I only ask because there’s this one pose in Bikram Yoga that I thought I’d never get down. I’m not talking about any of the balancing poses either because at least I expect those to be tough! The pose I’m talking about is actually the simple “Sit-Up” pose. My problem is not the sitting up part, my problem is the pulling your toes up until your heel is no longer touching the ground.
With my knee already locked to the max, I didn’t think for a second I’d ever get this pose down. I struggled, I pulled, I panted, I gritted… and my heel stayed put like gravity intended. Well, lo and behold, after 3 months of Bikram Yoga twice a week I can FINALLY do it! What a feeling!! Bikram Yoga really has increased my flexibility ten-fold since I first started. I’m amazed at the power and strength my body possesses. What pose out there have you “conquered”? Don’t you get this wonderful rush of accomplishment when you’ve finally done something you never thought you could do?
The feeling is bittersweet though. Unfortunately, I can no longer afford to take my Bikram Yoga classes (I’m unemployed like the rest of the country)… so I am going to have to find a new hobby or try yoga at home via DVD. How are you guys coping with unemployment and did you find yourself sacrificing your yoga practice?
roseanne says:
For me, it’s the shoulderstand. It’s supposed to be this calming, soothing, cooling pose, but it makes me feel agitated and brings up crazy body issues. I try to avoid it as much as possible, so I’m not even close to “conquering” it.
I’m also coping with unemployment, and my yoga practice is the one thing I will not sacrifice. Luckily, I have a great relationship with my teacher and she gives me an “unemployment discount” (I’ve also exchanged my writing/editing skills for yoga classes, as well as naturopathy and acupuncture). And since I don’t spend my days at work, I’ve had an abundance of time for a rocking home practice. Don’t give up on yoga, Jiggly ~ get creative!
27th May 2009 at 12:05 pm
Jiggly says:
hi roseanne! yes, that headstand is one tough pose! it makes me woozy with all that blood rushing to my head.
about cancelling my yoga membership – it’s something i’ve been very very hesitant to do, i called them the other day to cancel and luckily their line was busy (maybe a sign that i shouldn’t cancel?). thanks for the encouragement, i’ll try to be more creative with my options and keep you posted because i do love my yoga!
27th May 2009 at 12:14 pm
nancy says:
OMG yes! I have two: side plank and half moon. a fellow twitter yogi has helped me conquer side plank by reminding me that one needs to keep the core engaged, pull upward and keep those feet active. but the half moon still drives me nuts! one of these days i’ll be able to do it perfectly and then another will take it’s place.
btw, inversions give me heartburn… should think about a way to change that.
if you have to cancel your yoga membership, make sure you take the time to do it at home. it has been a life saver for me (and my kids b/c it keeps me sane
). it’s my only splurge!
27th May 2009 at 5:39 pm
Julie says:
Before you give up your memebership at your yoga studio, talk to them. Perhaps there is a chance for some work/study. Many studios offer this and it is a win/win situation for all. Yoga is, as I am sure that you know, a great way to manage stress in this difficult time. If they won’t offer any help, look for another studio in your area that may be able to help. At the very least, keep practicing at home.
Be careful in the pose that you described above that your knees are not hyperextending to accomplish lifting your heels up. This is very bad for the knees, and can cause injury. To avoid hyperextension in the knees, keep all the muscles of the legs engaged, hugging the muscles on all sides of the legs to the bone.
27th May 2009 at 11:31 am
Jiggly says:
thank you all for the great feedback! i’m going to take all your advice and apply for a job at my local studio because it just so happens that they’re actually looking for help – 6 hours a week minimum – which isn’t much at all! i hope something comes of it!
27th May 2009 at 2:56 pm