Football and yoga - an unlikely combination. However given my love for a certain football team (The Red Devils if you must know) my two sporting interests often clash. On Wednesday evenings and Saturdays I often choose football over a yoga. Contrary to what I believed, my yoga peers are the same - the first all English final of the Champions League last May meant that the studio was deserted. I had taken the view that yoga consisted of people uninterested in the sport and many women who would miss out on watching desperate housewives would have decided that yoga was the perfect destination to get away from their beer drunking, football chanting partners. I was wrong.
Today I have discovered that my love of a certain Northern team is shared by my instructor. In the past she has littered references to football but never made explicit her favoured team. Until today when she noted that a male yoga participant's shorts bore the Man Utd badge. How far up his thigh her gaze must have been to notice the emblum (!) I can't say. However it will be nice in the future for one instructor at least to realise how much I sacrifice in future, on the occassions where I do choose to take care of my own body over oogling Nemanja Vidić's!
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Airplane Wings
The practise that requires you to put your hands out like aeroplane wings I haven't properly mastered. I put this down to the fact that our yoga classes are quite packed and in order not to invade someone else's personal space I rarely stretch my arms out as much as I've should. On a Saturday evening when the class is smaller, I find it difficult to do the posture correctly, leading the instructor to remark that the person next to me should "show me how's it's done"!!! (or words to that effect - meant in good humour).
Usually when someone is so close to me than I can count the beads of sweat on their forehead, I wriggle down my mat so my arms won't be touching theirs. Unfortunately I find this effort to be wasted, my neighbour decides after one second into the posture that it is too streneous and collapses into a heap while I have strained myself, my knees grazing against the rough surface of the floor and seeing out the corner of my eye said neighbour torturing me by taking gulps of water. End of rant.
Usually when someone is so close to me than I can count the beads of sweat on their forehead, I wriggle down my mat so my arms won't be touching theirs. Unfortunately I find this effort to be wasted, my neighbour decides after one second into the posture that it is too streneous and collapses into a heap while I have strained myself, my knees grazing against the rough surface of the floor and seeing out the corner of my eye said neighbour torturing me by taking gulps of water. End of rant.
Blogging is Bad For Your Practise!
Since starting this blog I've found myself going to Bikram for material - worrying. During postures I engage in a dialogue with myself phrasing my next post - more worrying.
Do Your Eyes Sting?
Recently I've come to notice that in the penultimate posture of the standing series (where your legs are apart and your forehead must touch your knee) that my eyes have begun to sting. Quite badly. I can't concentrate and it's quite painful. I assume it's the sweat getting into my eyes and I'm not sure whether it's because I'm actually trying to get my forehead onto my knee as opposed to the bridge of my nose?
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Toilet Breaks
In Bikram toilet breaks are heavily frowned upon, that's an understatement, the instructor will normally name and shame the person sheepishly trying to exit the room. I don't have a problem with people doing this, it may distract others but I find it somewhat hilarious that these people are usually the yoga veterans!
What I do take issue with, as someone who hides near the door, is that as they re-enter the studio they don't put the towel under the door, thus allowing a draught to enter. For health purposes this could get into your bones, it also nulifies the benefit of being in a sauna!
Recently I've actually enjoyed the heat. For various reasons it is never constant and I feel myself having a better class the hotter the room. I sweat from every pore of my body. When I go back home I proudly show my sweat drenched t-shirt as a badge of honour, returning exhausted like a soldier from war. I am denied this ritual by those that have weak bladders!
What I do take issue with, as someone who hides near the door, is that as they re-enter the studio they don't put the towel under the door, thus allowing a draught to enter. For health purposes this could get into your bones, it also nulifies the benefit of being in a sauna!
Recently I've actually enjoyed the heat. For various reasons it is never constant and I feel myself having a better class the hotter the room. I sweat from every pore of my body. When I go back home I proudly show my sweat drenched t-shirt as a badge of honour, returning exhausted like a soldier from war. I am denied this ritual by those that have weak bladders!
You have plenty of time to get back in...
