Ready for the next 6 days of YWA? We’re well on our way on our 30-day January BREATH yoga journey.
We’ve held Simbas over the edges, we’ve floated boats, flew like Superman/Superwoman, imitated cobras, crouched like cats and stood like cows, practiced the fire breath, posed like warriors and worked out with Adriene and more than 134000 Yogis across the world!
And just on our own HU Strength and Flex Forum, more than 55 of us are joining in! And as someone on the forum said, it is fascinating to see how we are all so different, arranging our personal bodies to meet our own personal conditions and fitness levels.
I myself am beginning to gain a confidence of using my diverse set of props to reach my own achievable flow. And from what I read, many of us are adapting poses and flows, but through that adaptation we also are getting to know our own bodies and their limits. We are experiencing delight in playfully exploring the boundaries of what our limbs and spines and cores can do and then taking little steps to go just that little bit further.
So upwards and onwards on our 30-day journey of BREATH.
Day 7-12: BRING IT ON!
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194 Replies
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It's brilliant CBDB you're getting people exploring new depths of flexibility 👍, dug out my old resistance bands earlier and what a brilliant way to hold those stretches 👍 especially as I seem to have all my belts stolen 🧐
Yes, indeed. Maybe I didn’t need Yoga as much until now, as the world I grew up in seemed fairly stable. But with the world constantly seeming to be on a kilter, having a space and practice that focussed inwards and one that creates a calm becomes really important.
I’m also massively enjoying it, and I wasn’t sure I would - to that extent.
I like it as well because once I've got the mat out it makes me get on and do some thing else afterwards . Today I did a Pilates session for knees that somebody, possibly you recommended.
If it’s Cailin from MVMT yes! She’s great I think! She is also doing a 30 day Pilates challenge 😖 but she moves from beginner to advanced too fast for me.
Aargh, it's not going at all!! I signed up late, did one day but I didn't really get into it, then did my c25k w1r1 return run the next day. Then did my pilates online class today. I'm not sure I've thought this through, I don't think I can actually fit it in. And I prefer my pilates. Oh dear. Hope everybody else is doing better!
I’m really enjoying it this year, it’s such a calming thing to do early evening, and then because it’s so cold having a lovely warm scented bath. Interesting that how my flexibility had waned over the last few months even through I’ve been running all through. Lotus position the first few times was very interesting. Looking forward to week 2.
Yes, I have a feeling (but more experienced runners can correct me) that running alone actually reduces your flexibility as it tends to tighten your muscles. That’s how I experienced it. And I think that’s why stretching and Yoga/Pilates can be so important for runners.
I am so behind, just read your post last last night when I finished work and realised I had missed the start of yoga. I have been working extra to help with vaccinations, but have a day off today. So will start from the beginning today and let you know how it goes. I’ll only be able to complete 23 days of the challenge but it’s better than none.
You can stop and start when you like - the videos are always there so you can do them at your own pace and come back to them. Thanks for everything you're doing to get the vaccines out, I'm sure a bit of yoga is much needed.
Day 7 SYNCHRONISE Breathing, moving, breathing moving! Nice one! I’m getting quite good (for me) at my downward dog but transition to/from Cobra... not pretty.
I’ve enjoyed most of the first week...but had to modify a few positions 😬
I won’t deny that it’s hard for me...not done any yoga for a while, and just started on working through the distance plan for 10k. I do find problems with my balance, so find the warrior poses hard...plus I have to be careful of my dodgy knees...so don’t always complete all those flows!
On the other hand...quite enjoyed “Burn”...including the low boats 🚣🏽♀️, and hanging Simba off the cliff 🦁😂
...have to work at my breathing though 🙄
I do my practice late evening after Mr. Lottie has gone to bed...I can spread out on the living room floor ☺️
I have my mat and a pillow...I light a couple of nice smelling tea lights and just have a table lamp on so I can see what I’m doing...then go straight to bed after... 🥰💤🧘🏻♀️
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toLottieMW
Oooh nice. I need to also try doing these sessions in the evening, it sounds like it prepares you so well ready for bed.
I do mine first thing in the morning as I tend to have most energy then.
