Time : PM
Instructor : Ranette
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 49
Heat : Hot; mind and spirit-crushingly hot.
Hot. Humid.
Fan was employed the first half and kept me in the game. I was more focused than I've ever been, trying to actively stay in the posture working it with the breath. Ranette is very good about focusing on the breath. I had struggled with all the triangle series, but was very focused. Balancing stick was probably my stand out. I decided to go very shallow, but concentrate on the stretch instead of dipping down deep. Eagle was strong and solid too.
Floor series I hardly remember. Most people were taking a knee in the standing. Too hot. I backed off a good deal so I wouldn't be sapped the rest of the day.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
5-18-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 47
Heat : Hot; perfectly balanced.
Good class. I tried to maintain the mantra "the standing series is just the warm up" and that led to a relaxing first half.
My shoulder was still hurting so triangle/warrior were tough. My leg strength was really giving me a good knee lock. Standing bow was even better than normal, or getting even better rather. Really the balancing series is about staying calm.
I was pretty winded throughout the last 1/2 of the floor series because I came into it so strong. I really pushed hard in camel and other hip focused asanas. Fixed-firm I did twice and really spread my knees out wide and that helped take some pressure off.
Also, did Spine Twist focusing on lengthening instead of twisting and have some sore upper abs today.
My knees and shoulders are extra sensitive, as Ive noticed that's the deal when I go hard on them, but when they 'heal' they are much more flexible. It is theraputic if you don't go too heavy.
I asked Herb about the 80/20 breathing and he said keep it to the restrictive breathing poses where it's upper body.
I also got a new mat for $30 which is about 4x as thick as my overwashed one. Also a new pair of Nike DriFit shorts for $40.
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 47
Heat : Hot; perfectly balanced.
Good class. I tried to maintain the mantra "the standing series is just the warm up" and that led to a relaxing first half.
My shoulder was still hurting so triangle/warrior were tough. My leg strength was really giving me a good knee lock. Standing bow was even better than normal, or getting even better rather. Really the balancing series is about staying calm.
I was pretty winded throughout the last 1/2 of the floor series because I came into it so strong. I really pushed hard in camel and other hip focused asanas. Fixed-firm I did twice and really spread my knees out wide and that helped take some pressure off.
Also, did Spine Twist focusing on lengthening instead of twisting and have some sore upper abs today.
My knees and shoulders are extra sensitive, as Ive noticed that's the deal when I go hard on them, but when they 'heal' they are much more flexible. It is theraputic if you don't go too heavy.
I asked Herb about the 80/20 breathing and he said keep it to the restrictive breathing poses where it's upper body.
I also got a new mat for $30 which is about 4x as thick as my overwashed one. Also a new pair of Nike DriFit shorts for $40.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
5-14-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 80 minute, moving meditation
Class Number : 46
Heat : Hot; perfectly balanced.
Great class. It's had been about 4-5 days since my last and everything was ready to go. I was very aware of my breath for the first half of the class and metered my energy well. I cant think of a pose that didn't go well. My standing leg lock was getting stronger and stronger. I put a lot of hip into it as well. My butt is already sore.
I pushed hard at the beginning of floor. Cobra I tried the 80-20 breathing and got winded but got some good altitude. My shoulder is still agonizing, so I broke up floor bow into two parts. I sort of drifted towards the end, but got a really good spine twist in the last pose.
Drank a coconut water to rehydrate, but didn't sweat too deeply.
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 80 minute, moving meditation
Class Number : 46
Heat : Hot; perfectly balanced.
Great class. It's had been about 4-5 days since my last and everything was ready to go. I was very aware of my breath for the first half of the class and metered my energy well. I cant think of a pose that didn't go well. My standing leg lock was getting stronger and stronger. I put a lot of hip into it as well. My butt is already sore.
I pushed hard at the beginning of floor. Cobra I tried the 80-20 breathing and got winded but got some good altitude. My shoulder is still agonizing, so I broke up floor bow into two parts. I sort of drifted towards the end, but got a really good spine twist in the last pose.