"It's not how many times you fall out it's how often you get back in"
These are not the words of some American self help guru but my yoga instructor. Another example of how lessons from yoga can translate into everyday life. Of course she is precisely right in what she says. It's not wrong to fail to hold a posture for the time allocated but if you don't get back then you're taking a defeatist attitude. Falling out of a posture has meant that you have pushed yourself to the limit - well done, but have the determination to get back in and be even better.
I really admire those people that do, time after time, even if it's just for a couple of seconds, even if they know the word "change" (a signal by the instructor to move on to the next posture) is imminent. I love a comeback kid!
These are not the words of some American self help guru but my yoga instructor. Another example of how lessons from yoga can translate into everyday life. Of course she is precisely right in what she says. It's not wrong to fail to hold a posture for the time allocated but if you don't get back then you're taking a defeatist attitude. Falling out of a posture has meant that you have pushed yourself to the limit - well done, but have the determination to get back in and be even better.
I really admire those people that do, time after time, even if it's just for a couple of seconds, even if they know the word "change" (a signal by the instructor to move on to the next posture) is imminent. I love a comeback kid!
Posture Clinic - Two
The second balancing posture, where your leg should be higher than your head, the most visually perfect posture out of the whole series is the one I am always getting wrong!
The problem seems to be that I'm not lifting my chest enough and my chin is tilted up - as I may have mentioned I have problems doing both things at once.
I'm never sure if my superman impression is correct - where do I strech my arm, to where my chin is, is it too low?
When I kick up over my head I seem to stumble forwards in the direction of the mirror and more than any other posture (perhaps because I may hold my breath) I find it difficult to get back into if I fall out.
The problem seems to be that I'm not lifting my chest enough and my chin is tilted up - as I may have mentioned I have problems doing both things at once.
I'm never sure if my superman impression is correct - where do I strech my arm, to where my chin is, is it too low?
When I kick up over my head I seem to stumble forwards in the direction of the mirror and more than any other posture (perhaps because I may hold my breath) I find it difficult to get back into if I fall out.
Triangle Pose
I actually like the triangle pose - I know that it's "all downhill from here" and that if you're actually able to participate it means you haven't given up and are lying on the floor!
I do have a continuous problem of not being able to do it correctly though. I tend to collapse into my lower back ( a common theme of my practise) but managed to master it last session thanks to being on the front row and following the lead of a visiting instructor from Madrid.
I found the key is not to have your elbow make contact with the edge of your knee, your elbow should be an inch higher up, your knee should be bent more and you have to look to the ceiling and turn your head so that your side profile is visible in the mirror - something I struggle to remember to do.
One more thing...engage the foot of the leg which isn't bent, it can take more pressure than you think and is the key to not falling forward.
I do have a continuous problem of not being able to do it correctly though. I tend to collapse into my lower back ( a common theme of my practise) but managed to master it last session thanks to being on the front row and following the lead of a visiting instructor from Madrid.
I found the key is not to have your elbow make contact with the edge of your knee, your elbow should be an inch higher up, your knee should be bent more and you have to look to the ceiling and turn your head so that your side profile is visible in the mirror - something I struggle to remember to do.
One more thing...engage the foot of the leg which isn't bent, it can take more pressure than you think and is the key to not falling forward.
Posture Clinic - One
While the blog seems to contain more random observations about the yoga experience rather than the practise I would like to leave some open ended questions to problems I'm having as a way of sharing and hoping that someone can shed some light on to them!
In the warm up posture where you balance on your toes, lean back and try to sit down, how do you actually do it? I struggle with it (which I think means my body actually needs it) but I'm not sure what to do. If I lean too far forward I'm in danger of sticking my butt out and causing pain to my lower back. I have difficulty placing pressure on the balls of my feet and my big toe in order to steady myself and I don't sit down as much as I should.
In the warm up posture where you balance on your toes, lean back and try to sit down, how do you actually do it? I struggle with it (which I think means my body actually needs it) but I'm not sure what to do. If I lean too far forward I'm in danger of sticking my butt out and causing pain to my lower back. I have difficulty placing pressure on the balls of my feet and my big toe in order to steady myself and I don't sit down as much as I should.
