Everyone tells you that yoga takes time and consistent practice to make progress. I have been practicing off and on for 4 years now, but only since Tula has been open (almost a year) has my practice been what I would say is 'consistent'. I practice about 3-4 times per week. Yes, I have weeks where I don't practice at all, but then weeks where I am going everyday. I feel that I have made significant progress over the last year and here's what physical changes I have seen.
1. First, it was Chaturanga Dandasanas. They used to kill me. I would feel strong for the first 1 or 2, but then my arms would shake and tremble and I would kind of fall to the floor in one uncontrolled movement. Then one day, they were all smooth, strong and controlled! I noticed that my arms were tighter and I even saw some muscle definition! It was an amazing feeling went I went into class confident in my ability to do a chaturanga without alot of strain.
2. Next was increased flexibility. I could do side-angle, triangle, and even warrior 3 without a block! I noticed that when I would go into them, the poses would suddenly open up to me and I started to feel things in these poses that I never had. I could lean back more in triangle, stretch further in side angle, get my legs straight and start to balance in warrior 3. I could actually 'open' my chest more, twist deeper, even breathe!
3. CROW! Previous to this year, crow pose was an anomaly to me. I just didn't get it. Teachers would say to look forward, pull your core up, grip the mat with your fingers, keep your knees to your arm pits..... so much going on and I would end up in an exhausted pile on the floor with sore wrists and bruises on my arms. One day, it clicked and I could hold it - 2 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds.....yes!
4. Finally, the handstand (at the wall). Again, I had tried to kick up into it so many times and it just felt impossible. Where's the friggin' wall? Why can't I do this? My arms are strong, my core is somewhat strong? I would literally fall sideways when I got to a certain point with my hips over my shoulders. Again, with aching wrists and a pounding head. Then, I mustarded the courage and did it. So fun. I'm hooked.
I can't wait to see what happens in year 2......
Where has your yoga journey taken you?
1. First, it was Chaturanga Dandasanas. They used to kill me. I would feel strong for the first 1 or 2, but then my arms would shake and tremble and I would kind of fall to the floor in one uncontrolled movement. Then one day, they were all smooth, strong and controlled! I noticed that my arms were tighter and I even saw some muscle definition! It was an amazing feeling went I went into class confident in my ability to do a chaturanga without alot of strain.
2. Next was increased flexibility. I could do side-angle, triangle, and even warrior 3 without a block! I noticed that when I would go into them, the poses would suddenly open up to me and I started to feel things in these poses that I never had. I could lean back more in triangle, stretch further in side angle, get my legs straight and start to balance in warrior 3. I could actually 'open' my chest more, twist deeper, even breathe!
3. CROW! Previous to this year, crow pose was an anomaly to me. I just didn't get it. Teachers would say to look forward, pull your core up, grip the mat with your fingers, keep your knees to your arm pits..... so much going on and I would end up in an exhausted pile on the floor with sore wrists and bruises on my arms. One day, it clicked and I could hold it - 2 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds.....yes!
4. Finally, the handstand (at the wall). Again, I had tried to kick up into it so many times and it just felt impossible. Where's the friggin' wall? Why can't I do this? My arms are strong, my core is somewhat strong? I would literally fall sideways when I got to a certain point with my hips over my shoulders. Again, with aching wrists and a pounding head. Then, I mustarded the courage and did it. So fun. I'm hooked.
I can't wait to see what happens in year 2......
Where has your yoga journey taken you?