BREATH 2021 Day 25 - 30: Let us know how ... - Strength & Flex

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BREATH 2021 Day 25 - 30: Let us know how it’s going

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold
161 Replies

We’ve almost done it! These are our last days of our 30-day January Challenge! We showed up on the mat! I can’t believe how the days just flew by! I thought it was going to be difficult to keep up, but I actually looked forward to each single day!

So it’s time to look back a bit. What have we learned? What have we achieved!

My down dogs are not the stuff of my nightmares any longer! My planks are adapted to my needs and I’m fine with that. @LottieMW called a specific amended pose a fudge recently, so I’m now labelling it as “My Sweety Practice”. My extended child’s pose is halfway decent. And I’ve gained confidence in using props here and there. When on my runs, my legs now feel extra good. I don’t seem to need the roller as much as before, as Yoga seems to give me a good flexibility workout. My knees now seem to be able to take a bit more pressure and I can kneel for short periods on the mat, for short moments even without blankets.

So what has improved in your practice? And which things can you do now that you couldn’t do before?

So here’s to making the last days count! Day 30 will be, as always special. I will savour these sessions as I know the next 30 day challenge is 11 months away. But of course there are 6 - 7 years of January challenges to draw from!

So let’s do this: Day 25 - 30

See you on that mat!

For reference, the whole video playlist is here:

youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

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CBDB
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161 Replies
Over62 profile image
Over62

That’s a great link CBDB I was thinking of doing it all over again.

Really enjoyed the daily ritual of arriving on the mat. I have discovered that I have really good strength in my legs and core but my upper body is woefully weak! Cobra 🐍 proves that. I do think though it has improved my running and I have better breath control. There are quite a few videos of Adrienne on YouTube so I may also pick out some of her other lessons. 🧘‍♀️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Over62

Yeah, and then there are her monthly calendars which use her back catalogue of videos. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do after this series finishes, but as much as I loved this daily Yoga I think I do want to try some other practices as well. Pilates and tai chi comes to mind. And then come back to YWA at times.

roseabi profile image
roseabi

It has flown by!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser

Hey CBDB, sounds like it’s doing the business there 👍 I’m going to be so sad when it’s over, I was almost in tears last year. I get so emotional about it!

This time I’ve been trying to get my feet to go forward without me shoving them forward when we go into lunges. My left is nearly there but the right needs a bit of work yet. Definitely getting there though. Much easier if you don’t wear socks too but as she insists on doing these things in January...!😁

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

Yeah, it’s been a fabulous experience doing Yoga every single day. A first one for me.

Great stuff with lunges. Sounds like by next year you’ll be lunging without helping hands! 🙌🙌 I’m still fudging the transition a bit, I have to admit. I’ll get there, at some point.

Socks and heating: We changed our heating timer to warm up the livingroom for our Yoga. So we come down to our livingroom workout corner and it’s the just the right temperature. Not too cold for feet, and not too warm for working out. I love this part of the livingroom now.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

Sounds perfect and very snug CBDB. It seems to blow a Gale through our living room Windows but then the hot flushes kick in and balance it out, so the socks are a necessity. I never know what to wear for the best 😳

I will be very pleased if I can get these lunges sorted out. Then I think I’ll carry on trying to get my nose to my toes in the cobbler pose, now there is definitely a challenge!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

🤣🧘🏽 Go for it! I’ll stay in upright cobbler. Enough for me at the mo!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5 in reply to TailChaser

I have some yoga slippers from Sweaty Betty TC. They have elastic across the foot and rubberised bits on the sole to stop you sliding.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Dexy5

Nice! Sounds great!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to Dexy5

Good idea Dexy. Actually I’ve got some socks like that as well, maybe I could try those? Thanks 😊

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to TailChaser

I was about to comment on the same victory with my lunges! Finally able to launch my legs forward far enough - just need to get it to a smooth motion instead of an exercise in momentum next 😂

Also pleased with my planks and that I only go down to half plank to lower to the ground 50% of the time now

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to annaruns

Well done Anna! I’ve yet to master it, definitely a work in progress. Today the right leg didn’t want to play 🤷🏻‍♀️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

💪👍🏽

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

Yey!!!! I can relate so much to that! 🙌🙌🙌

Dutch-Fraggle profile image
Dutch-Fraggle

Really loved having these sessions...during these strange times been so good to have some dedicated me time each day...Amazed at how much more conditioned I feel holding those planks much easier...

