Yoga

[theatokos]

Last night, I went to yoga class for the first time in two months. I've been doing a gentle practice at home most mornings, but I finally felt recovered enough from Feb to go back to class, and also my teacher was back from a two week trip. Being pregnant I didn't want to go to a class with a sub, some one I didn't know.

But class last night was great. Mellow but challenging enough for my body, now 30lbs heavier! Downward facing dog still feels awesome, which is a relief. The really exciting news, and the reason I'm posting, is that I can still go upside down!! I was able to do two handstands! I needed help getting up, but once up I was stable and comfortable. We also did partner supported back bends (dhanurasana) and I could still do that, too! And they felt sooooo good. It was all the hip opening stuff that I had to sit out on. My hips are not happy. Time for the chiropractor.

Comments

[thekitchenvixen.livejournal.com]

I am SOOOOOOOO happy for you. I know how good it feels to get back into doing yoga. Unfortunately I STILL haven't gone since I've been back from my trip. Maybe tonight!
Anyway, its great that you are not afraid to do the more challenging asanas. Your body will let you know when it isn't right to do those anymore. I'd say within the next month I'm going to have a hard time upside down from the sheer weight of my uterus pressing upwards. We'll see.

Congrats!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I've done some research on what's advisable for pregnant ladies, but each tradition seems to have differing ideas of that. So, I'm taking the most common info to heart and then just listening extra super close to my body. It's also not time for me to learn any new poses. But wow, those poses felt great! We'll see how much longer I can do it though!

One yoga question for you: I have read that down dog is not advisable once we hit the 8th month. Something about discouraging the babe to move down. What do you think about this? It would make sense to maybe not go upside down - we don't want to counteract gravity - but downdog is a staple of anusara yoga. I am hesitant to remove it altogether.

[thekitchenvixen.livejournal.com]

I think its fine. If it feels right, I would continue with it.

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

OK...I'm jealous. I can't even do a handstand now.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

It took me over a year of trying regularly to do it. It used to provoke anxiety attacks in me. But lots of patience, persistence and support helped me do. Of course, I can't do it without the wall! I'm not strong and centered enough (yet) to do it in the middle of a room. And head stand doesn't really work for me.

I just love yoga. I have all these thoughts about how it's one of the most liberating and democratic forms of health and fitness out there. Running might be the number one, but I loathe running. Sadly, yoga can be very expensive and chi-chi and encourage people to fixate on classes, when really that doesn't have to be the case at all! And it's been the number one most effective way to deal with my anxiety issues (that and give up coffee).

[howilearned.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I'm always reminded about how yoga is continually just plain rad. Congrats on the handstands. It ain't easy doin' it for one, much less two.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Yoga = Love

[ginger-root.livejournal.com]

I just love the image of you hanging a belly out in downward facing dog. In the image in my head, however, you are eight months pregnant and the baby is doing downward facing dog in your belly too. HA