate in to greater stamina and more controlled breathing during running. If only yoga could cure social awkwardness, too!
Have a great (almost) weekend, friends.
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