Will definitely continue to follow Adriene x

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Dutch-Fraggle

Nice! That is so brilliant!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks

Gosh yes it’ll all be over on Sunday, it really has flown by hasn’t it? I’ll revert to her monthly calendars on Monday. Obviously not quite as special as they’re not live, but Adriene usually picks a good selection and works on flexibility, strength and relaxation in equal parts, so each day is beneficial.

I’ve found myself concentrating on my form more in Breath. I’m definitely way more flexible, and I know what I “should” be doing. I’d love to compare myself now to when I first started yoga - there’d be a massive difference, and it’s all helped with my general fitness. 😀 I started yoga before I began running, and I’m sure it has helped with keeping me *touch wood* injury free as my joints feel supported.

Namaste. 🙏🏻🧘‍♀️❤️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

🙏🧘🏽yes. I also want to maybe just do day 1 and see if I can compare! 👍🏽 great stuff! 🙌💪🧘🏽

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to cheekychipmunks

I’ve got my old Howard Napper DVD that I used pre Adriene to compare with. Very interesting every time I play it now, he’s a very different yogi even though the moves are fairly similar. It isn’t a flow practice and I think that makes a big difference.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

I just looked him up, as I didn’t know the name. Looks great! And a man doing Yoga. It’s great to have a bit of diversity! Not quite as many videos as YWA, so I assume he came still from the DVD age?

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJo in reply to CBDB

I love Idan Kirshner, he makes me laugh. He does so many tiny short videos with just 3 poses there's no way to say no time!

I've not been doing daily yoga but I've been doing a daily workout featuring some yoga for 17 days now, min of ten minutes up to an hour if I have time and quite frankly I feel great for it 👍🏻

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Nice! 👍🏽🧘🏽 Aidan Kirshner, I’ll have to look him up! Thx!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJo in reply to CBDB

youtube.com/c/IdanKirshneryoga

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

Yes, my DVD is quite old but it was my favourite until Adriene came along. He’s extremely bendy, he seems to be more bendy than Adriene! 🤣

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

Noooo!!! Really! More bendy??? 🐍🪢🥨🧞‍♀️

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

Yes, I know! At least Adriene helps you to feel vaguely normal. His heels are always on the floor doing downward dog and he could lick his toes during cobbler (if he wanted to)😆

Slinkymalinki profile image
Slinkymalinki

These sessions couldn't have come at a better time for me. It's forced me to stop working early evening and undo the stiffness from sitting most of the day and centre myself.

I'm loving the breath work and enjoy extending the yoga into meditation afterwards. 🧘‍♀️ And what I really like is Adriene's gentle approach of being kind to yourself and reinforcing building little habits of just turning up even if you have to adapt the exercises. I spent a large part of one session in child's pose because it was all I could do at that time but at least I did it and felt better afterwards! 😁

I've got 3/4 missed sessions to catch up with but am keen to either carry on especially if there are monthly courses. I've read about a neck/shoulder/back one which would be good.

Thanks again for sharing the links and keeping everyone doing this connected. 🙏

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Slinkymalinki

Brill. And child’s pose! Wow! For me, that is still an aspiration, but my knees are improving due to this Yoga challenge and I’m slowly getting there. Fabulous!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 25 LOVE I really liked this one and I must come back to it.

I some managed today to do a reasonable transition from down dog to lunge. Until now legs, arms, body, flexibility all got in the way and it’s normally not a smooth transition. But today it was smoother, something clicked. Not perfect but not bad either. But I still sometimes end up with my lunge foot outside of my hands, not inside. Hmm 🤔😠🪢

But great stuff today!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389 in reply to CBDB

I had forgotten just how hard that used to be! I can still only do it 'in one' with my right foot, but I used not to be able to do it with either ... just not enough space!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to linda9389

I remember grumpily asking my yogi daughter how it was even possible, as I could only barely get half way, and she said it would just come one day. Yeah right I said. She was right of course! 🙄😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to linda9389

Left leg wouldn’t play ball today 🙄 Right was quite happy for first half then joined in. I blame Joe Wicks 🙄

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

Please do! I don’t quite get why people like Joe Wicks, but then we only have a teenager in the house.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

I have to do it to keep my 2 teenagers fit otherwise they won’t do anything but stare at screens. Looks like I’ll still be doing them until after Easter now as eldest won’t be going back to uni at least until then 😩

