Up fairly early for 'Detox'. Really enjoy this one - it has some great flows and does seem to 'wring out' my body as Travis suggests.
I also did a run in the sun later on and hardCORE so it was a big exercise day today, especially as I did a bit of running and walking with clients too.
My run, as per last time, felt extremely fluid. I'm realizing just how much I've let myself tighten up. I should know better! Understanding the correct mechanics of running is only half of the equation - your body physically needs to be able to do it too! That's why, if I can, I give my running clients a movement programme too as well as specific running drills, so that they can release where necessary as well as improving technique. I'm now doing the same for myself with UY!
I'm afraid I didn't get around to meditation - epic fail on that so far in this second phase. I had half an hour to myself this evening whilst David was training his MMA group and I wanted to read my book! However, I haven't achieved that same level of peace recently as I did when I first started and was more vigilant with the meditation, so it's time to make the effort.
I forgot to say - I received my 'custom made' mala bead bracelet on Saturday but they got the bead combination wrong and I can't get any response about sending it back! I spent such a long time researching the beads and their meanings that I don't want to just say, "oh well, this one will do". So, more emails to the company - I am trying to remain polite and yogi-fied about it!
Roller coaster ride of 'Cardio' tomorrow :).
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Monday, 5 August 2013
Day 40 - Not in love with 'Gentle' yet!
I had an early client this morning and didn't want to do 'Gentle' before that because I knew I wouldn't get the benefits so early in the morning. I'd have liked to have done it this evening but have to go to a meeting and this afternoon I went swimming, so I ended up doing it at about 9am and wasn't feeling particularly bendy.
I have now vowed to do some kind of warm up before this one in the future. It was like trying to bend metal rods today. I actually twinged a muscle doing the all fours 'cat/cow' movement which couldn't be much more gentle but I still felt something 'ping' and it's still with me now. I put it down to the fact that I had a fairly toxic weekend. Not all night partying or anything extreme like that, but I just could have eaten more healthily.
However, my swim was fantastic. I zoned out all the shouting kids and just flowed through the water - the same fluid feeling I had on my run on Saturday. I usually swim a mile and split the lengths into sprints and different breathing patterns to keep it interesting. My breathing felt controlled today too.
So, I still can't join the others in the facebook and say that I love the slow stretching DVDs. I really want to be able to sink into the pose and exhale loudly for about five minutes like Travis does, "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....". But I just feel awkward :(. I'm wondering if the gains in flexibility will come a bit later on in the programme. I can go deeper into the poses during a flow, but just the stretching on its own, my body is stubborn.
I'm not disappointed though. I almost feel like I'm outside of myself, observing with interest. I'm really enjoying the journey and certainly wouldn't be as much as I am if it all came easily.
'Detox' tomorrow, around 6.30am. Better get a decent night's sleep!
I have now vowed to do some kind of warm up before this one in the future. It was like trying to bend metal rods today. I actually twinged a muscle doing the all fours 'cat/cow' movement which couldn't be much more gentle but I still felt something 'ping' and it's still with me now. I put it down to the fact that I had a fairly toxic weekend. Not all night partying or anything extreme like that, but I just could have eaten more healthily.
However, my swim was fantastic. I zoned out all the shouting kids and just flowed through the water - the same fluid feeling I had on my run on Saturday. I usually swim a mile and split the lengths into sprints and different breathing patterns to keep it interesting. My breathing felt controlled today too.
So, I still can't join the others in the facebook and say that I love the slow stretching DVDs. I really want to be able to sink into the pose and exhale loudly for about five minutes like Travis does, "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....". But I just feel awkward :(. I'm wondering if the gains in flexibility will come a bit later on in the programme. I can go deeper into the poses during a flow, but just the stretching on its own, my body is stubborn.
I'm not disappointed though. I almost feel like I'm outside of myself, observing with interest. I'm really enjoying the journey and certainly wouldn't be as much as I am if it all came easily.
