Yogis Unite!

24

Replies

  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member

    Btw, note that quart jug of water, there’s a thread here that some instructors discourage water during class. 😱

    I'm glad the instructors at my studio always encourage us to stay hydrated...I can't believe a teacher would say no water.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.
  • julieweberr
    julieweberr Posts: 21 Member
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.

    Thank you! Very helpful. :smiley: also this is a super random question but I've been seeing groupons for the aerial yoga, have you done that before? I want to try it but I don't know how advanced in yoga you need to be :neutral:
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.

    Thank you! Very helpful. :smiley: also this is a super random question but I've been seeing groupons for the aerial yoga, have you done that before? I want to try it but I don't know how advanced in yoga you need to be :neutral:

    I teach it.
    no yoga experience is necessary for our studio. when i started i couldn't touch my toes and didn't know a warrior 1 from an eagle pose
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    Working through the Ashtanga primary series at the moment. Because of some knee issues I can not really do the seated postures. That said, the standing ones are quite challenging...
  • julieweberr
    julieweberr Posts: 21 Member
    mbaker566 wrote: »
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.

    Thank you! Very helpful. :smiley: also this is a super random question but I've been seeing groupons for the aerial yoga, have you done that before? I want to try it but I don't know how advanced in yoga you need to be :neutral:

    I teach it.
    no yoga experience is necessary for our studio. when i started i couldn't touch my toes and didn't know a warrior 1 from an eagle pose

    Thank you so much! I'm definitely going to get into it then!
  • julieweberr
    julieweberr Posts: 21 Member
    mbaker566 wrote: »
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.

    Thank you! Very helpful. :smiley: also this is a super random question but I've been seeing groupons for the aerial yoga, have you done that before? I want to try it but I don't know how advanced in yoga you need to be :neutral:

    I teach it.
    no yoga experience is necessary for our studio. when i started i couldn't touch my toes and didn't know a warrior 1 from an eagle pose

    is there weight standards or anything? I know I'm annoying I'm sorry!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    mbaker566 wrote: »
    I'm always open for more yoga friends. I love yoga I do it often but I've been falling off a little because I want to do it at home too just for schedule purposes but I never really know where to start with it when I'm doing it by myself. I've tried videos and stuff but they never really match with the level they show and I am out of sorts with it so if you have any suggestions please share!

    I like to do my own home practice...and doing it on my own without an instructor or video was SUPER weird at first....but then once you get into it, not only is it easy but it's liberating and fun. You don't have to do it like I do, but this is how I go about doing my own home practice (sometimes outdoors is fun if the weather's nice)

    1. I set an intention first-something I want to work on or get out of my practice. A lot of times it guides my music choices...I have a mantra to come back to, etc if my mind starts to wander.

    2. I start in a relaxed position and work my way up. So child's pose...I love supported fish pose, etc.

    3. I work my way into either cat/cow or a fun variation that I do from child's pose to cobra....REALLY good spinal stretch.

    And from there the world is your oyster! I like deciding if I want a more intense practice/relaxed...then let that guide if I step/hop/float when I go through my sunrise salutations. I try to go through a flow so...warrior 1/2 and sometimes 3...sun salutations/chaturanga...and usually work on a hard/advanced pose just to challenge myself toward the end. Then wind down with seated stretches and/or wheel pose/happy baby depending on my mood...and of course shavasana.

    Much luck to you! Namaste.

    Thank you! Very helpful. :smiley: also this is a super random question but I've been seeing groupons for the aerial yoga, have you done that before? I want to try it but I don't know how advanced in yoga you need to be :neutral:

    I teach it.
    no yoga experience is necessary for our studio. when i started i couldn't touch my toes and didn't know a warrior 1 from an eagle pose

    is there weight standards or anything? I know I'm annoying I'm sorry!
    the fabric and rigging should be able to hold at least 2000 dynamic lbs.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    J72FIT wrote: »
    Working through the Ashtanga primary series at the moment. Because of some knee issues I can not really do the seated postures. That said, the standing ones are quite challenging...

    I know-arm balances are way less of an issue for me, but a lot of standing balance poses are tough-Warrior 3 and Dancer pose are almost impossible LOL
  • Powerclean2deadlift
    Powerclean2deadlift Posts: 35 Member
    This thread inspired me so much! I googled a morning yoga routine and did that today. Very nice wellbeing feeling. Definitely add this into my fitness routine.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    This thread inspired me so much! I googled a morning yoga routine and did that today. Very nice wellbeing feeling. Definitely add this into my fitness routine.