And adapting is good! I know what you mean with knees and balance!
Pleasantly surprised as my knees feel no worse than usual this morning...and I did 5.5km yesterday too...
Evening works for me as most convenient, plus I do need to work on my sleep health...I think it’s working...now to try and get into bed before midnight! 😂🙄😬
Like you I’m working through the distance plan to 10k. Just started today with the yoga challenge, a week behind! I’m finding it a bit difficult to fit everything in between work. But I’m a day off today and did day 1, which is perfect as the weather outside is only good for sledging in at the moment 🥶I also have had to modify, I’m not good at the crossed leg positions 😂 , but I think that’s ok to do.
Yes...ironically it’s the sitting still and tall that I find hard, I fidget and take a while to relax into it...but I do not feel that my inner thighs really relax in lotus 🤷🏻♀️
Oh...and I didn’t start C25k until I retired...I don’t think I would be doing any of this if I was still in work...even on 3 days part time. So well done you 👍👏
I've had to stop I'm afraid. A while back on holiday I did a yoga class and was sick - blamed it on food poisoning. Then exactly the same thing happened this time. I actually managed the positions better than I thought I would but downward dog is obviously not to me. So it's back to my tai chi ☹
That's not what you want to happen when doing yoga how horrible for you. I've never done tai chi but used to work with someone who was very passionate about it. There's so many interesting things that I'd like to try 😊So you do it online?
I did a weekly class before all this covid started and my teacher had sent us a demo of the movements as an aide memoire. I highly recommend it. The movements are simple but so slow that it does work the body and you feel calm at the end.
Do what feels right, and if it doesn’t it doesn’t. Downward dog is an awkward position. But so we’ll done for giving it a go. And tai chi sounds fascinating! 👍🏽💪🤩
Lovely practice today - Synchronize. I loved all the twists and found the whole session relaxing. Tomorrow’s sounds yummy too, but I’m sure Adriene will ramp it up again next week. 😳😩😅
I have absolutely loved this programme so far. I enjoy how every day is so different. I’ve been having a hard time sleeping so I get up early before work and do the yoga session followed by my first meditation of the day. It is such a great way to start my day. I must say though my Breath of fire was lacking yesterday. I couldn’t get the rhythm at all and had to stop and giggle after a few breaths. It will come. It is like Adrienne is synched with what I need. I just found out last night my mom had been hospitalized and is very ill so today’s gentle synchronize was just what I needed after a horrible tear filled night and tears again this morning. She lives far away and with the darn Covid rules I’m not sure if I can see her so I’ll be making some calls to the hospital today to see what they can tell me and if I make the trip if I will be able to be with her.
😢 hope your mom will be ok. It’s a scary time to need to be in hospitals and for families struggling to be together in order to help each other. Big hugs. Keep safe and sane and it’s nice that YWA can contribute that little bit. 🫂🧸♥️❤️
Sorry to hear about your mum, how very worrying for you. Sounds like you've got a good routine going with the yoga & meditation - it'll help in these difficult times. I continue with meditation after she's finished and am finding it very calming. Sending big hugs across the Atlantic 🤗
Ah I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, a worrying thing in normal times and so difficult when you live far way. Sending you big hugs 🤗🤗Remember to look after yourself while you are worrying about her. Yoga will help xx
Thanks TC. I was able to fly home and see her while she was in the ICU but not today since she has been moved back to the regular ward. I am frustrated to say the least. 2021 is not a great year for my family so far.
I haven't signed up yet but might as well, if you will have me as a latecomer! I started YWA during the first lockdown and have done several of her monthly calendars, but this is the first time I try to keep up with the videos as they are posted.
I like the series a lot so far, I love how she links mindfulness to the physical side of yoga. Only problem I keep having is my neck: I found it near impossible for it not to hurt during yesterday's low boats (although was seriously trying to relax neck and shoulders), and also have to be really careful with neck twists as they often lead to very unpleasant headaches. Does anybody else have that problem?
Welcome!! Brill!! I’ve added you to our list, published a couple of weeks back!
Yes, I think most of us are delightfully enjoying it so far and many of us have to adapt some poses with helping props or different positions. So that might be also something to consider in terms of going easy on your neck. And yes, go easy on your neck.