Drank a coconut water to rehydrate, but didn't sweat too deeply.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5-6-2010
Time : PM
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 45
Heat : Hot; but actually warmish. Nice.
Balancing stick, Laiki noted my arms weren't parallel with my head. Good to know.
Half moon was really deep to left and right and forward. I was very focused.
Floor bow was insanely deep as well as locust. I can still feel it in my chest.
I did the class without water on purpose as I have 1/2 a coconut water prior and finished it after class. It's just a nuisance and a crutch. Bikram Woodbury was right about that and the towel. I haven't touched my towel in 3 classes.
Camel was good. I really got into my hip in tree pose and floor bow, so it went well. Rabbit was my most successful because I let myself drop into it instead of pushing.
They've been mentioning yin and yang poses. Some you just hang and let it happen. Rabbit seems to be one of those.
Breathing was perfectly steady the whole class.
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 45
Heat : Hot; but actually warmish. Nice.
Balancing stick, Laiki noted my arms weren't parallel with my head. Good to know.
Half moon was really deep to left and right and forward. I was very focused.
Floor bow was insanely deep as well as locust. I can still feel it in my chest.
I did the class without water on purpose as I have 1/2 a coconut water prior and finished it after class. It's just a nuisance and a crutch. Bikram Woodbury was right about that and the towel. I haven't touched my towel in 3 classes.
Camel was good. I really got into my hip in tree pose and floor bow, so it went well. Rabbit was my most successful because I let myself drop into it instead of pushing.
They've been mentioning yin and yang poses. Some you just hang and let it happen. Rabbit seems to be one of those.
Breathing was perfectly steady the whole class.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
5-4-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 44
Heat : Hot; extremely humid and hot
This class was a ball buster. It was hot just laying in initial sayvasna.
I'd met in the afternoon with a potential freelance client and it's a health oriented business and I found out she has been practising Bikram for 8 years, 6 classes a week. She boasted she may have more classes under her belt than any other Minnesotan. At 2,500, she may be right. Anyway, it got me pumped to do another hot class after I just did one last night.
I had a strong standing bow, laid off my knees for awkward pose and took it easy. Laiki recommended 80/20 breath for a few poses, but I was too overheated to try it more than a few breaths.
I can't think of any standout poses. It was mostly suffering.
Drank 3 coconut water packs to get my water back. I don't think I'd recooped my water from last night and I was drenched before the floor series.
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 44
Heat : Hot; extremely humid and hot
This class was a ball buster. It was hot just laying in initial sayvasna.
I'd met in the afternoon with a potential freelance client and it's a health oriented business and I found out she has been practising Bikram for 8 years, 6 classes a week. She boasted she may have more classes under her belt than any other Minnesotan. At 2,500, she may be right. Anyway, it got me pumped to do another hot class after I just did one last night.
I had a strong standing bow, laid off my knees for awkward pose and took it easy. Laiki recommended 80/20 breath for a few poses, but I was too overheated to try it more than a few breaths.
I can't think of any standout poses. It was mostly suffering.
Drank 3 coconut water packs to get my water back. I don't think I'd recooped my water from last night and I was drenched before the floor series.
Monday, May 3, 2010
5-3-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 43
Heat : Hot; but regulated perfectly
Great class. I was very mushy-brained at first and tight in the upper back. My shoulder was achey, but brought it back deep in standing bow, which was even better. Most of the balancing series I was solid until the last few seconds and then came out of the posture from fatigue instead of a balance issue. Eagle was solid throughout my bottom half, which was a first.
I really pushed camel hard, but not 100% as my back is still in heal mode, but it was mindblowing still. Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose was very deep too as I pushed harder with my breaths more than ever.
Spine Twisting Pose, I focused on the spine stretch instead of back and the back part came in to place anyway. It seemed to hit up higher on my abs doing that.
I should try focusing on my "negative" or less-practised breath direction and maybe instinct will create the positive like it did tonight.