    Huzzah!!!! Oh yay! I'm so glad! Yoga is my jam...good for the body, mind and soul.
    Namaste, new friend!
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    Djproulx wrote: »
    I'm glad that I found this thread and have enjoyed reading the posts.

    I've experimented with yoga for several years, but had not committed to it until this past fall, when I succumbed to pressure from my tri coach and chiropractor. As a result, I've taken a year off from racing to allow my body to recover via chiropractic care, swimming and establishment of a regular yoga practice.

    My primary goal at the start was to use yoga to increase balance and flexibility in order to help with rehabilitation of an overuse injury. What I'm learning after eight months of practice is that I'm getting other benefits as well.

    It took me a while to get over my mental limiters (as a very competitive, goal oriented person). I also felt a bit out of place as a very inflexible 61yr old guy in a room full of yogis who possessed terrific flexibility and balance. But once I was able to quiet my competitive urges and realize that the purpose is not to "win", but to make improvements only for myself, I realized how much I enjoyed the practice. I now see tangible improvements in my posture and flexibility. I've also become more attuned to my body's condition on each specific day. This awareness will be a huge help in avoiding injury when I return to triathlon next year.

    I've even started to understand the mental benefits of a practice. I've used mantras before to help maintain performance during painful stretches in competition, but I'm starting to incorporate this into my daily routine. I've found that I now really look forward to practicing, whether at the studio or at home. The meditative state and focus on letting go of tension has provided a refreshing change of pace from the last few years of trying to always push my limits.

    Finally, I've even come to grips with how ridiculous I look attempting some of the poses, and overcome my fear of falling and crushing the yogi practicing next to me. I think that shows true growth :)

    So glad you've discovered a practice that you enjoy, embrace and get a lot out of!

    I too am doing more yoga as I recover from running/overuse injuries and it's been helpful mentally and physically. We all feel like we look silly at times. For me it was embracing things like "Lion's breath" and "Breath of Joy" where I felt like I "looked dumb". Half the time everyone else is thinking that about themselves, not about the other yogi's in the room...and when you really embrace those movements and the breathing and technique-there's a lot to be gained from it!
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    So glad you've discovered a practice that you enjoy, embrace and get a lot out of!

    I too am doing more yoga as I recover from running/overuse injuries and it's been helpful mentally and physically. We all feel like we look silly at times. For me it was embracing things like "Lion's breath" and "Breath of Joy" where I felt like I "looked dumb". Half the time everyone else is thinking that about themselves, not about the other yogi's in the room...and when you really embrace those movements and the breathing and technique-there's a lot to be gained from it!

    Yes, I was missing the larger point at first. I was thinking of yoga as just another workout session, ie, number of reps, miles, etc. and that the practice was only useful for a fixed number of weeks or months until I was "cured".

    The chiropractor set me straight: "You need to think of a consistent yoga practice as a lifetime prescription from me." He is a 60yr old cyclist, hiker and trail runner who has overcome severe back injuries that occurred when he was in his 30's, so I'm hoping that he is right. :)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Here are my favorite inspirational yoga videos to watch (not to do)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loszrEZvS_k

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIXOo8D9Qsc&t=29s
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    Wow. I may have pulled a hamstring just watching those videos. :)
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    OMG those handstands!!!
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,481 Member
    @julieweberr I did several aerial classes, both with my daughter, who’s an instructor, and at my own regular studio at the time. At the time I was 220, give or take. No problem feeling like the equipment could support me at either studio, but I won’t lie, the silks cutting into what others here affectionately call their “apron” was excruciating. I haven’t tried again since I lost the weight.

    Maybe it was just me, but any time the silk stretched acrost my front hips I though I was going to holler or weep from the pressure but I bit my tongue. Everything else felt great, especially the shivasana, but ohhhhhhh, that hip pain.
  • MaryContrary1972
    MaryContrary1972 Posts: 58 Member
    Following
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    @julieweberr I did several aerial classes, both with my daughter, who’s an instructor, and at my own regular studio at the time. At the time I was 220, give or take. No problem feeling like the equipment could support me at either studio, but I won’t lie, the silks cutting into what others here affectionately call their “apron” was excruciating. I haven’t tried again since I lost the weight.