Maybe someone else has experienced similar issues, I haven’t. (I get headaches but not from Yoga)
There are actually quite a few YWA videos dedicated to neck and shoulders, so they might help as well. (Just search on YouTube for “Yoga with Adriene neck”)
Hello blue-notes, I used to get a lot of neck pain especially in Low boat (and I also get them when I do crunches and sit ups), and I’ve started to realise that it’s because my neck muscles are too weak and because I spend my whole day sitting in front of my computer hunching down. I would strongly suggest doing some neck physio exercises every day (no need to do too many, but do them every day) to strengthen the muscles and counteract all the looking down and hunching forward that we do in our lives. Some exercises in the yoga videos might help too, e.g Cobra. of course if it’s more than just slight pain and you have pre-existing conditions do check with your gp or a physio, bur I’ve really found slowly building up my neck muscles has helped a lot and I can do the boat pain free now
Thank you for your reply. Yes, tensing the neck muscles in front of various screens all day certainly doesn't help. I have done some yoga exercises for neck/shoulders but they were mainly aimed at relaxing the muscles, so I'll check out some strengthening ones.
Oh Burny Day 6 was hard work yesterday - I have a dislocated coccyx so the boat pose is never a great one for me 😬, but I did like her "hold Simba over the cliff" analogy 😆. Today's practice was better, although I am struggling with tightness at the tops of my legs that is making sitting cross-legged pretty uncomfortable for some of the poses. I've always found sitting cross-legged difficult - I think it is linked to my lack of a coccyx! I kind of feel that I'm tensing up because my posture isn't great. I uncross my legs after a while, but I shall persevere in the hope I may loosen up.
Yes, at the beginning I also struggled a bit when I started, so I did use yoga bricks underneath my knees when sitting cross-legged, and that certainly allowed me to relax. Some thick books or folded towels under each knee might do the trick.
I also found the following YWA Video some time ago, I haven’t done it yet but always wanted to. But some of the positions are definitely a no-no for my knees. But there might be something of use in there:
So glad you posted the link & I embarked upon this! I'm usually on my feet pretty much all day and have gone back to sitting down almost the entire day. I'm determined not to have the same tight glutes, hips and back as last time! Evening yoga has been a welcome wind down at the end of the day & I'm particularly appreciating focusing on the breath & combining it with some meditation.
I didn't manage tonight as Mr S presented me with a vodka tonic in a bid to stop me working & I completely forgot about yoga 🤭. Will have to do 2 sessions tomorrow.
Day 8 SNUGGLE 🥰🫂🤗well that one definitely had a cozy feeling to it. 😍 I wrapped myself in my favourite blanket at the end, and hubby and I just stayed there chatting for a few minutes. Now upwards and onwards to the new day!
SNUGGLE Well I wasn’t expecting that, I’ve loved every session so far and was looking forward to a nice snuggle this morning...but it was the most unsnuggly session for me, leaning forward with my legs crossed is impossible, I can just about put a finger tip to the floor...I have to be really careful with my knees, never very good at sitting cross legged anyway, I must have the tightest and wonkiest hip joints on the planet, even with my stack of handy cushions I couldn’t get my head to touch them. Not quite the great start to my day I had expected but the first week has given me an anchor, my breath is my anchor, my anchor is my breath, I love this mantra, I’ll just breathe it all away, although it might take me the rest of the morning 😀🤗
I couldn’t put my head down very much either, I think I don’t mind so much not looking anywhere close to what the pose should be.
It’s like: Wow! I’m doing now Yoga!!! (And running!!!). And beforehand I did neither of that. So all of that is a huge win.
I certainly don’t look like a typical yoga person. But I’m like, hey, you know, so what? So just doing the poses in my most achievable position is a big win for me.
Not sure that helps, but I think it’s great that we are all going through these poses and just playing around with the flexibility and strength of our bodies, and through that we are getting better!
So in conclusion: You’re doing brilliant!!! Even awesome!!! And yes, be ultra-lovingly-careful with your knees!
