Hi everyone - It’s been about two months of focusing primarily on yoga and sticking to one “theme” or “program”. I thought I’d share my results so far. I did not mention in my original post, but I’m rehabbing from an injured leg. Basically, everything (quad, hamstring, IT band, calf) was extremely sore and tight - from overuse, overwork, and insufficient stretching over the years. Some days just taking a step was extremely painful; I went to physical therapy for about five months.
So I chose yoga because in that timeframe I basically couldn’t do much else. I’ve done yoga off & on for many years (10 years or more???), but never got past basic-beginner phase. I wanted to see if sticking to one program would be better, rather than randomly cherry-picking classes (online or DVD). The answer is YES !! Here is what I’ve experienced:
- Previously, I wouldn’t sit in a pose for more than 3 breaths. I’ve quieted myself where I can now be patient enough to hold a pose for 5-10 breaths. That’s great - because after 5 breaths is where the magic happens for me.
- I used to hate sun salutations. But sticking with a program, I’ve discovered modifications that work for me, while also getting stronger and more flexible. I now tolerate sun salutations and do find the benefit in them - of warming up my body and getting my heart and blood pumping.
- I actually sit for a minute or two before beginning my practice, to get into the moment and set an intention. I never did that before.
- With becoming quieter and enjoying my practice so much more, I re-arranged my bedroom and now have a dedicated yoga spot (pretty curtains, indoor water fountain, candles). I now love going to my little special place, and doing my yoga as the day turns into dusk.
- I then developed a much better evening/get-ready-for-sleep routine and I sleep much better. I’m feeling more rested overall. I still have a way to go but I see improvement in my life.
- I don’t feel an urge to keep going All-The-Time. I’m more relaxed.
- I definitely feel calmer. Things that would irk me, I barely notice. Or I just smile and move on with life.
- I am getting stronger, more flexible, and surprisingly - my endurance has improved. I think that’s because I am breathing better and deeper.
For now, I way-prefer books over videos. Previously, following a video, the instructor would be already moving into a pose, then cueing it, and by the time I got into that new pose, they’d be on to another one. I never really felt much benefit of a pose because I was always either getting there or paying attention to what comes next. Following a book sequence, I can modify the pose, modify how I transition into the pose, and hold it for as long as I like. I’m sure I’ll go back to my online subscriptions, but I may write down the poses as it goes along and then do it on my own.
I started this challenge with the goal of working my way through “Thrive”. I wasn’t able to do only “Thrive” as it was too vigorous for me, even with my sun-salutation modifications. So halfway through, I began alternating with “Yoga - A Beginners Guide” by Eve Boggenpoel. Both books are progression-based, and I enjoyed both. I plan to return to “Thrive” in the future. One of the key things I learned from “Yoga - A Beginner’s Guide” is pelvic alignment. One chapter was devoted to that and I realized how often I incorrectly tilt my pelvis in various poses. Between the two of those books, when I needed a diversion, I would choose a sequence from a Sage Rountree book. I found that I really click with her. None of her books that I own are progression-based, so I’ll use them as add-ins.
I’ve seen many references to yoga being good for weight loss. Two comments: 1) I did not lose any weight. But, I did not gain any weight either, which is remarkable considering I was burning a lot less calories. 2) I have changed my way of eating a bit, through being more mindful: Because of the self-awareness I’m gaining thru yoga, I finally noticed that some of my favorite foods made me feel icky. So I cut down on them.
So I've made my way through both books and am thrilled with the results I’ve experienced with focusing on daily, progressive yoga. I now love yoga and my day would be incomplete without it. My leg is feeling much better - not sure if that’s from the yoga or that it’s been six months since doing the activities that caused all the injuries …
My next focus is on “The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga” which is an 8-week program. And I’ll add in more Sage Rountree for variety.
-Anita