I think I may have made it clear about how yoga and I get along. I have tried it many times before, always ending with me giving up and blaming it on my lack of patience or flexibility. And then there’s my racing thoughts. It’s just not a good relationship. BUT- I’m determined to get it right this time!
I really don’t know much about yoga, so I’m going to do my best with this one. Students of yoga who I have met seem to have such peace of mind. They are relaxed. They are flexible and strong. I want that! I also want the detoxification benefits of Bikram Yoga that come with sweating in a hot room for an hour while moving your body and releasing toxins from all of your muscle fiber.
So, this has been my game plan so far:
1. Yoga Book: I was lucky enough to find a free yoga book and 2 yoga DVD’s at my school “Teacher Appreciation Book Give-Away.” This is when all of the PTA moms donate books that they don’t want and lay them out in the teacher’s lounge for us to browse over and take for free! My favorite part of Teacher Appreciation Week!!!!!
Anyways, this is my first plan of attack. The book is called “Yoga: The Poetry of the Body” by Rodney Yen. It includes several practice plans with excellent pictures of poses, explanations, and how many times to breathe before moving onto the next pose.
2. DVD’s: They are also by this yoga master, Rodney Yen. I’m assuming he is a big shot in the yoga world? Once again- I am not pretending like I know anything about yoga.
3. Yoga Classes: I have heard and read good things about “Atlanta Hot Yoga” a yoga studio 10 minutes from my house. Depending on pricing, I may try it out! I know many of you are not in Atlanta, but how about shopping around for deals in your area? I know I have looked at several studios in Atlanta and they have either “Pay by Class” options or “Buy 10 classes for $___” deals. Many of them also offer free trial periods or memberships at a reduced rate.
AND you may call me crazy, but remember above when I mentioned “Bikram Yoga?” It is yoga performed in a room set to a temperature of 105 degrees. You do 26 different poses and 2 breathing techniques. I read about the beneifts of Bikram when I was researching detoxification methods for cancer treatment when I was first diagnosed. You essentially sweat toxins out while moving your body and lymph system- detoxifying way more than if you were to just sit in a sauna and strengthen your body while you’re at it. With how hot it has been in Atlanta this week I am seriously thinking about taking my yoga book outside and sweating in the 105 degree weather to create my own Bikram effect!
Am I making my experienced yoga master friends cringe yet? Probably so. And please comment below if you have anything to add. I’m already guessing you’re going to tell me to ditch the DVD’s and take the classes.
Cortney- Lindsey and I have started taking hot yoga at a studio in Tallahassee, and I absolutely love it! I’ve seen a difference not only in my body, but also in how I feel about myself as well as how my skin looks. I’m starting your cleanse on Wednesday, and I’m going to see if I can swing going at least twice a week during the cleanse. I’m hoping this will help many of the physical issues I’m hoping to overcome. Thank you for all the hard work you have put into this site- it is amazing!!!
This is so AWESOME! It is encouraging for me to get back on the yoga bandwagon. (: I am actually in the process of re-vamping the 14 day cleanse. It will be better and more accurate in the grocery list. If you can wait a week or two I will be updating it for this year. (:
Please give Stillwater Yoga in midtown a try. The teachers instruct you in the poses so well that they click and make sense.
Thanks Julie! Perhaps I will join in on a class to check out on a day this summer.
I’m keepin’ on keepin’ on with the yoga. A friend just gave me a 20 day past to a studio so I’m going to start taking on Saturday mornings. 🙂
I LOVE bikram yoga. Travis and I did it in Orlando once, and it was amazing. It was tough, but I felt so good afterwards. The best practitioners were these itty bitty little ladies, who had these insanely strong bodies. Unreal. My favorite part is right at the end of practice when you lie on your back and exhale and your mind goes quiet. Don’t give up!
haha you are too funny with the yoga….honestly, a studio is the best thing…but, what I do as I have been doing yoga for a few years now I watch the yogatics channel on youtube to add things to my practice…for me it’s hard to watch the video, AND focus on the practice…so I watch before and then do at my own pace, my own music, my own flow…but I have to here where I live as we don’t have a lot of yoga studios nearby;) I’m into vinyassa flow yoga but i’ve always wanted to try bikram:) As to the flexibility issue, it just takes time…enjoy what yoga does for your body and the flexibility will come…until then there are blocks and bands that help faciliate the poses until your body gets there…I was never ashamed to use them in the studio even though it’s so easy to be intimidated by all the crazy flexible yogis;)
Thanks for this feedback!! I’m starting right now with 25 minutes of beginner’s yoga. I am really struggling but keeping with it. 25 minutes is a good amount for me right now. 🙂