Not really what I expected either and the first day I'd say it was okish can't say I really enjoyed it that much.Like you the cross legged leaning forward pose I've always found difficult, our bodies are all different and sometimes they just aren't built to do some poses... my excuse anyway.
I took a look at the video CBDB put above ‘hip openers’ and I tried again with my knees sticking up much more as Adriene says ‘they may look like this!’ mine do without pushing. Sometimes i think it’s things we don’t like so much that are good for us 🤣🤣, like Pilates for knees, 🤦♀️ I need that too 🤗
HelloBetter late than never! I started this after seeing posts on strava from other HU members.
As Adriene says, the hardest thing is turning up, this is closely followed by resisting the urge to fast forward over the "breath" parts and then stopping the dog from lying on me!
As you may have have guessed I am new to yoga. I will be on day 5 today and will try and catch up. Already I feel more flexible and more relaxed. ❤
Oh welcome to our gigantic virtual mat! We’re now more than 55 HU members and growing! I’m also a fairly yoga newbie but it’s been such a delightful collaborative journey so far. So brilliant that you are joining us.
Don’t forget to keep thinking “find what feels good”. So feel free to use props, or adapt poses to your need! As a newbie with sensitive knees I had to learn to become confident in using my props, but they do allow me now to begin to flow and do poses I couldn’t do before!
Hello all, I thought I'd just report in. Currently my rheumatoid arthritis is on a flare-up so although I'm still watching the videos it's a rare day when I can do more than about 50% of one. But the last couple of days have been better though I'm still replacing a fair amount of the asanas with easier ones. E.g. when, as so often, Adriene goes into tabletop/cat/cow I do the cat/cow moves while sitting. It's not rigorous and it's certainly not elegant but at least I'm doing something and it is quite enjoyable.
Have a good time everyone and keep on keeping on.
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toslipstick
That’s brilliant, slipstick! Sorry to hear about your arthritis and hope the flare-ups calm down soon. But that you’re continuing whilst having to cope with that is awesome (and brilliant for adapting poses and flows). 👍🏽👏🧘🏽🤗
Once again, how different we all are! I adored Snuggle and all of its poses. My body is designed to be able to do “forward” things and I was able to do them all today, with my forehead very close to the floor and my knees.
But ...... throw a camel or any other backbend pose at me, and I’m useless!
I LOVE forward folds of any and every type ... but ask me to balance .... wait, what? ... yep that's exactly why I haven't done today's practice yet 🙄😅
Really funny isn’t it dijep? My body can bend really far forward with ease, but I dislike bridge, camel and anything else requiring a back bend. I’m improving (it’s been 3 years since I started yoga so I should hope so!!), but it’s not natural for me.
I'm absolutely fine with standing forward folds but it's those cross legged ones that are a nightmare. I've never liked bridge I can do it but I'm just not a fan.I imagine a lot is to do with body proportions.
Thoughts: once I started to skip cobra, I could get into the flow as the cobra position was too slow/hard for me to get in and out of quick enough. And somewhere there was a plank in there which I also managed to ignore. 🥴 But then ... my flow!!! Oh my! 🤗
And for balancing on one leg I always stepped off the mat (thank you linda9389 for the tip) and stabilised at times with a hand or individual fingers on a chair. But with that, I flew! 🦅
Loved the leg stretches at the end (which I know from Pilates ) and did find the alternate nose breathing fascinating, although I didn’t feel as if it did anything for me. 👃💨
It took me a whe to feel anythung other than bored/impatient with AND, but now I love it! It really 'slows' my whole system when I can get pst that imptience, it can be so rhythmic without any effort. I'm a convert 😀. The (im)balancing will probably undo all that calm for me though 😅
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply tolinda9389
Do you mean the alternate nose breathing? It is fascinating because I bet it helps to clear airways, as I assume one always has a ‘dominant nostril’ and this is likely to balance it out a bit.
Yes that's what I meant - sorry, lazy typing! I was on my phone at the time which takes me so much longer, especially with my ovelong lockdown nails! I find it a calming way to breathe even with both nostrils now - I can hear Adriene's voice ... in, pause, switch at the top, out, pause, in, pause, switch at the top .... even typing that makes me feel calm! The more we do it, the more intrinsic the practice seems to become and the less effort it takes to achieve the same benefits. Positive stuff 😊
I find the alternate nostril breathing really relaxing, we do it quite regularly in my normal yoga class. Interestingly my teacher tells us if we have a cold just to imagine that your are doing it, moving your hand but not actually sealing the nostril also very relaxing.
