Friday, October 31, 2008

Gumby, I Am Not

I nearly didn't make it to my Yoga class last night. But I resolved nothing was going to keep from going. I'd looked forward to it all day, even not knowing what to expect. I walked in and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over me. (Working out is the best stress reliever!) The instructor told us we were going to work on Balance and hip-something er other. I stopped listening when she said balance. Oh great, one of the things I'm really bad at. (I know, you shouldn't end a sentance with "at", but oh well.) But, I suppose the best way to get better at something is to just do it. I got a lot of practice last night!

She had everyone set up their mats next to the wall. Yay! I'd have some help; wouldn't be flopping around like a fish out of water. It was very challenging, but I at least tried everything. Some things I had to do in moderation, but I was surprised what my body could accomplish once it was a little warmed up!

Ever heard of the Standing Half-Bound Lotus? She showed us what we were about to do. My jaw must have dropped like a cartoon character. But I just took it slow. I wasn't able to reach behind myself, but I was able to bend over. I never would have thought I could do that!

People of the 60's used to say, "Give peace a chance." Well, I'm now saying, "Give Yoga a chance."

I went up to the instructor after to ask how I did. The classes are relatively small and she remembered me from the first time I took her class (plus I took a spin from her as well). She said, "Really, really well. I can tell you've been working hard in Body Flow and it shows in here. Your transitions were great." Yay! To me, that was such a compliment!

Gumby, I am not, but I'm holding my own.

5 comments:

FoxMcLeod said...

WOW! That looks amazing! I love the title of this entry. Check out this Gumby-wannabe. HELLOOOOOO!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yogawithjanet.com/images/balance/20.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.yogawithjanet.com/inverse.html&h=268&w=400&sz=123&hl=en&start=7&um=1&usg=__kgL5ugHiG53DPkK59rtnVSJrTrw=&tbnid=BLFi8DlbfrkgoM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhalf%2Bbound%2Blotus%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7GGLG%26sa%3DN

Poet4Him77 said...

Wow, now THAT's crazy! I did use the block (know which one I mean?) to help support and balance me at the bottom. We held that pose for what seemed like five minutes.

There was another pose, where we backed our bottoms flush against the wall, then bent over and touched the floor. Sounds easy, but it wasn't!

When you're healed, you gotta try this class with me!

Poet4Him77 said...

Ohhh, check out the 'Dragon' under Standing. I did that pose too and was so amazed my body could stretch like that!

http://www.yogawithjanet.com/stand.html

Stacey said...

Yay, for you Meredith! I just absolutely love Pilates and have never felt better than when I did it regularly along with a healthy diet. It's been quite a while, but maybe you can inspire me!

You have a very healthy attitude about changing your lifestyle without the impatient crash diet fads a lot of people try - which don't work. Keep going, girl!

Poet4Him77 said...

Thanks, Stacey. I just decided THIS time was going to be different. You know, it's funny, at work they think I'm crazy. They almost make fun of me for working out so much and eating healthily. Isn't that CRAZY?!? One coworked couldn't accept the fact that I was working out and getting healthy for ME, not some boy!!

I know you told me, but I forgot, where are you a member of? You are welcome to come with me, as your schedule allows. Have you ever taken a Body Flow class? Man, it kicks my rear, but I LOVE it. Good to hear from you again, my friend.