I was up at 5am to go to my client in Central London. I tried to be chilled and focused on staying calm and taking deep breaths (not on the tube - I hold my breath all the way!) to keep my whole posture/physical self more relaxed.
Well, when I got home (half an hour late because my train was cancelled - AGAIN!) I had the best Detox session ever. I don't know what it was - the fact that I did my meditation yesterday, kept relaxed this morning, did Gentle yesterday...I don't know, but I felt so bendy! It's not as hot in the UK anymore (practically Autumn now) so that may have contributed to me feeling like I could flow on forever. I just had extra space to go in each pose, where normally some kind of restriction stops me. I'm really wondering if it's more about what's going on in my head than in my body. I'm going to keep focusing on relaxing and breathing through stressful situations as well as be disciplined with my meditation and see what happens. It can't hurt anyway!
I'm writing this now because I may not have time later. I plan to do some more work at this pc that I know so well and then have a break to do hardCORE before going to my next client.
I'll be up again at 5am for my London client again tomorrow then we'll go swimming when I get back. I'll be starving by then, but I tend to exercise better when I haven't eaten. It used to be the other way around - I couldn't function without breakfast. But that was because I was too addicted to sugar! I have to fit Cardio in tomorrow too but have two clients away on holiday so it should be ok.
Lots of people about to embark on the UY programme who have joined the facebook group. They have such a treat ahead of them! I look forward to seeing their stories unfold and wish them all the best. I hope my UY buddies who are shortly going to finish the programme will keep checking in with the group. Most do, which is lovely. Maybe there should be a 'Life after UY 108' group?!
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Day 47 - Exhausted!
I had planned to swim today but I so needed a day off exercise! Of course, I did Gentle which went better than last time, although my muscles and joints still feel a bit vulnerable afterwards, even though I don't push the stretches at all. I'm still not convinced that a static style of stretching is beneficial for me - I find that I make greater gains in flexibility moving through the flows.
I did some meditation later in the evening as my client cancelled. It went well and I think if I'm as diligent with it as I am with the more physical side of practice, I'll really reap the benefits.
We went to look at a different swimming pool today. It's a bit closer, twice the length and is for swimmers (rather than people who want to stand and chat or kids who want to splash about). It's also cheaper! Really looking forward to trying it out on Wednesday :).
Ate a bit better today after a fairly toxic weekend and felt better for it - surprise, surprise!
I did some meditation later in the evening as my client cancelled. It went well and I think if I'm as diligent with it as I am with the more physical side of practice, I'll really reap the benefits.
We went to look at a different swimming pool today. It's a bit closer, twice the length and is for swimmers (rather than people who want to stand and chat or kids who want to splash about). It's also cheaper! Really looking forward to trying it out on Wednesday :).
Ate a bit better today after a fairly toxic weekend and felt better for it - surprise, surprise!
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Day 46 - Another exercise bonanza!
I got up fairly late this morning and thought I'd probably run first before yoga. I sat and had a cup of tea and then thought, "nah, yoga first" so I put in the Flexibility DVD at around 10.30am.
I find this one a little strange, although not in a bad way. There seems to be an air of 'something' in the DVD. Not sure what. There's not as much personality to it somehow. I find that it's neither a sweat-inducing flow, nor a chilled out stretch. It sits somewhere in between. However, I still quite like it! I also have the furthest to go with this one because there's so much of it that I find difficult, but I see this as a positive challenge rather than something to be apprehensive about. I just went with it today - no pushing, no forcing. I just went to where my body wanted to go and stopped. I'm looking forward to making progress with this and would love to be able to do the splits one day. I probably wrote that the last time I did this DVD and will keep on thinking it until I can do them!
David was working on an article on the pc but I felt a bit restless, so I did some cleaning (when I'm in the mood for cleaning up, I get on with it quickly - it doesn't happen often and doesn't last very long) - hoovering, washing the floors, etc. I went outside in our stairwell to do my meditation which was surprisingly peaceful. It was way too noisy in the flat because David was getting in touch with his feminine side and watching Hans Christian Anderson, the musical. Too much for me, I'm sorry.
After food shopping (tuna steaks and salad later - yum) we went for a run. A beautiful run, in fact. There was that Sunday afternoon lull so that everywhere was quiet and the breeze kept us cool in the sun. We were both focusing on just relaxing and meditating and it was as though it was moving between us - I could actually feel the mellowness coming off David in waves - pretty cool! I've just done hardCORE too and now I really do think that's enough exercise for one day. I just need a quick stretch and then I definitely need a shower!