'Detox' tomorrow, around 6.30am. Better get a decent night's sleep!
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Day 39 - 'Flexibility' - a long way to go with this one!
I didn't set my alarm this morning as it's the only day I get a lie in. However, I woke up early because I'm so used to it and didn't want to lie around too long so got up at 8.30am and set out my mat for 'Flexibility'.
Most of it, I thoroughly enjoyed. There were still strength elements in there and a sense of flow. The yogi squat is tricky for me so there was no way I was able to tie my upper body in knots at the same time. Travis told me, "you should be feeling this everywhere" - yep, I was! Not too bad for my first go and one that I'll enjoy working on.
There's a floor sequence at the end that was very difficult. It involves what's often termed "hurdler's stretch". Some fitness trainers scoff at this position, saying it's, "contra-indicated". For me, no pose or exercise is generically a 'bad' one - it's all about adapting to each individual. Well, this individual was having to adapt her heart out! The initial position was fine, but some of the add-ons just seem impossible. I'm not convinced my body will ever agree with me when I ask it to do these things. The students on the DVD were definitely at different levels with this one too - some of them who could do it fully just looked amazing and totally relaxed, grabbing their blocks to see if they could deepen the pose even further. I just sat awkwardly looking on, wondering how long I'd have to stay there and whether I'd actually be able to get myself out of the pose or need to shout for help. It certainly highlighted the imbalance in my hips and pelvis too. If I thought the first side was bad, the other was even worse!
There's also the option in this DVD to, "slide your front leg forward into the splits". Ha ha ha ha ha...in my dreams. Literally. I have had dreams where I'm super-flexible and can do the splits easily - such a cruel trick of my mind and I'm so disappointed when I wake up.
One day I'll be able to do the whole of this DVD. I'm not putting a time goal on it - it'll probably take years. But I'll get there.
'hardCORE' later and 'Gentle' tomorrow. Not sure how that will go - so much stretching today my body might seize up by tomorrow in protest!
Most of it, I thoroughly enjoyed. There were still strength elements in there and a sense of flow. The yogi squat is tricky for me so there was no way I was able to tie my upper body in knots at the same time. Travis told me, "you should be feeling this everywhere" - yep, I was! Not too bad for my first go and one that I'll enjoy working on.
There's a floor sequence at the end that was very difficult. It involves what's often termed "hurdler's stretch". Some fitness trainers scoff at this position, saying it's, "contra-indicated". For me, no pose or exercise is generically a 'bad' one - it's all about adapting to each individual. Well, this individual was having to adapt her heart out! The initial position was fine, but some of the add-ons just seem impossible. I'm not convinced my body will ever agree with me when I ask it to do these things. The students on the DVD were definitely at different levels with this one too - some of them who could do it fully just looked amazing and totally relaxed, grabbing their blocks to see if they could deepen the pose even further. I just sat awkwardly looking on, wondering how long I'd have to stay there and whether I'd actually be able to get myself out of the pose or need to shout for help. It certainly highlighted the imbalance in my hips and pelvis too. If I thought the first side was bad, the other was even worse!
There's also the option in this DVD to, "slide your front leg forward into the splits". Ha ha ha ha ha...in my dreams. Literally. I have had dreams where I'm super-flexible and can do the splits easily - such a cruel trick of my mind and I'm so disappointed when I wake up.
One day I'll be able to do the whole of this DVD. I'm not putting a time goal on it - it'll probably take years. But I'll get there.
'hardCORE' later and 'Gentle' tomorrow. Not sure how that will go - so much stretching today my body might seize up by tomorrow in protest!
Day 38 - Best Strength session so far!
I had the most fluid run I've had for ages this morning. This yoga is really working deep into those tight areas and releasing a lot of tension! I could have run forever but bearing in mind I had yet to tackle 'Strength', David and I ran just a nice half hour loop in our local area and then headed home - me to my mat.