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to linda9389

Yeah, exactly! 😠🦶🪢🤷🏽‍♀️😉

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to CBDB

Loved, Love! ❤️😊 I mean, “horse lips”! 🤣 What’s not to love! Have been so chuffed that I’ve managed to stick with it. It’s been lovely checking in here and seeing how everyone else is getting on too. Amazing how far you can get just taking one day at a time. Definitely feeling stronger in my core and arms and a bit more flexible everywhere else. Loved all the breathing stuff, which encouraged me to explore meditation and am really enjoying. We’re just starting a 30 day challenge of our own choice at work, so I’ve already committed to another 30 day yoga practice! Really excited to see how the next stage goes. So glad we all went for it! 😊💗🧘‍♀️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Gannet1

Wow!! What a commitment! Another 30-day challenge! 👍🏽🙌🧘🏽

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to Gannet1

It’s funny Gannet1 , but I can only do horsey lips if I poke my fingers into my cheeks - quite a feat whilst in downward dog! 🤣 I’ve never been able to do it properly. 😩🤣

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

🤣🤣🐴

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to cheekychipmunks

🤣😂 Imagining you doing that in downward dog! No mean feat! I can’t do it either, but had a great laugh trying! 😅

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to Gannet1

I think superhuman would be the word Gannet1 🤣🤣

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to cheekychipmunks

We’re back to levitating again! 😊

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Gannet1

😂😂

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

I did this straight after #24 and really enjoyed it. Obviously with my knees, I am not flowing with my transitions at all...I did find my shoulders were aching this morning 😂

Rowers profile image
Rowers

It's been a brilliant introduction and I intend to continue. Have been comparing notes with daughter 2 (14l who got me into this and keeps me going when my body feels old or tense! Some things I can't do yet, but they make me laugh, which is good. And some of my transitions are already better and even my balance a little. Really glad to have got on the mat!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Rowers

Oh well done and good on your daughter! And yes, a bit of humour about our various awkwardnesses of our bodies and beginner stiffnesses never goes amiss. Great stuff! 👍🏽🙌

linda9389 profile image
linda9389

That's such a great list of improvements and achievements CBDB! I've really enjoyed the large group aspect this time - it's been fab having a cheerleader and an insight and I've found I haven't been leaving my practice til just before bed every day!!! I will certaibly continue with a daily session - probably continuing with the monthly calendars although I may try another 30 day series at some point during the year. Thanks for all your support CBDB 🥰

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to linda9389

Awwhh thank you! It’s great having a virtual workout buddies crowd. It does help me to consistently get to the mat. And big thing I didn’t mention, it feels now part of my daily routine! Big one! 🙏👍🏽🙌

Zip54 profile image
Zip54

I'm loving it, I've never liked yoga before so joining the short daily practice has supported me moving from an inflexible unbalanced person to someone who can occasionally balance, follow the flow one step behind and hold some of the poses. I haven't achieved down dog to lunge yet but see that I'm on a journey to getting there some day.

I've certainly noticed feeling far fewer aches and pains as well as being able to move more freely in general. Lovely to be doing this with all you guys here as well.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Zip54

Oh wow!! 🤩🤩🤩 All great stuff. Brilliant and well done for showing up on the mat! Lunges, here we come!

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to Zip54

A wonderful session to do before kids woke up! Wild thing on left arm was fine but right arm was crying for some reason! And hip dips were hard but not terrible. Definitely getting stronger!

Thinking of doing last year’s 30 day challenge after this finishes. I have never managed to stick to her calendars but maybe 2021 is the yeae

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

Yes, am pondering also about that....

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 26 EXPAND Only pose that gave me substantial issues (‘substantial’ as every pose gives me some element of challenge 🤣) was the ‘upward facing downward facing dog’, or would it be called ‘upward facing down dog’? Or ‘Up dog’! 🤔🤪🥴

roseabi profile image
roseabi in reply to CBDB

I think it's called 'Wild Thing', although there is also a 'Flip Dog' which is different apparently, but the difference is pretty subtle!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to roseabi

Yes, she did say something about flipping the dog, I seem to remember...