I find this one a little strange, although not in a bad way. There seems to be an air of 'something' in the DVD. Not sure what. There's not as much personality to it somehow. I find that it's neither a sweat-inducing flow, nor a chilled out stretch. It sits somewhere in between. However, I still quite like it! I also have the furthest to go with this one because there's so much of it that I find difficult, but I see this as a positive challenge rather than something to be apprehensive about. I just went with it today - no pushing, no forcing. I just went to where my body wanted to go and stopped. I'm looking forward to making progress with this and would love to be able to do the splits one day. I probably wrote that the last time I did this DVD and will keep on thinking it until I can do them!
David was working on an article on the pc but I felt a bit restless, so I did some cleaning (when I'm in the mood for cleaning up, I get on with it quickly - it doesn't happen often and doesn't last very long) - hoovering, washing the floors, etc. I went outside in our stairwell to do my meditation which was surprisingly peaceful. It was way too noisy in the flat because David was getting in touch with his feminine side and watching Hans Christian Anderson, the musical. Too much for me, I'm sorry.
After food shopping (tuna steaks and salad later - yum) we went for a run. A beautiful run, in fact. There was that Sunday afternoon lull so that everywhere was quiet and the breeze kept us cool in the sun. We were both focusing on just relaxing and meditating and it was as though it was moving between us - I could actually feel the mellowness coming off David in waves - pretty cool! I've just done hardCORE too and now I really do think that's enough exercise for one day. I just need a quick stretch and then I definitely need a shower!
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Day 45 - Getting stronger
Early-ish client this morning and then some errands to run, so I decided to eat first when I got back, have a nice little nap, and then hit the streets for a run before laying my mat out for Strength.
I just did a quick run with David because I could feel my energy wasn't great and Strength is a tough class. I used chalk dust on my hands again which really does help with slippage. I stopped once to re-apply and it kept me from sliding for the whole session.
I have to say, I felt a little bit sick for the first half of the class. As I twisted and bent and stretched though, it seemed to work its way out of me (or rather, it subsided - I didn't throw up!). I'm really growing to love strength because I can actually feel myself getting stronger. I still modify the push ups and I can't do that second plank sequence (because my arms are so tired at that point) but I still feel that I'm moving towards more control and stability. I'll feel really proud when I can do the whole thing.
I was exhausted by the end! I just about had the energy to do a few chores round the flat, shower and head down the road for some bits and pieces. About to go and chill out with my book and then I need to get some serious work done tomorrow. I think we're running again too and I have Flexibility to do as well. Oh, and I mustn't forget meditation!
I have returned my wrist mala and hopefully it will come back with the correct bead combination - a little something to look forward to next week.
David is continuing to do yoga every evening and was saying how good he felt running today. He also looked very relaxed and smooth. I'm really hoping we can save enough money to do the Bali retreat next year. How cool would that be - and a lot of the facebook group are going to try and make it so that would be doubly cool :).
I just did a quick run with David because I could feel my energy wasn't great and Strength is a tough class. I used chalk dust on my hands again which really does help with slippage. I stopped once to re-apply and it kept me from sliding for the whole session.
I have to say, I felt a little bit sick for the first half of the class. As I twisted and bent and stretched though, it seemed to work its way out of me (or rather, it subsided - I didn't throw up!). I'm really growing to love strength because I can actually feel myself getting stronger. I still modify the push ups and I can't do that second plank sequence (because my arms are so tired at that point) but I still feel that I'm moving towards more control and stability. I'll feel really proud when I can do the whole thing.
I was exhausted by the end! I just about had the energy to do a few chores round the flat, shower and head down the road for some bits and pieces. About to go and chill out with my book and then I need to get some serious work done tomorrow. I think we're running again too and I have Flexibility to do as well. Oh, and I mustn't forget meditation!
I have returned my wrist mala and hopefully it will come back with the correct bead combination - a little something to look forward to next week.
David is continuing to do yoga every evening and was saying how good he felt running today. He also looked very relaxed and smooth. I'm really hoping we can save enough money to do the Bali retreat next year. How cool would that be - and a lot of the facebook group are going to try and make it so that would be doubly cool :).
Day 44 - A bit more balanced :)
Balance went quite well today. I was able to do almost all that long sequence on my right leg, whereas last time my calf was burning too much! However, I struggled a bit with crow pose, even though I can do this. I was fine last week but today I couldn't get my arms and legs in the right position so my elbows were digging into my legs and it hurt!