Manis and Pedis
Given how often one has to inspect their feet (inadvertently) while practising yoga it is no wonder that the women who regularly attend sport a variety of nail varnish colours.
It can be very disheartening to see yellowed toenails, in need of cutting when one should be focusing on their practise - but this is a regular distraction that even prompts our instructor to say "stop looking at your manicures".
I tend to favour bright pinks and oranges.
My instructors, from what I can see of their feet without being labelled as someone with a foot fetish, tend to go for the classic black cherry colour that the female population is eternally indebted to Uma Thurman and Karl Largerfeld for.
Hands are inspected less often but occassionally a flash of red on the fingernails can relieve an otherwise tortuous squat.
It can be very disheartening to see yellowed toenails, in need of cutting when one should be focusing on their practise - but this is a regular distraction that even prompts our instructor to say "stop looking at your manicures".
I tend to favour bright pinks and oranges.
My instructors, from what I can see of their feet without being labelled as someone with a foot fetish, tend to go for the classic black cherry colour that the female population is eternally indebted to Uma Thurman and Karl Largerfeld for.
Hands are inspected less often but occassionally a flash of red on the fingernails can relieve an otherwise tortuous squat.
Put Your Hands In The Air and Leave The Towel Where It Is
A few months ago our studio changed its practise of instructing us to remove our towels from the mat after the balancing postures.
This was a difficult adjustment, spreading your legs and trying not to slip can be hard, I was the last one to give in and persisted in taking my towel off or sneakily folding it at least. I found the problem was particularly arduous given that I was using a beach towel (bright pink with multiple hearts) which is prone to slippages instead of a rougher one (boring manilla) - which helped. For those struggling to do the same, it may be that you need to change the towel you use. I've found that by engaging my inner thighs more as a way not to slip, my legs have become more toned, it has its benefits!
This was a difficult adjustment, spreading your legs and trying not to slip can be hard, I was the last one to give in and persisted in taking my towel off or sneakily folding it at least. I found the problem was particularly arduous given that I was using a beach towel (bright pink with multiple hearts) which is prone to slippages instead of a rougher one (boring manilla) - which helped. For those struggling to do the same, it may be that you need to change the towel you use. I've found that by engaging my inner thighs more as a way not to slip, my legs have become more toned, it has its benefits!
Just Keep Moving...
Does anyone else fear moving in case there isn't a Bikram yoga studio?
It's something I often think about - it doesn't keep my up at night but after years at trying to master this I'd hate to see it go to waste. Luckily Bikram is the fastest growing form of yoga and the official website allows you to find your nearest studio.
Using the CDs and practising at home just wouldn't be the same though!
It's something I often think about - it doesn't keep my up at night but after years at trying to master this I'd hate to see it go to waste. Luckily Bikram is the fastest growing form of yoga and the official website allows you to find your nearest studio.
Using the CDs and practising at home just wouldn't be the same though!
You've Done Worse Things For Ten Seconds
In the balancing stick posture (the last of the balancing postures), where the heart rate doubles, my instructor would always say to hold the pose for ten seconds because "you've done worse things for ten seconds". She's stopped saying that now. Probably wise because my mind would try and wonder what she was implying, what worse things have I done for ten seconds that she may know about, what has everyone else done in the room that can be worse than this?!
Different Practises
Our studio regularly invites instructors from other cities to teach a couple of our classes. Initially this was designed to give the founder of our studio a break, when she first set up. Now we have four instructors this is a less frequent occurence but I still find it enjoyable. It gives me the opportunity to see how they differ in their teaching method - I believe that in certain cities for example it is acceptable to hold your knee while balancing on one leg (that is a no no for us).
Two lovely Canadian students also informed me that our studio differs from the one in Toronto. I'm confused as to how this can happen given that all studios that are allowed to call themselves Bikram are taught by his trainers and thus the practise would be exactly the same?
Answers on a postcard!
Two lovely Canadian students also informed me that our studio differs from the one in Toronto. I'm confused as to how this can happen given that all studios that are allowed to call themselves Bikram are taught by his trainers and thus the practise would be exactly the same?
Answers on a postcard!
