Yoga

Alas, my month trial of hot yoga has come to an end.

I am really going to miss it.  When I come back from the USA my plan was to pick up swimming again, but I am wondering if perhaps I should do the yoga again too, except it's so bloody expensive.

I have learnt lots about my body this month.  I learnt that I can put it into all sorts of weird positions, and then hold the position.  Balancing is all in the mind - it requires focus.  If you think you can do it, you can. Deep breathing helps - it distracts you from the task (and usually the pain and discomfort) at hand and focuses your mind on something else.  Half pigeon hurts, but is bloody good for you.  I love Shavasana.  I am not as self conscious as I thought I would be.  Trying new things is good.

I always thought yoga was for hippie types and I just didn't 'get it'.  The "ommmms" put me off, the weird pose names put me off, the deep breathing put me off and I thought it was just a fad.  But I really really enjoyed it and I am definitely not a hippie type.  My body feels stronger and leaner.  I feel healthier and calmer.

It's also really hard.  Going to the gym a lot before I started yoga definitely helped me - I already had some muscles in my bum and abs which helped with some of the poses, and I think if I had started from scratch with no prior exercise experience I would have really struggled.  Holding a plank and switching from low to high, doing bicycle abs, doing the boat, doing downward dog with one leg up straight - it requires a lot of strength.  Saying that though, averaging two classes a week for a month has massively improved my core strength already - I can now hold the crow for 10 seconds, sort of do the bird of paradise, and can do the tree with my eyes closed.

The crow. I thought this was impossible when I first tried. Image source - google


I would highly recommend it to anyone - ignore how silly you think you'll feel, remember it's OK to be a beginner, everyone has to start somewhere, and give it a go.  If you don't like it, maybe try a few more classes, or try a different instructor.  There's so many different types of yoga and though broadly the same, each has different techniques and styles.  I was doing hot power yoga which was a heated studio which helped the muscles warm up quicker to increase your flexibility.  Each instructor was different and had their favourite positions they wanted you to get into - some of the harder classes I did involved lots of holding planks and lots of heart openers.  Apart from the expense, if you're in South London I would definitely recommend HPY in Clapham.

In other news - I am going to write a book on how to lose a guy in 21 days. It seems to be my average and I'm pretty bloody good at it.  Also, I go to America on Friday!  I still haven't packed, I currently don't own a USA plug adapter, or any pyjamas, and I have forgotten the name of the hostel I have booked myself into when I get to New York.  Such preparation!

I will blog about my trip but probably once I am back as I like to make the posts look all pretty with pictures I have photoshopped to high heaven.  In the mean time if you are interested then I'll update my twitter and instagram which you can find to the right of this page and up a bit --------->

Adios for now amigos!


Comments

  1. No no no no. I want daily updates when you are away! I can't wait until you return!!!

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    1. be my 9th Twitter follower then Lisi!!! xxxxx

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    2. Gah I stopped going on Twitter as it was so confusing!!! But il get it back just for you xxxxxx

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  2. I want photos of YOU doing the Yoga positions!

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  3. Lol did a double take at the photo thinking it was you! Hahaha

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  4. I would also like weekly travel updates from you, Nains. Otherwise, how can I live vicariously through your adventures?! -x-

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    1. Follow my twitter for daily ones Leanney !!! It's the perfect platform for my verbal diarrhoea xxxx

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    2. But I don't 'do' Twitter! So what about me?

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    3. Mum you can see my twitter on the blog!!!!! But I have written my NYC post so maybe I'll post it just for you...

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