Interesting. That suggestion ties in with what I said earlier - I find it very relaxing even if I breathe through both nostrils. Having gradually grown to really appreciate this breathing technique (doing daily ywa sessions), I can now hear Adrienne's voice in my head and l feel calm almost as soon as I start to breathe to that rhythm - in, pause at the top, switch, out, pause, in, pause at the top, switch, ... even without blocking one nostril. It's great if I'm lying in bed and feeling too uptight to sleep.
In my weekly yoga practice we always do breathing practice using several different techniques. I've found the same that they are really good at helping you to calm your thoughts and relax. Great when you can't sleep with all the stuff going round in your head.
Absolutely. I've had some irregular heartbeat issues recently which are often worse when I go to bed (or at least harder to ignore). Yogic breathing has saved me from getting up again on several occasions! It's very powerful.
Hi all, I've been lurking on this forum but did take the suggestion to try out Breath as an opportunity to try something new. I've tried yoga before a few times and hated it but I guess I'm in the right mental and physical place right now as I'm loving ywa Breath. There are bits I can't do and I can't figure out the adjustments to get me on the path of doing them either, sometimes I wish she'd give more info about different levels for example yesterday with the leaning forwards it was hurting my knees so I didn't know where to put my legs to get a worthwhile movement without hurting my knees.
Welcome to our huge and growing virtual mat! I’ll add you to our list, if that’s ok? There are now more than 50 HU members (that I know of) joining in, so there will be people that might help with suggestions of alterations or alternate positions.
I’m also still a Yoga newbie and I had to get confident in using props, but they really make it so much more enjoyable for me. So this post all about props might help:
For the extended childpose, its possible to sit /straddle a bolster ( I use a couch cushion) which helps, and if need be, bend forwards on top of another cushion or even chair.
So never force anything and feel free to use any prop to hand. As YWA suggests: Find what feels good!
It's also worth looking at the foundations of yoga on Adriene's website - she works gradually into specific poses and has lots of suggestions for modifications. She has a hip openers video that might help too.
I'm really enjoying this. Not gonna lie some of the poses and transition are a challenge but isn't that the point.I loved the snuggle session yesterday I felt really chill after that.
I'm seeing benefit already with an increase in sleep especially REM sleep. I've struggled with insomnia for the last year. Plus my legs feel better in a run. Niggly knee pain is improving.
Looking forward to the next week. I'm now thinking how I can keep this up beyond the 30 days.
Tips and suggestions welcome 😀🙏🧘
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toAllbarron
Fabulous! That is so great to hear!!
For info: YWA has a monthly calendar like we have for January. But Jan 30-day series is special as all materials new and the amount of yogis participating (last time I looked, more than 350k global views).
But some people on this forum continue on with the usual calendar of sessions, which revisit many sessions in her back catalogue.
I'm thinking of doing one of her previous 30 day plans after this. I have a zoom yoga class I do on a Mondays but I'm really enjoying the daily practice.
I've been looking at those too. Unfortunately I've not been able to get to my class since first lockdown and I don't think they intend to do zoom. So I'm going to try to keep this up ☺️
Loved today’s balance practice. One of my favourite postures is Warrior 3. Loved the pyramid poses too.
Yes, it’s far easier balancing on the floor or a thin mat. My first one was too thick and spongy - newbie error, thinking it would be better. Nope, it was too slippery for downward dogs etc, and awful for balancing, so I used to step off the mat. Now I have a nice thin and sticky mat. No slipping at all and it’s easy to balance on.
My mat is just on a wooden floor and I struggle without the extra padding. I have a medium mat (5mm) and a thicker one (10mm). When I roll slowly down from sitting on anything but the thick one my back crunches on the floor and makes the most alarming noise - the pilates teacher freaks out every time because I use the medium one there (in the good old days of group classes). I've never used a skinny one, but dread to think what that would sound like 😅. I've not found either of them to be slippy but I do have to step off for balancing.