PurpleFish59 profile image
PurpleFish59 in reply to CBDB

And the hip dips appeared, I now feel like this 30 day series has ticked all the boxes ☺️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to PurpleFish59

Hip dip boxes ...( like the sound of that, but still need to work on these to tick the Hip Dip Box 😉,- .... mmmhhhh can you fast repeat “Hip Dip Box Tick”... almost as difficult as the real thing 🤣🤣)

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to PurpleFish59

They had to eventually! They were easier than what she usually does with high or side planks. 😅

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

I absolutely loved Expand! I adored wild thing especially as when I tried it once before I was nowhere near getting it. I also enjoyed the forearm plank and didn’t mind the hip dips today either. It shows how much flexibility and strength regular practice gives you. Felt lovely and flexi doing the forward fold twist. I have a yogi buzz after that practice! 🙏🏻🥰

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

Ahhh hip dips!! Just had to skip through the video to find hip dips... yeah.. no... I’ve got to work on those... but they look great!

dijep profile image
dijep30D Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

I loved the way she said "don't worry we won't be here for long " as we got into forearm plank, then she started us on hip dips 😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to dijep

I know! She has a way of lulling us into a false sense of security! 🤣

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to cheekychipmunks

They all like to do that! ‘Nearly there’ they say, then 10 reps later...🤣

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to dijep

😆👍

dijep profile image
dijep30D Graduate in reply to CBDB

Wild thing was wild! I had to pause her to check what she was up to and then try to stay on the mat. I managed each side for literally a second 😂😂 It was a good session though, one I will try again.Must try harder to be a Wild Thing 😉

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to dijep

🤣🤣yeah, I’m still a shy thing 🙈🪢

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to CBDB

Finally, my first experience of hip dips! 😃 So funny, I wasn’t looking at her when we started and was thinking, oh this gentle rocking from side to side is rather nice.... happened to look up and then saw just how far down on each side she was going! 😳🤣 Not quite there yet! Plus, that bamboozling horizontal Saturday Night Fever pose, Flip Dog! 😆 Note to self, don’t let her 17 min sessions fool you! Really great fun, though. 😊

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Gannet1

😂😂😂 you describe the sessions so well!!! 🤣

Blackberrypie profile image
Blackberrypie

So tired tonight emotionally and physically, it was a struggle to get to the mat and I was glad of a shortish practice. But another day done. I think I'm going to try Yoga Camp next - I think that and Dedicate are the only ones of the 30 days journeys I've not done. I did love Benji's downward dog just at the right moment :)

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to Blackberrypie

Sorry to hear you were a bit low on energy today. Great you still made it, but then you are an old hand at this after all. 😊 Hope you’re raring to go again tomorrow! 💛

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Blackberrypie

Well done for coming to the mat despite all!! And wow, so right into the next 30 day journey? Amazing 🤩!

Blackberrypie profile image
Blackberrypie in reply to CBDB

The 30 day programmes seem to suit me better than the monthly calendar and help me keep up momentum. Last year I went straight from Home to another one, I think it was True, and managed various others during the year. I'm a little more flexible with the days when I'm doing them on my own.

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW

I’m enjoying the commitment to turning up every day, and it’s become part of my bedtime routine.

So...I’m quite flexible on anything that involves bending forward, either sitting with straight legs, or standing.

My knees really are protesting though, and I really have problems with the lunges, and any permutation on a warrior’s pose (oh there was another...was it a goddess pose?)

On a positive note...I’m finding that cobblers pose is getting easier, and my inner thighs are not screaming at me 😂 Also...all those planks!!! It took me a while to actually realise that we were doing planks! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🙄

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

🤣🤣

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to LottieMW

Love that you didn’t notice the planks!!😂 I know what you mean about the lunges, especially with the twists added and the warrior poses. I struggle with those too. Used to enjoy them before I hurt my foot but hopeful that’ll we’ll be get there in time. 😊 👍

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to Gannet1

It’s just that planks are such a “big thing” when you do them in fitness sessions...but here it’s part of transitioning from all fours to downward dog.

I’m not saying that my arms don’t ache if she holds you there too long...😂😂😂

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to LottieMW

It’s planks by subterfuge! 😄 As you say, I’d much rather have them sneaked up on me than made into a big deal. 🙏🏻

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to Gannet1

😂👍

Well I’m about to dim the lights and burn some candles, and get down to #26 🧘🏻‍♀️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

Enjoy! Love the chat about planks 😂😂 I still notice them too much (and my limits) to enjoy! 🤣🤣

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

👍☺️

metamorphfreebird profile image
metamorphfreebird in reply to LottieMW

Ooooo LottieMW I think we started it at the same time! I just finished -candle waiting for me upstairs. I went a bit overboard today - did a random beginner ashtanga sequence beforehand to mix things up as I thought 17 minutes wouldn’t be enough, and finished my day with Adriene....now getting ready for bed :)))) nice to know we were ractising at the same time, always felt a little bit behind and alone as I don’t do them in the morning :) good night!!! Well done!!:)

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to metamorphfreebird

🧘🏻‍♀️ namaste 🙏

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5

Hello everyone, although I am 5 days behind you all, I am so enjoying these sessions. Whether it’s stretching, breathing or supporting my weight, it is so useful, especially as Pilates classes are cancelled at the moment. My balance is improving again too.