Well, it was absolutely the best Strength session yet! I was controlled, focused and the neck/shoulder niggle seems to have righted itself. I did all the push ups on my knees this time and concentrated on keeping my shoulders down and elbows in. I think I tend to cheat doing this from my feet - my elbows go too wide and I can't go all the way down. Doing it on my knees, I can get right to the floor with good technique. Better to do it this way rather than my body learning the wrong technique. It's still tough too!
I'm afraid I can't hold the second plank series, where there's an elbow plank followed by lifting the knee to the elbow, etc. By that stage, my core and arms are just too tired. But I know one day I'll do it. Glad 'hardCORE' is no longer on the same day as strength!
I didn't do any work today, apart from seeing one client in the morning. I tend to let myself relax on a Saturday - it's as close as I get to a day off. Turns out I took a break from the healthy food too - pizza followed by a load of biscuits. And red wine. And it was all delicious, so there!
Oh, there was a discussion on the facebook group about how to stop slipping around in the puddles of sweat you create working hard on this programme! I tried using chalk dust on my hands and feet today. It seemed to help, although the temperature wasn't so hot so I don't think I was sweating so much anyway. I think if I had been, I'd have needed to re-apply more chalk a few times during the session which would have disrupted the flow. I'd probably use it again though.
New DVD to try tomorrow - 'Flexibility'. Not sure what to expect but looking forward to it!
Well, it was absolutely the best Strength session yet! I was controlled, focused and the neck/shoulder niggle seems to have righted itself. I did all the push ups on my knees this time and concentrated on keeping my shoulders down and elbows in. I think I tend to cheat doing this from my feet - my elbows go too wide and I can't go all the way down. Doing it on my knees, I can get right to the floor with good technique. Better to do it this way rather than my body learning the wrong technique. It's still tough too!
I'm afraid I can't hold the second plank series, where there's an elbow plank followed by lifting the knee to the elbow, etc. By that stage, my core and arms are just too tired. But I know one day I'll do it. Glad 'hardCORE' is no longer on the same day as strength!
I didn't do any work today, apart from seeing one client in the morning. I tend to let myself relax on a Saturday - it's as close as I get to a day off. Turns out I took a break from the healthy food too - pizza followed by a load of biscuits. And red wine. And it was all delicious, so there!
Oh, there was a discussion on the facebook group about how to stop slipping around in the puddles of sweat you create working hard on this programme! I tried using chalk dust on my hands and feet today. It seemed to help, although the temperature wasn't so hot so I don't think I was sweating so much anyway. I think if I had been, I'd have needed to re-apply more chalk a few times during the session which would have disrupted the flow. I'd probably use it again though.
New DVD to try tomorrow - 'Flexibility'. Not sure what to expect but looking forward to it!
Friday, 2 August 2013
Day 37 - Entering the next phase with questionable balance :)
Today was the beginning of my second phase of the programme and I got to try out 'Balance' - the one that everyone's talking about in the facebook group. Well, it was everything that's been promised. Tough, funny and despite some of the movements being seemingly possible, it's one I want to do again and again.
There's definitely a different feel to this class; it's more light-hearted. The message is clear though: most people need to work on their balance, both physically and mentally. If you can find balance (which is difficult because balance is fluid and ever-changing!), that's when you function the best. Most of my current balance training is done through movement, frequently changing the standing leg. This DVD requires you to run through a balance flow but staying on one leg for what seems like forever. Feel the burn or what?! It highlights the weakness on my right leg which was on fire for most of the class.
None of the poses seem completely impossible though. It's pitched just right so that most people trying it won't be able to do all of it but at the same time, achieving the poses isn't entirely out of reach. I can't wait to do it again!
I also did hardCORE this evening which was good as usual - nice length, challenging but do-able. I'm on my way to abs of steel!
It's 'Strength' again tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. I will probably run first so might try what I suggested in the facebook group and use some chalk dust on my hands and feet to see if that aids with the sweaty slippage factor.