Got some coconut water afterward, as I sweated like crazy. I didn't wipe once and it kind of doesn't make a difference unless you are overheating.
My mouth was better at breathing/saliva, but was pretty projectiling during khalibati breathing.
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 90 minute
Class Number : 43
Heat : Hot; but regulated perfectly
Great class. I was very mushy-brained at first and tight in the upper back. My shoulder was achey, but brought it back deep in standing bow, which was even better. Most of the balancing series I was solid until the last few seconds and then came out of the posture from fatigue instead of a balance issue. Eagle was solid throughout my bottom half, which was a first.
I really pushed camel hard, but not 100% as my back is still in heal mode, but it was mindblowing still. Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose was very deep too as I pushed harder with my breaths more than ever.
Spine Twisting Pose, I focused on the spine stretch instead of back and the back part came in to place anyway. It seemed to hit up higher on my abs doing that.
I should try focusing on my "negative" or less-practised breath direction and maybe instinct will create the positive like it did tonight.
Got some coconut water afterward, as I sweated like crazy. I didn't wipe once and it kind of doesn't make a difference unless you are overheating.
My mouth was better at breathing/saliva, but was pretty projectiling during khalibati breathing.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
4-29-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 80 minute, minimal cueing
Class Number : 42
Heat : Hot; overly humid the last 20-30 minutes
My first minimal cueing class. Most noticeable was my breath and how the usual narrated class hides my breathing. I aimed to keep it steady and calm, but was discouraged in my usual difficult poses. Standing bow was again sick and I am holding it very solid.
It was difficult to gauge my depth as I was focusing mostly on my form. I was also still in recovery with my back and didnt push camel, floor bow or rabbit.
I was also adjusting to my dental appliance, so I was more concerned about sucking down my saliva and keeping my breathing steady.
It was an educational class and it gets very right brain quickly. I think I'll wait a while before doing another.
Laiki had some positive things to say to me about my practise and yoga in general after class, which made me feel better about the class.
Hardly drank any water during class, due to the quiet nature. Also didn't fuel up with coconut water as I was out at home and the store didn't have any. Ill get some in the AM.
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 80 minute, minimal cueing
Class Number : 42
Heat : Hot; overly humid the last 20-30 minutes
My first minimal cueing class. Most noticeable was my breath and how the usual narrated class hides my breathing. I aimed to keep it steady and calm, but was discouraged in my usual difficult poses. Standing bow was again sick and I am holding it very solid.
It was difficult to gauge my depth as I was focusing mostly on my form. I was also still in recovery with my back and didnt push camel, floor bow or rabbit.
I was also adjusting to my dental appliance, so I was more concerned about sucking down my saliva and keeping my breathing steady.
It was an educational class and it gets very right brain quickly. I think I'll wait a while before doing another.
Laiki had some positive things to say to me about my practise and yoga in general after class, which made me feel better about the class.
Hardly drank any water during class, due to the quiet nature. Also didn't fuel up with coconut water as I was out at home and the store didn't have any. Ill get some in the AM.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
4-28-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Ranette
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 41
Heat : Hot; but actually warm.
My back was wrenched last Thursday and was still a little achey yesterday, so I waited until my first day without any pain to go back.
Not any progress to report as I took everything very easy. Only backbends made my lower back jump. I hardly did camel and floor bow. The situps halfway through started to hurt too, so I rolled to the side to get up.
Standing bow was probably the strongest I'd done, with the arch crawling up my back. My shoulder gave me some grief also in the warrior/triangle.
Instructor : Ranette
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 41
Heat : Hot; but actually warm.
My back was wrenched last Thursday and was still a little achey yesterday, so I waited until my first day without any pain to go back.
Not any progress to report as I took everything very easy. Only backbends made my lower back jump. I hardly did camel and floor bow. The situps halfway through started to hurt too, so I rolled to the side to get up.
Standing bow was probably the strongest I'd done, with the arch crawling up my back. My shoulder gave me some grief also in the warrior/triangle.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
4-21-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Small
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 40
Heat : Hot; very consistent and even. Never overheated.