The People
If I'm honest I attend yoga regularly, in part because it gives me something to do, brings structure to my life. However it's more than just a way to exericse, it's a very sociable activity.
Unlike the gym, where people can be rather self involved and cold, everyone at yoga is incredibly friendly. All the instructors note your progress and can remember random things about your body (a little worrying!) that shows how much they care, they engage in pleasant conversation when you enter the studio and have a laugh during the class. The women you meet in the changing room are lovely, very polite and engaging, they make you feel welcome and respect your personal space. This counts for a lot when you think on average you spend about 5/6 hours of your week lying next to people who you don't even know!
I'm unsure of the causation - does Bikram attract naturally friendly people or does it release some special endorphines that make the people so cheery?
Unlike the gym, where people can be rather self involved and cold, everyone at yoga is incredibly friendly. All the instructors note your progress and can remember random things about your body (a little worrying!) that shows how much they care, they engage in pleasant conversation when you enter the studio and have a laugh during the class. The women you meet in the changing room are lovely, very polite and engaging, they make you feel welcome and respect your personal space. This counts for a lot when you think on average you spend about 5/6 hours of your week lying next to people who you don't even know!
I'm unsure of the causation - does Bikram attract naturally friendly people or does it release some special endorphines that make the people so cheery?
The Melting Pot
One thing I really like about Bikram is how diverse the people are who practise it.
It has become a real hit in the city where I live. We have Chinese, Indians, Polish, American, Canadian, Somalian, African Caribbean, Czech, the list goes on and on!
Bikram can be physically strenous but it would be nice to see more older people, those of retirement age there!
It has become a real hit in the city where I live. We have Chinese, Indians, Polish, American, Canadian, Somalian, African Caribbean, Czech, the list goes on and on!
Bikram can be physically strenous but it would be nice to see more older people, those of retirement age there!
The Men
I feel I should dedicate a blog post to that gender - you know the ones, regularly spotted at pubs, sporting events, glued to the tv, incapable of multi-tasking or asking for help, find toilet humour a great way to pick up a woman, make up half of the population, I think you know who I mean.
While two thirds of the yoga class is made up of the better sex, bikram is proving increasingly popular with males. Not just the old males but young ones too, dedicated, committed, sometimes good looking males.
This poses a problem for me. I'm anti the gym in part because I'm too self conscious to sweat in front of good looking guys. Luckily with yoga, people are often focused on their own practise and don't notice those around them.
I tend to find that males are much more willing to go to the front row than the women - even if they have been practising for a shorter amount of time. They will try and kick in the balancing posture even when they shouldn't and they are less likely to sit down, perservering at all costs. Maybe they stand out more but the guys who do yoga seem to very focused, they take a more holistic approach to it, seeing it as something more than exercise and that it is their mission to master the postures and attend as regularly as they can.
Some of these guys are just as willing to expose themselves, for want of a better word, in very skimpy speedos, not my thing but I suppose they have worked just as hard for their body so are entitled to!
While two thirds of the yoga class is made up of the better sex, bikram is proving increasingly popular with males. Not just the old males but young ones too, dedicated, committed, sometimes good looking males.
This poses a problem for me. I'm anti the gym in part because I'm too self conscious to sweat in front of good looking guys. Luckily with yoga, people are often focused on their own practise and don't notice those around them.
I tend to find that males are much more willing to go to the front row than the women - even if they have been practising for a shorter amount of time. They will try and kick in the balancing posture even when they shouldn't and they are less likely to sit down, perservering at all costs. Maybe they stand out more but the guys who do yoga seem to very focused, they take a more holistic approach to it, seeing it as something more than exercise and that it is their mission to master the postures and attend as regularly as they can.
Some of these guys are just as willing to expose themselves, for want of a better word, in very skimpy speedos, not my thing but I suppose they have worked just as hard for their body so are entitled to!
She's In Fashion
Despite the hours I invest in yoga my wardrobe for the classes don't receive the same investment.
I generally prefer to wear yoga pants and an oversized men's t-shirt (the ones you can get from The Gap and on occassions when mum has gone on strike and laundry piles up, those flourescent tops you accquire on holiday as a keep sake that you soon regret afterwards).