I think I’ll go back to the beginning and try her foundation course next.

Thanks for leading us down this journey CBDB.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Dexy5

Thank you but I think it was Cheekychipmunk and some others who started the ball rolling, I just rolled with the momentum in delight!

It’ll certainly likely to become a recurring January event for us here on Strength & Flex, now what to do for the rest of the year?

It is so good to experience improvement, especially as many of us had their regular runs disrupted through ice and snow!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to Dexy5

Hey Dexy, if you sign up to her emails she’ll send you a link to her monthly calendars. It’s a selection of previously recorded videos but there’s always one new one. It might be worth seeing what she has in store for February? 👍

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5 in reply to TailChaser

Thanks, I’ll check that out. It looks likes there’s a few different series of hers on YouTube.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to Dexy5

Glad you’re enjoying them Dexy5 ! 💪 🧘‍♀️ 🙏🏻

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5 in reply to cheekychipmunks

It’s taken a while to jump in cheeky - you’ve been raving about Adriene for years.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to Dexy5

I never fancied yoga at all in the past but Adriene changed that. It’s nice because you see tangible results. I’m convinced it strengthens our muscles and joints for running. 💪😀 Think you’ll keep it up Dexy5 ?

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Pilates was recommended for my back before I started running, and I am sure that’s really helped with my running too. I like the social aspect of my classes with friends as we have coffee and a natter afterwards. I’ll certainly do YWA until I’m happy to return to that, although probably not everyday.

When I go back I can use her to add sessions of exercise. It has to be said, doing them on the TV at home is a lot less faff than going down to the leisure centre.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to Dexy5

When I did a yoga class at the leisure centre it was way too tough for me, totally scared me off. They all seemed to be expert yogis despite the class not having a skill level. At least you can go at your own pace with YouTube videos.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

Yes, „find what feels good“ really means that when you are doing it in the privacy in your home.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

Sure does, no pressure or anyone to feel awkward in front of 😍

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to TailChaser

Yes I agree TailChaser . I used to be deterred by the serious yogis, which is why I never went to a live class. I’d love to do an Adriene live one though. In normal times she does tours, and she was in London a couple of years ago. Sold out, obviously. I’m on her mailing list though, so one day .......... 🤞🤞Hey, a yogi VRB meetup! (And we could run too!) 🙏🏻🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🤞😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to cheekychipmunks

Hey now there is an idea 😀🙏

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 27 HEAL Snoozy, recovery-day type of session. Mmmmhhhh. Zzzhhhh 😴💤

We have now a routine in our household, fitting in morning Yoga, getting everyone to work and school AND be able to have breakfast together (we managed the first two quite well before we started this routine, but breakfast suffered).

So now it’s on the mat at 7:30 sharp (says my inner German), give 5min or so (says my inner Brit). And 8:25 it’s breakfast latest (so in 7 min). 8:45 everyone to work/school, e.g. all at their various work spaces.

And today was a nice gentle session that felt like a recovery day with stretches rather than a full Yoga session. A good one to embed our morning routine.

Off to a family breakfast 🥞 🧇 🍳 .

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Ahh that’s good to hear CBDB. I’m off to do my session in a little while and I’m glad it’s a gentle one today. I had a wind buffeted run, followed by a wind buffeted walk! I wonder if she has something evil up her sleeve over the next couple of days though?! 😳😅

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yeah she probably does. 🤨 Am about to head for a pre-lunchtime run myself. First again after a week of ice/snow! Here I go...

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Hope it is/was a good one! 😀

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

Just Back! Mmmhhhh. Easy 5k running to Adriene’s playlist. (A lot of ocean in there...). Escaped zombies. All good!