I sort of feel I'll get that one leg balance thing one day. It's almost in sight on my right leg, although the left side is harder (I think because my left hip is less flexible). However, after the balance you're supposed to push back into Downwards Dog and that just seems impossible. It requires super-human arm strength. At the moment, I'm happy just to collapse on the floor laughing and get back into the flow in my own clumsy way. It's definitely a fun class and phew, does it make me sweat!
I did hardCORE later in the day and my hip flexors were screaming. "Not more boat pose, please!" I also did 8 mins of meditation afterwards which felt good.
I chilled out afterwards with my book. I love Friday nights :).
I sort of feel I'll get that one leg balance thing one day. It's almost in sight on my right leg, although the left side is harder (I think because my left hip is less flexible). However, after the balance you're supposed to push back into Downwards Dog and that just seems impossible. It requires super-human arm strength. At the moment, I'm happy just to collapse on the floor laughing and get back into the flow in my own clumsy way. It's definitely a fun class and phew, does it make me sweat!
I did hardCORE later in the day and my hip flexors were screaming. "Not more boat pose, please!" I also did 8 mins of meditation afterwards which felt good.
I chilled out afterwards with my book. I love Friday nights :).
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Day 43 - Showered lots of golden light and love :)
I managed 7 minutes of meditation last night before going to sleep. During this, I sent out positive thoughts to someone who needed them today and received a text with very good news from her, so I'm very pleased!
I decided to do 'Mountain Pose' and 'Pranayama Meditation' later in the day today and went for a half hour run beforehand. My running continues to feel a lot smoother which feels so good and MP probably went the best it ever has (which is still not great, but definitely an improvement!). My shoulders felt a little more comfortable and I felt a bit more in the zone. My feet, although I'd just run barefoot, felt ok with the half hour of standing. I followed MP with the Pranayama and Meditation which was fine. I've noticed that my left nostril is always slightly blocked - I wonder why?! I showered some 'golden light' onto some friends that need it. Of course I have no idea if it helps in any way whatsoever, but I like to think so! What's to lose eh?
Did a short, intense session on the pc which meant I got a bit more work done than I thought I would. I have a busy day with clients tomorrow so will have a laugh with 'Balance' first thing. Looking forward to it!
I decided to do 'Mountain Pose' and 'Pranayama Meditation' later in the day today and went for a half hour run beforehand. My running continues to feel a lot smoother which feels so good and MP probably went the best it ever has (which is still not great, but definitely an improvement!). My shoulders felt a little more comfortable and I felt a bit more in the zone. My feet, although I'd just run barefoot, felt ok with the half hour of standing. I followed MP with the Pranayama and Meditation which was fine. I've noticed that my left nostril is always slightly blocked - I wonder why?! I showered some 'golden light' onto some friends that need it. Of course I have no idea if it helps in any way whatsoever, but I like to think so! What's to lose eh?
Did a short, intense session on the pc which meant I got a bit more work done than I thought I would. I have a busy day with clients tomorrow so will have a laugh with 'Balance' first thing. Looking forward to it!
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Day 42 - Cardio hits the spot as usual :)
My early client cancelled this morning so I had a bit of a lie-in then headed to my mat for 'Cardio'. I do like this one - it has such a great combination of heart rate-raising flow and chilled out stretches, all in an hour. I feel quite restful at the end. I kind of got in the zone with the series of ten after about number four. I can't decide whether or not I'm glad or disappointed that Travis misses one of the series - we jump from one to three, which I was quite grateful for at the beginning but now I feel a little cheated! Not that it's not still tough though!
The rest of my day was a little challenging but I won't go into details. The bottom line is: I have food, water, a roof over my head and, above all, my 12 Ultimate Yogi DVDs. I'm a lucky girl!
So, Mountain Pose and Pranyamama Meditation tomorrow. I'm going to try this in the evening and make sure David's out doing something so that he doesn't see me in floods of tears as per usual with the meditation. Not that he'd bat an eyelid, but those are private moments!
The rest of my day was a little challenging but I won't go into details. The bottom line is: I have food, water, a roof over my head and, above all, my 12 Ultimate Yogi DVDs. I'm a lucky girl!
So, Mountain Pose and Pranyamama Meditation tomorrow. I'm going to try this in the evening and make sure David's out doing something so that he doesn't see me in floods of tears as per usual with the meditation. Not that he'd bat an eyelid, but those are private moments!
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