I have taken yoga on and off for fifteen years, but I was never very into it. I was always pretty decent at doing poses because I am very flexible and reasonably strong, but I never left class feeling like I had a tough workout. I wasn't consistent in practicing yoga until last fall. Because of my hip issues and running, I decided to try a yoga class at the Y. Lucky for me, there was a Monday morning power yoga class being offered, which was a perfect recovery from a long run over the weekend. I started going a few times a month and found that this class made me work hard. The teacher did a great job of demonstrating poses and giving lots of options to advance your poses. Before long I was doing things like Bird of Paradise (although I am still working on raising my leg that high). What this picture fails to show you is that her hands are clasped behind her hip. Impressive.
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| Bird of Paradise Pose |
All the while, I felt like I was really loosening up my joints and getting great stretches after these long runs. Next I mastered Scales pose (or Swing pose - although I have to do it on blocks because I don't quite have the ab strength of this fine young man. =) Give me time.).
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| Scales/Swing Pose |
But today was something truly remarkable. I have tried Crow pose for a months, but could never manage to balance. A few weeks ago I did it for about three seconds. Today I held Crow for more than twenty seconds three different times.
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| Crow Pose |
I cannot tell you how excited I am to see the progress that I am making in yoga. Unlike my previous perception, now I can see how yoga really can be a tough workout. I leave the class sweaty and fatigued, and today, a little bit proud.
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