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to CBDB

Today was just perfect. 💕 Such a lovely, gentle practice, with good old Benji snoozing away throughout! 🥰🧘‍♀️

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

I wasn’t a big fan of this one tbh. I’ve been doing them at lunchtime in the middle three days of the week and really need to have a good stretch out after being stuck at my desk after Joe Wicks. It did, however, relax me after the long commute downstairs 🤣

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

On a completely different note, for those with Garmins there is a challenge badge in February that’s just appeared: 1 hour of yoga between 22nd & 28th. Seeing as we’ve all been clocking up approximately 3 hrs per week doing this, that badge will be a doddle 😀x

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

Nice!👍🏽

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

Yessss! A lovely gentle one after my 5km 🥰

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

Hi All, Also a few days behind on this month's practise just done day 21, which finished with knocking on heavens door one of my fave moves😏

I started last Jaunuary with Home which was an excellent 30 day program and have done them all now plus some of the monthly calenders. It was Cheekychipmunks, Linda and TailChaser who got me started and I love my daily practise.🧘‍♀️

I even imagine I have a puppy belly now😉..I feel trimmer and more relaxed and healthier.

Namaste 🙏xxx

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Yes 🙌🙌 I think cheeky , Linda and tailchaser together started off our virtual yoga buddies group! Now we just have to keep going forward together. It’s been so great!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaser in reply to CBDB

Of course we can 👍 Couldn’t do it without you CBDB, you’ve been brilliant doing all this 😍👏👏👏😍🙏

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to TailChaser

🥰🙏👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Yes we certainly should keep it going on here, it’s brilliant now the group has grown so much, and you’ve done a wonderful job with your daily updates CBDB 😀 Our little Strava posse (also including lexi6 ) has always been active, but to include so many more HUers is wonderful! ❤️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yes!

annaruns profile image
annaruns

Couldn’t squeeze in my yoga this morning so will do this one after work. If it’s that yummy, maybe I’ll wait until the kids are in bed and do it by candlelight!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

Ohhh yeah! 🤤😴🥱

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 28 TRUST we knew this might be an intensive one as yesterday was so relaxing 😌 and yes... plenty of planks, some crow work 🦜 and dancer balance poses 🩰on one foot. Also some squatting. For me this was as yet the hardest and I had to amend it and even sit out some moments here and there. But I am already looking forward to the time when I have maybe done quite a few of these 30 day challenges and crows and hip dips by that time might actually be doable!

And it’s really nice to see this day practice as one of the high points of the 30 days! So if nothing else has challenged you, this one probably did?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Ooooo can’t wait! I’ve just come back from a foul weather short run and I’m babysitting this morning, but I’ll look forward to Trust later. 👏👏👏

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to CBDB

Oh this one was fun! But man, did I get sweaty. Glad I did it first thing before work, as tomorrow is my long run day. The dancers and crows were not happening, but I kept trying anyway. I’m so much stronger for doing this daily. Definitely keen to keep up a daily practice

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

Yes. I’m pondering also about how to keep yoga going as I do want to try out also some other things, like Pilates and tai chi. Hmmm 🤔

roseabi profile image
roseabi in reply to CBDB

I saw Adriene's bun and thought we were in for some action! Enjoyed this one although I'm feeling pretty tired and sore today - too much computer yesterday I think 😂

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to roseabi

Ahhh, so in your experience is that her ‘tell’? Loose hair = relaxing session. Tight ballet style bun = be ready to really get a workout? 🤣🤣🤣

roseabi profile image
roseabi in reply to CBDB

It looked like a power bun to me 😊😊😊

Blackberrypie profile image
Blackberrypie in reply to CBDB

Totally!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to roseabi

Yes, I always clock what she’s doing with her hair and what she’s wearing! Today she meant business. 😅💪

roseabi profile image
roseabi in reply to cheekychipmunks

🤣🤣🤣

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to CBDB

Loved today, felt really energised afterwards! 💛 Aware of how wobbly I am these days but so enjoyed trying the ballet poses and loved the last bow one! Really looking forward to improving my balance again and being able to “pose”with some actual grace and elegance one day!🤞🥰

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

Oh oh...forewarned is forearmed. I’m not sure about squats...

...will have my ironing board handy for support 😂

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to LottieMW

So as suspected, ironing board needed for support in dancer poses. Crow was a big no-no, although managed the squats. Knee on pillow for low lunges...and almost upright for the high ones. Needed that relaxation at the end...and according to my Fitbit I went straight off into a deep sleep! 😴

My toes ache today 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

🤣🤣👍🏽🩰

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

I had to look at my phone to see the ballerina shoes 🤣🤣🤣

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

🤣🤣 my teenage sun says emojis are long past it, but I still like them! 🥰😍 but yes, they’re cutest on smartphones.