I was really trying to work on my deep breathing in my upper chest and it paid off. It kept my breathing solid throughout halfmoon, awkward and the entire balancing series. I made through both sets of Eagle without losing my balance. It wasn't solid, but I was hanging in there. Awkward, parts 1 and 2 were again rock solid.
During Balancing Stick, Laiki pointed out my set out went too far and required a great deal of effort and re-adjusting. Shortening my step made a big difference. She also spotted me so I could focus on my stretch instead of balancing. It was huge difference. Bow was the best I've ever done. My shoulder rolled back and I was doing a good deal at kicking.
My shoulder was starting to bark in the warrior series, so I dropped it. It was fine in triangle, but Laiki pointed out my hip was too high and I needed to back off my depth. Damn, just when I thought I had that one nailed.
For my ailing shoulder, she suggested point my arms backwards dramatically in Poorna - Salabhasana. It was an incredible difference, bad shoulder or not. It made me pinch my scapula and stretch my chest and took all the weight off my shoulder. After that Dhanurasana (bow) went great too. It's like Locust got me ready for it.
Camel again was a great breakthrough. I was still moving back both sets dramatically when it was over. I also moved my hands down lower on my ass to take more pressure off my shoulders. It consequently got my hips out further.
Instructor : Laiki
Class Size : Small
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 40
Heat : Hot; very consistent and even. Never overheated.
I was really trying to work on my deep breathing in my upper chest and it paid off. It kept my breathing solid throughout halfmoon, awkward and the entire balancing series. I made through both sets of Eagle without losing my balance. It wasn't solid, but I was hanging in there. Awkward, parts 1 and 2 were again rock solid.
During Balancing Stick, Laiki pointed out my set out went too far and required a great deal of effort and re-adjusting. Shortening my step made a big difference. She also spotted me so I could focus on my stretch instead of balancing. It was huge difference. Bow was the best I've ever done. My shoulder rolled back and I was doing a good deal at kicking.
My shoulder was starting to bark in the warrior series, so I dropped it. It was fine in triangle, but Laiki pointed out my hip was too high and I needed to back off my depth. Damn, just when I thought I had that one nailed.
For my ailing shoulder, she suggested point my arms backwards dramatically in Poorna - Salabhasana. It was an incredible difference, bad shoulder or not. It made me pinch my scapula and stretch my chest and took all the weight off my shoulder. After that Dhanurasana (bow) went great too. It's like Locust got me ready for it.
Camel again was a great breakthrough. I was still moving back both sets dramatically when it was over. I also moved my hands down lower on my ass to take more pressure off my shoulders. It consequently got my hips out further.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
4-20-10
Time : PM
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 39
Heat : Hot; very consistent
There was a newbie in the class and also a total hottie. I met eyes with her going into the studio. The instructor planted her right next to me in the class, so my concentration was shot from the get-go.
Trying to show off, my half-moon pose was ridiculously deep and good. After biking yesterday my glutes and abductors were rocks. As a result, the balancing series was killer too. I also went to my full depth with parts one and two of Utkatasana (awkward pose).
Warrior 2 and triangle both presented some new info. My shoulders killed me. The impact of biking took it's toll immediately after just one ride. It's pretty evident my biking in Myrtle and Charleston aggravated my shoulders into new territory.
I really zoned out in the beginning of the floor series, but made up for it with a very strong Ustrasana (camel). Sasangasana (rabbit) was a struggle as I was winded from Camel and couldn't get my head position right.
Finishing out in final sayvasna, I was trying to breathe deep from my chest and got some huge breathes in. My ribs have been noticeably more flexible the past week. They don't feel static, but really move and float when I breathe into my upper chest. I think I must be getting at least 20% more air in each breath. It'd make sense as my practice and energy-level seems to have improved about 20% during the past week.
Pretty much no 'big space' feeling during class, but again afterwards had the blissed out feeling.