I'd say I was generally quite fashion conscious but the idea of exposing my body to the rest of the class (who really don't deserve such punishment) and wearing lycra in extreme heat isn't appealing. Don't get me wrong, I love it on the instructors and those in the front row with toned bodies. It gives me something to work towards a goal, because while I love yoga for the feeling it gives me, I also go to get into shape and within reason, eat what I want.
Sweaty Betty have designed some great stuff for yoga - if a little overpriced, though their regular sales allow for one to pick up some great bargains. I find fashionable yoga tops harder to come by. I want to retain some modesty and thus dislike the shorter tops, I want my skin to breathe so any synthetics are out, thus leaving The Gap and Tourist shops aborad to benefit from my yoga addiction.
I generally prefer to wear yoga pants and an oversized men's t-shirt (the ones you can get from The Gap and on occassions when mum has gone on strike and laundry piles up, those flourescent tops you accquire on holiday as a keep sake that you soon regret afterwards).
I'd say I was generally quite fashion conscious but the idea of exposing my body to the rest of the class (who really don't deserve such punishment) and wearing lycra in extreme heat isn't appealing. Don't get me wrong, I love it on the instructors and those in the front row with toned bodies. It gives me something to work towards a goal, because while I love yoga for the feeling it gives me, I also go to get into shape and within reason, eat what I want.
Sweaty Betty have designed some great stuff for yoga - if a little overpriced, though their regular sales allow for one to pick up some great bargains. I find fashionable yoga tops harder to come by. I want to retain some modesty and thus dislike the shorter tops, I want my skin to breathe so any synthetics are out, thus leaving The Gap and Tourist shops aborad to benefit from my yoga addiction.
Defeat
Yoga is supposed to be about doing the best you can do but not pushing through pain. We're told that "everyday is different" and our bodies might not feel the same as yesterday.
Being competitive and doing yoga are sometimes incompatible though. Only in extreme circumstances will I admit defeat and sit out a posture. I see it as a sign of failure, that I have regressed and people are noting that I'm a "light weight". This mentality isn't good I realise for my body or my mind. I may be pushing myself harder thanI should and chastising myself for something minor. Yoga should be about making yourself feel better, not like a loser that has underperformed.Lying down for one posture may be good if it means you can perform better for the other twenty five.
Having said that, I get immense satisfaction out of completing the standing series when I know some of the class have been dropping like flies!
Being competitive and doing yoga are sometimes incompatible though. Only in extreme circumstances will I admit defeat and sit out a posture. I see it as a sign of failure, that I have regressed and people are noting that I'm a "light weight". This mentality isn't good I realise for my body or my mind. I may be pushing myself harder thanI should and chastising myself for something minor. Yoga should be about making yourself feel better, not like a loser that has underperformed.Lying down for one posture may be good if it means you can perform better for the other twenty five.
Having said that, I get immense satisfaction out of completing the standing series when I know some of the class have been dropping like flies!
Cravings
During yoga classes I often have cravings for fruit and jucies. It's usually any type of melons, pineapply, mango and cold, fizzy ribena. I was under the impression this was a quirky "me" thing however i recently read a US study that found this is common among those that practise yoga while swimmers will usually crave burgers and starchy food.
Will try and find the article!
Luckily, in the summer my yoga studio has a bowl of fruit where people can help themselves.
Will try and find the article!
Luckily, in the summer my yoga studio has a bowl of fruit where people can help themselves.
Let Them Eat Cake
It is advised not to eat at least three hours before attending Bikram (a shortened name for Bikram yoga class) because it can lead to one feeling nauseous. Yet, since my studio decided to torture us in new ways by cranking up the heat I have felt dizzy half way through the standing series. I'm usually reluctant to sit down but this dizziness generally takes the form of impaired vision and as such I'm forced to give into it, sit down and feel completely dejected - not good!
I've found the solution to be eating a snack just before yoga. An hour or so before the class begins. While I wouldn't advocate it for everyone it's worked for both me and my yoga companion (read "mum"). Heavy food doesn't work well, a small bowl of rice and a sandwhich suffices. And of course at least 1.5 litres of water throughout the day before said class!