And I must get a new mat. It was very embarrassing when I took it to a client's (pristine) house and rolled it out. She took one disapproving look at it and just said, "I think you need a new mat". Hmm, I think she's right. It's looking decidedly grimy. I will add "new mat" to my list of things to do. I'll get David one too - he's still doing the Karen Voight DVD but has outgrown it already so I'm going to introduce him to Rodney Yee's 'Power Yoga' - that should keep him busy for a while!
There's definitely a different feel to this class; it's more light-hearted. The message is clear though: most people need to work on their balance, both physically and mentally. If you can find balance (which is difficult because balance is fluid and ever-changing!), that's when you function the best. Most of my current balance training is done through movement, frequently changing the standing leg. This DVD requires you to run through a balance flow but staying on one leg for what seems like forever. Feel the burn or what?! It highlights the weakness on my right leg which was on fire for most of the class.
None of the poses seem completely impossible though. It's pitched just right so that most people trying it won't be able to do all of it but at the same time, achieving the poses isn't entirely out of reach. I can't wait to do it again!
I also did hardCORE this evening which was good as usual - nice length, challenging but do-able. I'm on my way to abs of steel!
It's 'Strength' again tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. I will probably run first so might try what I suggested in the facebook group and use some chalk dust on my hands and feet to see if that aids with the sweaty slippage factor.
And I must get a new mat. It was very embarrassing when I took it to a client's (pristine) house and rolled it out. She took one disapproving look at it and just said, "I think you need a new mat". Hmm, I think she's right. It's looking decidedly grimy. I will add "new mat" to my list of things to do. I'll get David one too - he's still doing the Karen Voight DVD but has outgrown it already so I'm going to introduce him to Rodney Yee's 'Power Yoga' - that should keep him busy for a while!
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Day 36 - Reflections
So. Today I completed my 36 Sun Salutations. I wasn't really sure what to expect as the facebook group members have commented more on their 72 and 108 Sun Salutations. In fact, it went by without any hitch, no particular feelings of accomplishment - just a 16 minute or so flow really! A wasp began to buzz very loudly above my head for the last few and I got mixed up too, thinking I was doing 34 SS's and then got confused when they all just kept going on the DVD. I wouldn't say it was a meditative experience but I gave myself a bit of a high five as I got ready to go out.
36 days on the programme have passed so quickly. For me, it's not really been about the physical benefits - at least not on their own. The physical benefits, I think, have come about through a gradual changing of my mental state as regards health and well-being. The yoga has been my constant through the last 36 days, so I don't feel that inner pressure to do other training. I have done it of course, but with a 'take it or leave it' mentality rather than 'this is what I must do' approach. I'd already begun this shift through the barefoot running but had lost my way a bit I think. Yoga has made me more grounded, yet in a way, more spiritual.
I have had moments of frustration. This past few days, when the vegan thing was going on and all the yoga was gentle, I really wanted to get on and do some of the power stuff. However - and this is where a lot of exercisers make mistakes - your body needs down time from hard core exercise every now and again. And not just once every few years but much more regularly than that.
I know this is true because it's my job but rarely do I listen to my own advice. Until now, that is. And by doing less, I'm achieving more. Today, for example, I did my Sun Salutations early in the morning and then saw two clients. I had planned to go for a run later but it was so hot, I opted for a strength/endurance DVD instead ('Athletica', for those who are into their fitness DVDs!). In the past, this has been a real challenge and in today's heat, I thought I'd struggle. But, in fact, I sailed through. I had bags of energy and kept my breathing controlled. Yes, it was still challenging, but not to the extent that I overdid things.
Quality over quantity. Develop your mind as much as your body. This is what I'm beginning to follow instead of preaching it to my clients but only half-heartedly doing it myself!
I'd like to get to grips with my meditation a bit more. I also heard from the company from whom I ordered mala beads ages ago and I should be receiving them tomorrow. A little pressie for my 36 days! Can't wait to see what the next phase brings. Balance should be amusing tomorrow - I am prepared to fall over with humour and grace!