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Medium
Class Length : 60 minute
Class Number : 39
Heat : Hot; very consistent
There was a newbie in the class and also a total hottie. I met eyes with her going into the studio. The instructor planted her right next to me in the class, so my concentration was shot from the get-go.
Trying to show off, my half-moon pose was ridiculously deep and good. After biking yesterday my glutes and abductors were rocks. As a result, the balancing series was killer too. I also went to my full depth with parts one and two of Utkatasana (awkward pose).
Warrior 2 and triangle both presented some new info. My shoulders killed me. The impact of biking took it's toll immediately after just one ride. It's pretty evident my biking in Myrtle and Charleston aggravated my shoulders into new territory.
I really zoned out in the beginning of the floor series, but made up for it with a very strong Ustrasana (camel). Sasangasana (rabbit) was a struggle as I was winded from Camel and couldn't get my head position right.
Finishing out in final sayvasna, I was trying to breathe deep from my chest and got some huge breathes in. My ribs have been noticeably more flexible the past week. They don't feel static, but really move and float when I breathe into my upper chest. I think I must be getting at least 20% more air in each breath. It'd make sense as my practice and energy-level seems to have improved about 20% during the past week.
Pretty much no 'big space' feeling during class, but again afterwards had the blissed out feeling.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
4-17-10
Time : AM
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 38
Heat : Humid towards last 20 minutes
During pranayama, I notice extra flexibility in my pecs as if they were rising above my ribcage on the sides under my arms. I also tried to take larger breaths during sayvasna and expanding my ribcage larger than usual. I am still feeling tremendous ribcage flexibility.
I also noticed my glutes and hips didn't take any time to engage; they were solid from the start. Resulted in a solid balancing series.
I poured in on in warrior and triangle, maintaining a relaxing or warmup mentality with the exception of garurasana (eagle) and dandayamana (forehead to knee) which are always tough as hell.
I alternated standing and lying on the two sets in padangustasana. The second set, lying, I got a huge hip stretch and great deep pop. The flexibility gained from my prior class was showing.
Floor series I lost some focus after dhanurasana (bow) as that is when the heat started in deep. I only did one very light set of Ustrasana (Camel) as I was going to try to make that a really good set, but no dice.
I went through the motions after that and throughout the rest of the class.
I tried a pinch of kosher salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. It curbed my water drinking where I felt like I had a hole in my stomach. Instead I just took a few sips and wasn't really thirsty.
I couldn't find the "big space" in the class. I did however get it after class and for a few hours later. I didn't eat right after as I met with a realtor for about two hours.
I also tried coconut water later on that night. I felt it soak in pretty much immediately.
Instructor : Herb
Class Size : Large
Class Length : 110 minute
Class Number : 38
Heat : Humid towards last 20 minutes
During pranayama, I notice extra flexibility in my pecs as if they were rising above my ribcage on the sides under my arms. I also tried to take larger breaths during sayvasna and expanding my ribcage larger than usual. I am still feeling tremendous ribcage flexibility.
I also noticed my glutes and hips didn't take any time to engage; they were solid from the start. Resulted in a solid balancing series.
I poured in on in warrior and triangle, maintaining a relaxing or warmup mentality with the exception of garurasana (eagle) and dandayamana (forehead to knee) which are always tough as hell.
I alternated standing and lying on the two sets in padangustasana. The second set, lying, I got a huge hip stretch and great deep pop. The flexibility gained from my prior class was showing.
Floor series I lost some focus after dhanurasana (bow) as that is when the heat started in deep. I only did one very light set of Ustrasana (Camel) as I was going to try to make that a really good set, but no dice.
I went through the motions after that and throughout the rest of the class.
I tried a pinch of kosher salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. It curbed my water drinking where I felt like I had a hole in my stomach. Instead I just took a few sips and wasn't really thirsty.
I couldn't find the "big space" in the class. I did however get it after class and for a few hours later. I didn't eat right after as I met with a realtor for about two hours.
I also tried coconut water later on that night. I felt it soak in pretty much immediately.
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