I loved this practice and found it fairly straightforward except when I get my left and right mixed up and think she's asking me to do something anatomically impossible 😂I did the practice in the evening as I ran earlier today and found it so different doing it all cosy with curtains drawn and candles lit.
Don't know if it helps anyone but if you struggle with the standing on one leg warrior 3 posture it helps to put your foot against a wall, subconsciously it helps you balance as your foot has something under it. Hope that makes sense 😊
Hello! I have this habit of coming in a couple of days/weeks/months after everyone else! Sorry CBDB living up to my name again...
I’m an avid Adriene follower and have been diligently following Breath as best I can so far. It’s been great but funnily enough the one I liked least was ‘Snuggle’, didn’t find it snuggly at all and couldn’t get in to most of the poses. Saying that though, I did almost get my forehead on my knees doing a seated forward fold with straight legs - something I’ve been trying to do for ages!
Balance today was much more my cup of tea but I do wish she wouldn’t chat so much when demonstrating Warrior 3! Up and down she goes, nattering away! Thankfully I’m used to her now so I can just about ignore her and get on with it now 🤣
I reckon we have cheekychipmunks and CBDB to thank for the massive HU uptake this year TC; the encouragement is fab. I'm sure I'm enjoying this month a lot more because of all the discussion and support, and seeing it through other's eyes as well as my own 😊
Yes I think you’re right Linda. I’ve sort of had to take a bit of a back seat with HU the past year and it’s amazing to see how YWA has grown on here! It is the perfect complement to the running though. Brilliant! 👏👏👏
Must be a Monday thing. I had to leave this practice until early evening and I can't say I connected with it either.Although I did like the wide leg forward bend
I did mine after work as I had to squeeze a run in with my family this morning. 'Connect'ion was ok as I'd finally fitted in a shower and was feeling nice and warm. Unfortunately it made my feet a bit too smooth for doing trees (my excuse) - one side was particularly wobbly. My right tree could withstand hurricanes, my left tree could be pushed over by a feather and my foot wouldn't stay put! I used to to do them every week with my Howard Napper DVD and they were nearly as good as each other. Maybe I just need to practice them a bit more again...
It will, you just need to stare at that mark on the wall really, really hard (apparently that works 🤷♀️). Doesn't stop my foot sliding down though unfortunately!
Welcome!! Just added you to our roll call! Yes balance 😂😂... my advise is (which I am following myself) to use any props, or chairs or walls to help with any poses or transitions. As YWA suggests, find what feels good!
Still enjoying the journey, the focus on breath is very calming which is good right now, plus a much needed counterpoint to the running - my downward dogs have definitely got a tad less easy on the ankles since last year but I guess that's the price I pay for developing runner's calves!
👍🏽👏 Yes, i used to not know what foam rollers are for, never having developed ‘knots’. Now I couldn’t live without at least 2 foam rollers in the house! 🤣🤣
I am still loving doing this, it's brightening up my lockdown January and I'm sure it's helping with running too. Not very good at balance poses and no chance am I keeping my foot above my knee in tree position, as soon as I let go it slips down to my calf and then I am still challenged to stay on one foot. I can see huge room for practice and improvement but it's good to even do small amounts of this.
I have the same slipping problem! Had always assumed it was just me 😃
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply tolinda9389
Me too! 🙃 But as Zip54 said, I feel that even if I manage to achieve only parts and some only partly, I’m still showing up, I’m still working out, and I can feel am slowly getting better!
Ok, this was too fast for me, even if we have done this flow before, but I really need to work on finding an amended version so I can keep up. So replaced cobra with cat-cow. Pidgeon is also out due to sensitive knees but replaced it with simple hip opening cross legged stretch kind of thing.
