Working Out
Aug 5 2008 10:05 PM6 commentsAdd comment
I didn't make it to the gym on Saturday and Sunday — New Ulm and all — but I made it to my Team Shape-Shifting class on Monday, and today I went to my first Yoga/Pilates Fusion class.
The former was just fine, even though both my feet fell asleep ten minutes into the hour. (Apparently it's a fairly common occurrence; tomorrow I'll wear different shoes and try a different treadmill.) But the latter...I think it broke me.
First of all, when I walked into the studio, THE HEAT WAS ON. In freaking August. Apparently it's good for your muscles or something, but all I know is when I stepped out of the studio sixty minutes later and felt the otherwise-temperate gym air on my face, I nearly wept with relief.
Second of all, there were, like, 30 people there, all of whom were in better shape than I am. Some of them were men; everyone appeared to know what they were doing. And the instructor put me up front, so I could see her better and everybody else could see my ass better. Thanks, instructor!
I, of course, had never taken a pilates or yoga class before in my life. I am not a trim young person with a tank top and her very own purple yoga mat. I spent most of the time flailing my limbs around in an effort to keep up, or staring at the ceiling praying for the instructor to let us put our feet down, or trying unsuccessfully to stem the flow of sweat from every part of my body, including my palms, for God's sake. My form, I'm sure, was something less than pristine, but did I care? No, I did not. Hell, I was happy when I didn't fall over (yes, OK, I fell over a couple times, wanna make something of it?).
Also, I have certain super-special parts of my body that let's say inhibited some of the poses. Even if I could touch my toes, I couldn't, if you know what I mean. There are obstacles. Which is exactly why I'm spending so much time in the gym in the first place.
So! It was hard work. It was freaking hot. I got to look like a drunk congregant in front of a large group of good-looking and no doubt very intelligent people. I expect to be in a significant amount of pain tomorrow, when I have another Team Not So Much of Me Eventually class.
Am I going again next Tuesday? Yes, I am. It can't possibly get any worse, right?
Comments
I think there are straightforward yoga classes (and pilates, too) that I can take at my gym, but they're mostly farther away or incompatible with my schedule. Still, I'll keep my eyes open.
OTOH, I keep it in my mind as something I want to always do. I've been slack about it for a couple of years now, but I know I will return.
As for proper form, I am NOT a fan of mixing yoga with other things. If you're really curious, I would suggest finding a bona fide yoga studio (I can maybe help, even long-distance); many have intro classes that are kept small and have a lot of basic instruction. The more meditative bits come later; the purpose of the practice is to clear the mind in order to be able to meditate.
I'm also interested to see when and how the purported meditative effects of yoga kick in. The class uses new-age-y music, and the instructor talks softly and reminds us to breathe and open our ribcages and things like that.
But it's hard to remain calm and relaxed when you're trying to contort your body and muscles into weird new positions, you know? I suppose it'll happen eventually...
i have had the feeling of not working hard enough, but i don't worry about it because i figure it is awesome that i am working at all, compared to my former inactive self.
and, btw, i love "team shape-shifting." that's a keeper.
I'm not sure what causes foot numbness. It must have something to do with nerve endings and blood circulation and where/how you're putting pressure on your feet. I just Googled it and found out that lots of other people experience it, so I'm not going to worry about it.
Also, I'm not as sore today as I was afraid I'd be. Just a little ab unhappiness (unhABiness!) and shoulder discomfort. Which means I either didn't work hard enough or am super-tough. I suspect the former...
I might ask if one of the pilates/yoga instructors can give me a half-hour session on correct form. I think that'll help a lot.
You may want to back up and start with a Kripalu or otherwise more gentle yoga class. Also, the hot room is controversial. Many yogis and many bodyworkers (such as myself) think that the hot room can cause folks to overextend their muscles, increasing the likelihood of injury.