I didn't get to go to yoga yesterday because I didn't really plan very well. So I was glad to get to go today. On a day like today, yoga is the only thing that gets me off my couch. At any rate, I went to the late class, which I think is my favorite the more I go to different class times. It's less hot and less crowded. It was led by someone different than I expected, but I liked her so it was good. I'm starting to realize that even though every class is the same, the instructors can really make a difference in how hard I push myself. I pushed today. The standing series is an hour long and it's meant to build strength and balance. I have a very difficult time with some of it because my feet start to hurt really badly. I asked her about this after class and she said that it was very normal and that I just needed to build strength in my feet, which would come with time. I tried to work through the pain as much as I could, but I had to stop and massage my feet out after I started several poses. Once we got to the sitting series, it was mostly smooth sailing until I got a splitting headache about halfway in. The nice thing is that between each pose you lay on your back and get your breath back. This really helped my head feel better quickly. But I couldn't really do the rabbit pose where you sit on your knees and roll forward on your head to stretch out your spine.
I asked the instructor about what to do when I get really emotional in class as well. She said if I just needed to sit and cry in the class it would be fine and that nobody would really notice if it was tears or sweat because everyone's all sweaty anyway. She also commended me for coming to 6 classes in 9 days. I've already noticed and improvement in my flexibility. There is one pose where you stand with your legs spread and attempt to get your forehead to the floor with your hands behind your ankles. I was able to get my hands to my feet for about 20 seconds today and I haven't been able to do that yet. Normally I use my hands to support my torso so I don't stretch down too far. I went to class on a fairly full stomach which made some of the torso stretches really uncomfortable. I'll have to remember not to eat so much even hours beforehand if I don't want to feel like my gut is pushing against my ribs.
Now I'm eating rocky road ice cream. But I'm only have one scoop. I feel I've earned it. Sort of. I should probably not be eating at all considering I had olive garden for lunch today (we couldn't afford it, but Paul's been working 10 consecutive days, so I felt like he needed it) and I didn't choose healthy options because I wanted to enjoy myself for a change. Tomorrow will be better. Although being so dirt poor makes it difficult to purchase healthy food. I have tons of pasta and no veggies. Oh well. Perhaps it's time to consider taking a break from Weight Watchers. It will be a year in November and only 9 pounds of weight loss on my part. I think I either need to buckle down and earn the privilege of going, or I need to take a break for a few months. It's a bit more difficult when you can't afford food though.
I asked the instructor about what to do when I get really emotional in class as well. She said if I just needed to sit and cry in the class it would be fine and that nobody would really notice if it was tears or sweat because everyone's all sweaty anyway. She also commended me for coming to 6 classes in 9 days. I've already noticed and improvement in my flexibility. There is one pose where you stand with your legs spread and attempt to get your forehead to the floor with your hands behind your ankles. I was able to get my hands to my feet for about 20 seconds today and I haven't been able to do that yet. Normally I use my hands to support my torso so I don't stretch down too far. I went to class on a fairly full stomach which made some of the torso stretches really uncomfortable. I'll have to remember not to eat so much even hours beforehand if I don't want to feel like my gut is pushing against my ribs.
Now I'm eating rocky road ice cream. But I'm only have one scoop. I feel I've earned it. Sort of. I should probably not be eating at all considering I had olive garden for lunch today (we couldn't afford it, but Paul's been working 10 consecutive days, so I felt like he needed it) and I didn't choose healthy options because I wanted to enjoy myself for a change. Tomorrow will be better. Although being so dirt poor makes it difficult to purchase healthy food. I have tons of pasta and no veggies. Oh well. Perhaps it's time to consider taking a break from Weight Watchers. It will be a year in November and only 9 pounds of weight loss on my part. I think I either need to buckle down and earn the privilege of going, or I need to take a break for a few months. It's a bit more difficult when you can't afford food though.
It sounds like you have a great instructor! Her advise to you was really sound. Weight loss is so hard. I have weight I'm trying to lose too and I get so frustrated because it feels like I just go in circles. Do you have a friend that you can buddy up with and be accountable with?
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Beth, you sound so motivated! I've always wanted to try Bikram yoga.. maybe I'll tag along sometime!
ReplyDeleteJennifer