But I’ll be looking also to gather more blankets, because I need a blanket below knee AND below stomach for cobra. 🧐🧐
Well done!!! In my first 30 day series I would get repeatedly lost, I'd fall out of poses frequently because I didn't have time to get my feet into the correct position, I'd think A meant one thing when she meant another and I can only get my L or R correct first time about one in a 100 times (doing anything at all, not just yoga). It was usually messy, comical at best!!! Oh, and there were positions I simply couldn't get into with just one step, if at all!!! Each of those things still happens, but not necessarily all of them all of the time. Redoing a session 6 months or 12 months on and seeing the improvement is hugely rewarding. Stick with it. Just always Find What Feels Good. Props and adaptations are an intrinsic part of your yoga development. You've got this 👍😊👏👏👏
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply tolinda9389
Thank you. 🙏 That’s really good to read and know, that this is normal in the beginning. 😊
I find I have to stop and go back and just watch to see exactly what she's doing sometimes . Often I realise I do know the pose but she's explaining in a way I'm not use to (yet) like the weird transition into Gate. And of course there's stopping for L and R mix ups, then the dog wants to go out, then wants to come in..... ! 🙄I think that was one reason I didn't enjoy yesterday's practice as much too may canine interruptions 🐾
I know I feel really lucky as in March my yoga teacher was in the process of handing the class I attended to someone else but anticipating lockdown so he stopped classes. A few weeks later he contacted us all and started doing them via zoom every Monday. It's been a real life line. It's great in your own house no one sees when you fall over or fall asleep during relaxation 😉
Yes, I’ve only ever did one yoga weekend ca 10 years ago, but didn’t continue, as it was too hard. But doing it in your own home really does allow you to adjust to your ability without peer pressure. I really like that. 👍🏽
I was really lucky finding the class I go to, as the teacher is so good at helping people adjust of they struggle with a posture and offering alternatives.
I agree with linda9389 100%. Today’s practice was hard to follow if you’re not used to Adriene, but the more you follow her, the more you get her, in fact you can even preempt what’s coming next (not recommended!) 😅
Flexibility will definitely improve and you’ll need less props as the weeks and months progress, but there’s nothing at all wrong with using them all the time if that’s what feels good! 🥰
I personally loved Flow. Rewinding to when I first started with Adriene in 2018, there’s no way Jose I could have done that practice non-stop, especially all the 3 legged dog combos! And I absolutely love pigeon pose!
Well I loved today's practice, partly as I had no doggo interruptions and I put the fire on so I was lovely and warm. It made me laugh there's Adriene in her leggings and thin T shirt and me - gas fire on, vest, long sleeve top and thick fleece! I just wish I didn't have to take my socks off 🥶Today I managed to follow her quite easily I think part of that flow sequence I've done on a session months ago that I repeated several times which helped. But what I was really pleased with was managing to keep up with all her 3 leg dogs (poor things 😂) I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to do that a few months ago, I've been practicing plank, dog, pigeon, cobra postures on and off through lockdown.
Well that sure felt speedy to me today, Adriene made me laugh when she said a few times, ‘ don’t rush, take your time 😊’ whilst simultaneously putting her foot on the accelerator. If this isn’t a quick tempo I’ll be holding on to my hat when she speeds up 😘 It was a tough one as I’d duly obeyed and turned up as I was - tired, not really wanting to - but I did enjoy the challenge, quite strenuous with the planks and 3 legged downward dogs, gosh we will be stronger 😀, ....I don’t yet understand the link with Adriene’s email today, she says ‘ tools to help you explore ways in which you may be working against yourself’.... any thoughts? I guess time and practice will reveal. 😊
Today is the first day for a few days where I didn't have to rewind her! I love how these posts highlight how different we all find doing the same thing 😉
Hi all, can’t keep up with the YWA forum and this one, this week! 😊 My favourites, so far.... Day 7, loved that T circular manoeuvre, with the “kiss” of the palms at the back of the neck, etc. 🥰Day 8 snuggle, surprised it didn’t work for me (on that day) and forget that cross legged forward bend thing! 😝 Day 9 loved the alternate nostril breathing! 🥰 Had to do both days 10 and 11 together, as missed a day... Day 10, I totally agree with the slippery feet for tree pose, but reckon it’s my leggings! 🙃Day 11 really challenging but still felt great afterwards. Totally loving 💗this experience and really enjoying reading your posts! 🙏🏻
Does anyone already do a daily yoga practise and find it beneficial? I think some posts mentioned it can be a bit achey.