36 days on the programme have passed so quickly. For me, it's not really been about the physical benefits - at least not on their own. The physical benefits, I think, have come about through a gradual changing of my mental state as regards health and well-being. The yoga has been my constant through the last 36 days, so I don't feel that inner pressure to do other training. I have done it of course, but with a 'take it or leave it' mentality rather than 'this is what I must do' approach. I'd already begun this shift through the barefoot running but had lost my way a bit I think. Yoga has made me more grounded, yet in a way, more spiritual.
I have had moments of frustration. This past few days, when the vegan thing was going on and all the yoga was gentle, I really wanted to get on and do some of the power stuff. However - and this is where a lot of exercisers make mistakes - your body needs down time from hard core exercise every now and again. And not just once every few years but much more regularly than that.
I know this is true because it's my job but rarely do I listen to my own advice. Until now, that is. And by doing less, I'm achieving more. Today, for example, I did my Sun Salutations early in the morning and then saw two clients. I had planned to go for a run later but it was so hot, I opted for a strength/endurance DVD instead ('Athletica', for those who are into their fitness DVDs!). In the past, this has been a real challenge and in today's heat, I thought I'd struggle. But, in fact, I sailed through. I had bags of energy and kept my breathing controlled. Yes, it was still challenging, but not to the extent that I overdid things.
Quality over quantity. Develop your mind as much as your body. This is what I'm beginning to follow instead of preaching it to my clients but only half-heartedly doing it myself!
I'd like to get to grips with my meditation a bit more. I also heard from the company from whom I ordered mala beads ages ago and I should be receiving them tomorrow. A little pressie for my 36 days! Can't wait to see what the next phase brings. Balance should be amusing tomorrow - I am prepared to fall over with humour and grace!
Day 35 - Beautiful run and Yin
Up at 5am again today and into London. I was pretty tired, but I did a stretch session with my client and was doing a lot of demos which actually made me feel more awake.
The rain had just finished when I headed out for a run and it was that lovely, calm, fresh feeling there is after a burst of rain. I couldn't get enough of it! I only ran for half an hour though because I had an hour of 'Yin' to do and hey - there are other things that need doing on a daily basis besides exercise!
I was tired again by the time I'd laid out my mat for Yin and I'm not sure how but I managed to fall asleep in seated wide angle pose! I was between sleep and wakefulness for most of the DVD actually which was pretty torturous - I was desperate to just lie down and sleep there and then. I eventually fell asleep briefly at the end during relaxation and had a weird dream about Travis teaching the group a new movement, flapping his arms in a balletic way as though he was gently trying to take off. Very strange.
I had a little nap later in the day but managed to get lots of work done too as well as seeing more clients in the evening. I didn't get home until after 10.30pm and still had to eat, so bed time will be after midnight!
Back up at 5.30am for my 36 Sun Salutations - a little milestone for me!
The rain had just finished when I headed out for a run and it was that lovely, calm, fresh feeling there is after a burst of rain. I couldn't get enough of it! I only ran for half an hour though because I had an hour of 'Yin' to do and hey - there are other things that need doing on a daily basis besides exercise!
I was tired again by the time I'd laid out my mat for Yin and I'm not sure how but I managed to fall asleep in seated wide angle pose! I was between sleep and wakefulness for most of the DVD actually which was pretty torturous - I was desperate to just lie down and sleep there and then. I eventually fell asleep briefly at the end during relaxation and had a weird dream about Travis teaching the group a new movement, flapping his arms in a balletic way as though he was gently trying to take off. Very strange.
I had a little nap later in the day but managed to get lots of work done too as well as seeing more clients in the evening. I didn't get home until after 10.30pm and still had to eat, so bed time will be after midnight!
Back up at 5.30am for my 36 Sun Salutations - a little milestone for me!
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