I've found the solution to be eating a snack just before yoga. An hour or so before the class begins. While I wouldn't advocate it for everyone it's worked for both me and my yoga companion (read "mum"). Heavy food doesn't work well, a small bowl of rice and a sandwhich suffices. And of course at least 1.5 litres of water throughout the day before said class!
The Front Row
Being at the front row of a Bikram class is much like being on the front row of a fashion show: it's highly coveted, you're in full view and it makes everyone else green with envy.
The benefits of being on the front row (according to my instructor at least) are as follows:
- it increases your concentration
- you can see yourself better in the mirror (hardly a plus point in my humble opinion)
- if there are lots of new people in the room they have a better idea of what they should be doing
- it blocks the self delusional people who think they should be there but aren't worthy from taking up room (ok I added that but I stand by my position)
A few years ago I vowed that I would be in the front row of the class - reserved for only those special few that can master the series and can be watched by the newbies who rely on them for visuals to accompany the instructor's dialogue.
That moment arrived last week - I was somewhat reluctant. While all three instructors at the studio felt I was ready I had identified at least four postures that needed improving before I can allow myself to be subjected to such scrutiny by other yogoholics. I've done it twice now, it ain't always pretty - the pressure for every posture to be perfect is immense. Furthermore you are right in the instructor's line of vision and will be prompted (to lower your chin and lift your body similtaneously which I was under the impression went against basic anatomy) much more often than if you hide near the fire exit (my place of comfort).
I'm reluctant to return to the front row any time soon, instead of seeking inner peace I kept getting flashbacks of high school P.E, not the best way to centre yourself! HoweverI may not hide at the back either, next time I'll switch to the other side of the room, go into the middle of the class and just generally alternate where I position myself.
While it may seem that the lesson is to be careful what you wish for, in fact I'm glad I'm out of my comfort zone, Bikram is all about pushing the boundaries both physically and mentally, not getting stuck in a rut but instead feeling each session as if you've achieved something new.
The benefits of being on the front row (according to my instructor at least) are as follows:
- it increases your concentration
- you can see yourself better in the mirror (hardly a plus point in my humble opinion)
- if there are lots of new people in the room they have a better idea of what they should be doing
- it blocks the self delusional people who think they should be there but aren't worthy from taking up room (ok I added that but I stand by my position)
A few years ago I vowed that I would be in the front row of the class - reserved for only those special few that can master the series and can be watched by the newbies who rely on them for visuals to accompany the instructor's dialogue.
That moment arrived last week - I was somewhat reluctant. While all three instructors at the studio felt I was ready I had identified at least four postures that needed improving before I can allow myself to be subjected to such scrutiny by other yogoholics. I've done it twice now, it ain't always pretty - the pressure for every posture to be perfect is immense. Furthermore you are right in the instructor's line of vision and will be prompted (to lower your chin and lift your body similtaneously which I was under the impression went against basic anatomy) much more often than if you hide near the fire exit (my place of comfort).
I'm reluctant to return to the front row any time soon, instead of seeking inner peace I kept getting flashbacks of high school P.E, not the best way to centre yourself! HoweverI may not hide at the back either, next time I'll switch to the other side of the room, go into the middle of the class and just generally alternate where I position myself.
While it may seem that the lesson is to be careful what you wish for, in fact I'm glad I'm out of my comfort zone, Bikram is all about pushing the boundaries both physically and mentally, not getting stuck in a rut but instead feeling each session as if you've achieved something new.
Blink and You'll Miss It!
This blog will attempt to document the highs and lows of being a Bikram Yoga fanatic.
I have been practising it on and off for about four years now but have only seriously got into it in the last eighteen months.
While I have become acclimatised to the heat, Bikram still brings about many challenges that I hope to share, report on my progress and occassionally have the odd grumble about.
Enjoy!
I have been practising it on and off for about four years now but have only seriously got into it in the last eighteen months.
While I have become acclimatised to the heat, Bikram still brings about many challenges that I hope to share, report on my progress and occassionally have the odd grumble about.
Enjoy!
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