Also, does anyone have any beginners meditation recommends, please? I see a few for YWA but not many. I’d love a guide to rather than a guru type thing.
Day 12 DROP Wow, a short one but one I really liked. Why?
It uses the transition into downward dog from half or full plank, and I am feeling getting good at this transition. It’s a small thing, but it feels so good to me to be able to confidently move into downward dog! I used to think Downward Dog was on my list of disliked poses, but I’m taking it off! 🐾
The Yogi Squat pose I am unable to do (knees) but I remember how I used to love that pose (then without the knowledge of yoga) before my son was born. So I am certainly yearning to get back there, but I’m pretty far away from where it’s supposed to be. (I put a low stool behind me) But never say never.🧘🏽
Im also getting into the flow from forward fold, then halfway with lengthening spine, fold and roll up. Love that, especially as it’s sans cobra 🐍! 👍🏽
This morning I was also without my own workout hubby buddy 😢 as he’s helping out at the vaccine clinic.💉 Hell have to catch up this evening.
That session flew by, yes that Yoga squat pose was not kind to knees. I did try it as I didn't realise where it was going and was surprised how far I could get but when my knee complained I soon sat on my bum instead 🤣
I find that really tough too. My heels want to lift up straight away. I can hold a 'froggy squat', but the full thing requires me to stop breathing so never lasts long 😂
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply tolinda9389
Yeah 🤣🤣🤣. But ’froggy squat’!!! 👏👏👏 Wow! 🤩🤩🤩
I do remember what it felt like to do this pose (17 years ago!) and I actually felt comfortable at that time. 17 years and a birth later and it’s unthinkable. 😂😂😂 but who knows, another 17 years and I’ll be the bendy, flexy (and granny) CBDB. 💪👍🏽
I find 'froggy squat' - or my version of it at least - not only easy, but really comfy!!! But getting my heels to stay down is totally different!!! I'm not sure I would ever have been able to do the full yogi squat ...
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply tolinda9389
Yeah, I think I used to be quite naturally flexible ... ....hmmhh ... youth ...😕
But so I can relate to you saying it’s comfy. I really know the feeling, but I think I wouldn’t have lasted long on the balls of my feet. Having heels down meant I could stay in that position for some time. Not sure, though why I did. 🤣🤣
Interesting - whereas it makes me all hunched up in order to keep my heels down and my bum down too (hence struggling to breathe) not to mention utterly unbalanced. On the balls of my feet and can have my back nice and straight and tall, chest open and fully able to breathe 😂Once again, we're all very different 😊
No toxic thoughts (one of A's favourite sayings, though i'm not sure she has said it so far this series 🤔).
Loved the Drop too! I don’t know why either, as I can’t do half the poses but I feel amazing. I’ve also gone from loathing to enjoying Downward dogs but only doing them sporadically as I have to watch pressure on my foot. Like linda9389 my heels don’t want to go down in the squat but enjoyed my own version.... possibly a frog? Who knows! Who cares! 😄 Off to do some meditation now, thanks to Roseabi’s suggestion. 😊 Can’t wait for tomorrow. Enjoy everyone! 💗
Day 13 Feel. Wasn’t quite expecting (nor was my body) to be doing the frog pose again so soon! 😆 Breathed into it as much as I could and then she starts chatting!! 🤣 Had to put bum on mat and observe for a moment but loved the intuitive stuff too. Chose Cobra and some wrist twists with some hip circles. Lovely day, enjoy everyone! 💗
I saw that picture for DROP...and thought “no way!”......and yet, when it came to it...a slight creak in right knee on way down...and I was there, no probs!
I can tell you I was amazed...feet flat on floor too. I think it’s down to me squatting a fair bit on my allotment (and when I used to work). I’m very mindful of my back, always try and keep it straight with no bending, so squatting is always an option.
I like the extended child pose too...but what *is* strange is that my inner thighs really complain sitting crossed legged, or in cobblers 🤷🏻♀️
But then...we are all different 🥰
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold• in reply toLottieMW
Wow!! So you managed the squatting! 👏👍🏽 That pose for me is still a work on progress 🤣🤣🤣
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