    Maybe it was just me, but any time the silk stretched acrost my front hips I though I was going to holler or weep from the pressure but I bit my tongue. Everything else felt great, especially the shivasana, but ohhhhhhh, that hip pain.

    Oh, yeah. Iyengar yoga uses ropes to hang in. Can't seem to get the pain that causes me across to the instructors.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    Alright, Yogis, I need to pick your brains.
    I'm working on floating to my handstand. So far I can only get there by kicking upward. My biggest issue is that my arms are long. Forward folds and touching the ground are zero effort for me (palms flat). So floating my legs feels impossible. I realize a lot of this could come from strength I need to build in my abs and back to be able to tilt my pelvis upward to float my feet-but any suggestions on this?
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    @maureenseel1984 there are some good hints here in the first post or so.
  • satisatisati
    satisatisati Posts: 260 Member
    I love doing yoga almost everyday. It's been three months since I am doing regular yoga. Want to be friends with #yogis here
  • chris_in_cal
    chris_in_cal Posts: 2,521 Member
    ...an Iyengar teacher will definitely correct your form!

    Yup, I'm on the other side of some of you. I only want to go to a studio with really good teacher. I always feel at home I'm just farting around.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    My husband and I started at an Iyengar studio about six months ago. I have long dabbled and have done a few rounds of 30 days with Adrienne, but this is my first practice with a teacher to correct form, and an Iyengar teacher will definitely correct your form!

    I'm really happy that my first teacher was an Iyengar teacher. That gave me a great foundation.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I’ve been going to a local studio for about 7 months now. I modify most poses still, but my flexibility has definitely gotten better. My legs don’t hurt after working my 8 hr shift on my feet. I’ve lost 50 lbs in 11 months and the yoga seemed to help me keep focus and mindfulness during the holiday season. It seems to be helping my mindfulness just as much as it’s helping me physically. My favorite pose is fish pose

    OOooooooh...yeah I do love fish pose/supported fish pose...great heart opener. Also love yogi squat...great hip opener.

    I haven't done restorative poses in ages. I almost went to a restorative class last night but it was too darn hot to leave the house. I did add Supported Bound Angle into my flow. I can't find my strap, and what I had wasn't quite long enough, and haven't done this in ages, so it wasn't as comfortable as I would have liked, but remember really loving it when I did it more often.

    Supta Baddha Konasana

    ReclinedBoundAnglePose.jpg

    My OH has a strap I can use for next time.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    ...an Iyengar teacher will definitely correct your form!

    Yup, I'm on the other side of some of you. I only want to go to a studio with really good teacher. I always feel at home I'm just farting around.

    It took me a really long time to get past that feeling/thought process.
    Once I started making it a ritual...as on choosing a mantra...doing some journaling or meditation and really thinking about what I wanted to get out of my practice...it naturally flows (so to speak) once you start to make it habit and make it meaningful. I enjoy my home practice now. Before I always needed videos or to go to the studio.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I’ve been going to a local studio for about 7 months now. I modify most poses still, but my flexibility has definitely gotten better. My legs don’t hurt after working my 8 hr shift on my feet. I’ve lost 50 lbs in 11 months and the yoga seemed to help me keep focus and mindfulness during the holiday season. It seems to be helping my mindfulness just as much as it’s helping me physically. My favorite pose is fish pose

    OOooooooh...yeah I do love fish pose/supported fish pose...great heart opener. Also love yogi squat...great hip opener.

    I haven't done restorative poses in ages. I almost went to a restorative class last night but it was too darn hot to leave the house. I did add Supported Bound Angle into my flow. I can't find my strap, and what I had wasn't quite long enough, and haven't done this in ages, so it wasn't as comfortable as I would have liked, but remember really loving it when I did it more often.

    Supta Baddha Konasana

    ReclinedBoundAnglePose.jpg

    My OH has a strap I can use for next time.

    I want to nap just looking at supported fish pose. It looks so relaxing.
  • maureenseel1984
    maureenseel1984 Posts: 395 Member
    mbaker566 wrote: »
    @maureenseel1984 there are some good hints here in the first post or so.

    Looking into it now!
  • toreybybee
    toreybybee Posts: 6 Member
    electronic music especially trance is always my go to. I am a raver so I find there is always a genre of edm to suit any activity I am doing, even yoga haha