30DC - Day Seven, Salabhasana Sunday

Sunday is no longer a day of rest! It was such a gorgeous day in Denver, but also inside the studio. :) I was so happy during the spine-strengthening series because something finally clicked when it came to Salabhasana (Locust Pose). Up until this point I was way off. I wasn't pressing the majority of my weight onto the hands and upper portion of the body, which is how it should be done. Before, I was trying so hard to use my leg and abdominal strength in order to get my legs into the air, which clearly wasn't working. Having the proper hand placement and using the strength in my fingertips brought me into a completely different pose... the correct one. I obviously have the teacher to thank because one comment made by her had my legs suddenly in the air at a 45 degree angle. Side note: Bikram Yoga Instructors will say 90% of the same thing every single class! May sound silly, but I promise that you will undoubtedly make a correction after weeks of practicing because you likely missed something said in the previous class. This was the case for me and Locust Pose. I literally had an "ah-ha!" moment as I was kissing the towel and flinging my legs higher. Moral of today's class: always, always, always be thankful for corrections pointed out by your teacher.

Weakest Pose: Poorna-Salabhasana (Full Locust Pose)

Firms the abdominal wall and upper thighs, and tightens upper arms, hips, and buttocks. It increases the size and elasticity of the rib cage and the lungs and improves the flexibility and strength of the lower spine and of most of the body's muscles. 

 * After having an epiphany with Locust, I wasn't super focused on this next pose. Plus, I had exerted so much energy - leaving me fatigued. I know it shouldn't be that way, but that's the truth. It'll be better next time! 

Strongest Pose: Salabhasana (Locust Pose)

  

Has the same benefits as the Cobra, but it is even more potent in the cure of any back or spinal problem such as gout, slipped disc, and sciatica. It cures tennis elbow and is also excellent for firming buttocks and hips.

* I finally have the concept down! See how the hands are flat with no space from the elbows to the tips? Took seven days for me to realize that. You want to use your fingertips, palm, and arm strength to drive your legs up.  

30DC - Day Two, I am Shocked!

First, I want to rewind to this morning. Let's just say after only one session I felt as though Bikram Yoga had taken over my dreams, pee schedule, and body. I had a dream that I had the most beautiful Standing Bow Pulling Pose combined with a very toned stomach - hopefully that dream is somewhat of a foreshadow for how I'll feel at the end of this challenge! The more annoying part was having to get up 3 times in the middle of the night from all the water and coconut water I had consumed before bed. As far as muscle aches and pains, I'm feeling much better than I had anticipated. I have very tight hamstrings and my neck and shoulders seem to feel a little more tense today. I forgot to mention yesterday that I am not only doing this challenge for physical benefits, but I am hoping to feel more relaxed and less anxious when all is said and done.

Now... on to the second day wrap up. I was and still am shocked at how much better I felt during class compared to yesterday. I was expecting to at least get dizzy during a few of the poses and even have to rest a few times. To my surprise - neither of these things happened. I was just pure shocked with my strength and focus in tonight's practice. I was anticipating to use breaks for at least the first 4-5 classes. With that being said, I am completely aware that tomorrow may be a whole different story. I have heard time and time again from those who have been practicing Bikram for years, it will always remain a challenge. For now, I'll just thank my coconut water and hope tomorrow brings the same satisfaction...

Weakest Pose: Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimotthanasana (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose)

Cures and prevents sciatica by stretching and strengthening the sciatic nerves and the tendons of the legs. It helps the functioning of most of the internal abdominal organs, especially the small and large intestine, and improves the muscle tone and flexibility of thighs and calves and the flexibility of the pelvis, ankles, and hip joints, and of the last five vertebrae of the spine.

* I think I really struggled with this pose since my hamstrings were so tight. Also, my fingers were super uncomfortable and squished while my feet were sliding farther from one another. 
 

 Strongest Pose: Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Produces maximum compression of the spine. Improves the flexibility of the neck and spine and relieves backache. The peak of the floor series. This posture stretches the abdominal organs to the maximum and cures constipation. It stretches the throat, thyroid gland, and parathyroids. Like the Bow Pose, it opens a narrow rib cage to give more space to the lungs. It also firms and slims the abdomen and the waistline. In addition, this posture allows release of emotional tension held in the body as stress, anxiety, anger and depression.

* This was by no means the easiest posture of the night, but I felt deeply connected and in tune with all of my emotions. I distinctly remember thinking, "Wow! This is rough on my lower back, but my heart feels wonderful."


I'd like to know what the rest of you do to relieve stress and/or gain a better physical and mental health? Spin? Yoga? Singing? Throw Darts? It really interests me to hear the different avenues people use to promote a healthier lifestyle. Oh, and one more thing.... Happy Spring Equinox to you all! :)

Cloudy with a Chance of.... Bikram

Wow! I've been a major slacker when it comes to taking the time for a blog post. The last several months have been busy with Holidays, applying to Dental Hygiene Schools, moving in with Chris, and spending a large chunk of time in Arizona during February when my Dad passed away.

Today, I not only revisited my little slice of the cyber world here, but I also stepped foot back into Bikram Yoga Mile High. This time was a bit different since it was the first day of the Bikram 30 Day Challenge! I plan to post a daily review just to kind of wrap my head around the progression and convey how I feel as I move forward with this challenge. I have contemplated starting this challenge for quite some time... so a great question is why now? Well, 2 answers come to mind - 1.) Why not? It promotes great health! 2.) Cancun is in 31 days! 


Day 1: Can I just crawl into child's pose now??

I have practiced different forms of yoga since college; however, I have only attempted Bikram Yoga 4 times prior to today. I made sure to drink 70 ounces of water, eat plenty of fruits and veggies throughout the day, and even got 9 hours of sleep last night. Yet, I still found myself wanting to crawl into child's pose while simultaneously turning off the sound to the instructor's headset mic. This was especially true during the last 4 standing postures - Trikanasana (triangle pose), Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana (standing separate leg head to knee pose), Tadasana (tree pose), and Padangustasana (toe stand pose).

Weakest Poses: Garurasana (eagle pose) and Salabhasana (locust pose)

 

Eagle Pose

Supplies fresh blood to the reproductive organs and the kidneys, increasing sexual power and control. It helps firm calves, thighs, hips, abdomen, and upper arms. It also improves the flexibility of the hip, knee, and ankle joints and strengthens the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and deltoid muscles.

Locust Pose

Has the same benefits as the Cobra, but it is even more potent in the cure of any back or spinal problem such as gout, slipped disc, and sciatica. It cures tennis elbow and is also excellent for firming buttocks and hips.

Strongest Poses: Tuladandasana (Balncing Stick) and Poorna-Salabhasana (Full Locust)

Balancing Stick Pose

Perfects control and balance by improving physical, psychological, and mental powers. In addition, it firms hips, buttocks, and upper thighs, as well as providing the same benefits for the legs as the Standing Head to Knee. It increases the circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, one of the best exercises for bad posture; strengthens the flexibility of latissimus dorsi, deltoid, and trapezius muscles; and improves the flexibility, strength, and muscle tone of shoulders, upper arms, spine, and hip joints.

Full Locust Pose

Firms the abdominal wall and upper thighs, and tightens upper arms, hips, and buttocks. It increases the size and elasticity of the rib cage and the lungs and improves the flexibility and strength of the lower spine and of most of the body's muscles.

Overall Mood: Exhausted... going to bed now! I'm excited and nervous for Day 2 tomorrow - sweet dreams everyone!