learn yoga

Well, I’ve completed my 20 classes, and I did learn quite a bit. I think that means I can cross this goal off my list.

I probably won’t go as often as I have been, as it will likely just get too expensive, but for now, I will continue taking yoga classes with this instructor for a little while longer.

I figure she earned my business. She certainly didn’t make much money off of me during the 20 classes for $20 deal.

As usual the Tuesday and Thursday night classes were great stress relievers.

The Saturday class was my second “Vinyasa Flow Yoga” class, which is the more strenuous one. Broke a good sweat again.

I think I’m actually getting pretty good at some of the poses, and I’m definitely feeling more flexible. My back and shoulders are feeling much better too. To be honest, I think Yoga has been more helpful then the Chiropractor.

Well, that class was way more of a workout. My knees took a beating with all the balance poses, but it was a good class. Definitely came away from that one covered in sweat. LOL

I’ll have to try this one again.

With the week I had at work, and the really unpleasant day I had on the 3rd, the stress burning of yoga on Tuesday and Thursday was great. Additionally, the instructor showed me some new stretches for my shoulder issues.

I also signed up for the more strenuous yoga class this Saturday. I’m a little nervous, since this will be more of a “workout” then the classes I’ve been attending so far. But I’m looking forward to trying something new.

I’m to the point where I look forward to going to these classes. They really seem to be helping with the soreness in my neck, shoulders, and back. And when I leave I always feel relaxed and stress free.

The instructor mentioned a much more intense yoga class though, and said I should come to it on Saturday, but I couldn’t make it. I’ll have to make a point to go to one of those classes soon. They’re supposed to be more of a workout, and less of a relaxed atmosphere. Could be a good way to work on one of my other goals, and start working out again.

Class #09 was more of the same. Good stretches, good stress burning.

Class #10 had some new elements. Some pretty tough positions. I left class that night really sweaty. Great workout. Especially this new ab exercise she showed us. Felt that burn!

Classes are going well, but I may need to start thinking about something more strenuous. There are certainly still some positions I have trouble with, and some I just can’t do at all, but I think this class might be a little TOO relaxed.

But then again….it’s nice leaving with a such a sense of calm.

Sixth Class. Did some new shoulder stretches tonight. Felt really good.

So now that I’m six classes in, I guess I need to start thinking about doing this stuff at home. When I tried the last few mornings, I kept forgetting some of the positions. Something to work on.

Fifth class. Things are going well. Got some good stretches in tonight. Back and shoulder still have some issues, but I left the class feeling really good physically and emotionally content.

Went to my fourth class on Thursday August 4th, 2011.

We did some really good back and shoulder stretches tonight. When I showed up for class my back was killing me. As I was leaving I realized that it didn’t hurt at all.

I’m really beginning to like these classes. They allow me to shut off my mind, and work out all my sore muscles and joints.

It’s still a little odd being the only guy in a class full of women, but in a way it’s kind of cool too. So far I’ve been pretty quiet. I just follow instructions, and when the class is over, I go home.

Tonight, though the instructor was trying to explain this particularly difficult position that starts with a shoulder stand and ends up with your knees by your ears. I was struggling with just doing the beginning of the shoulder stand (Hey…it’s only my fourth class after all), and as she was describing the knees by the ears thing I said, “I could do that, but I don’t wanna show off.” Everyone laughed. Felt kinda good.