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

Ha! Back in the day, my son and I used to send each other stupid symbols...§ ¥

...sometimes we still do 😂😂😂

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

🤣🤣

dijep profile image
dijep30D Graduate in reply to CBDB

I had to leave this session to much later than usual and wasn't too sure how it would work having to leave it so late. But yay I really enjoyed it, fail on crow but I'm claiming the knee injury excuse 😂 I did manage a (quick) side Planks though 😉

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to dijep

Nice! Side planks! 👍🏽🙌👏

Blackberrypie profile image
Blackberrypie

Day 28 and I actually managed crow for a few bouts of 5 seconds! Very pleased with that :)

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Blackberrypie

Oooohh wow!!! 🤩🤩🤩 Nice!!

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1 in reply to Blackberrypie

Fantastic! So well done! 😃 I was actually worse this time. 😊 Managed a nanosecond of alternate feet off last time, this time ended up “observing”. 😆

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 29 BELIEVE Started slow but then ..... well, ... I think a session like this at the beginning of the journey might have just put me off.

I couldn’t keep up, my blanket padding had to be shifted around all the time to protect my knees but it ended up never where the next pose needed it to be, in a pose often I couldn’t watch the screen, “upward facing dog”?! Missed poses I heard but couldn’t fathom how to get to, transitions all over the place. I finished slightly confused.

BUT, one gigantic (for me) thing which will keep me going is the fact that I can now kneel on all fours for short amounts of time without a padding blanket! Yesss! How did that happen??? No idea, but my knees have definitely gotten better, and I can see in the not too distant future that I will be able to do these routines without worrying about the padding of my knees. Without the blanket.

And that will just open up so much more Yoga techniques: how I transition from cobra to plank, from plank to down dog, from down dog to walking up to top of mat (blanket is usually in the way).....

So here’s to the next phase of my knee improvements through the healing magic of YWA!

Now off for a run, first time running right after Yoga, so legs should be all flexy and warm!

Have a wonderful yogi morning everyone!

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to CBDB

Well done, CBDB! I really really loved this one. Agree that at the beginning it would have been disheartening; for me, it was a great example of how far I’ve come in this month. My transitions were smooth(ish), I was able to hold that one legged forward fold thing on each side (though not for the whole time). I dripped sweat a few times but felt rejuvenated by the end. I was prepared for a tough one as it’s almost over, so I think that helped, too. If I hadn’t done a 6.5km run before doing this, I think it may have been easier, but all in all it made me feel... for want of a better word... alive. Have bookmarked it for when I want to sweat again with all those planks!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

That is so great to read! Go us!!! Well done! 👏👏🙌🙌👍🏽

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to annaruns

Those balances were fun weren’t they annaruns ? I’m far betting at grasping my calves than I used to be, but couldn’t manage all the time on either side (but a good amount of time). They’re a work in progress! 😀

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yes! And I never thought I’d use “balance” and “fun” in the same sentence 😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to annaruns

🤣🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Really great to hear about your knees CBDB, you won’t know yourself without your padding! Upward dog is basically a high cobra but with your knees hovering. Often done after chaturanga - watch Adriene do chaturanga to upward dog and you’ll see them in action!

I’ve absolutely loved this 30 dayer. Tomorrow will be fun in a whole other way, assuming she finishes the same as in the past.

❤️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yes, I peaked at other 30-day journeys... but psst 🤫

dijep profile image
dijep30D Graduate in reply to CBDB

That's such great progress for your knees it will make so many things easier as you are able to extend the time you can be on them without loads of padding.After reading your review I was wondering what we'd be getting today 😊

I loved the structure of practice with the calming start, then the work and then the relax at the end. Great session 👍

I was a bit worried with the standing balance that if I feel forward I'd land on my laptop 🙄but thankful I didn't! Turns out today I was much better standing on my left leg and could hold round my ankle, but on the right I could only hold for a second or two. The time has flown by,can't believe tomorrow is the last day. 😊👍

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

Day 30 BEGIN !!! Lovely!! 🥰❤️😍🧡 well, those of us who have done the 30 day challenges before will know what the last day is like! I have to admit, I peaked at other years, and was really looking forward to it!

Without giving away any spoilers, I was able to do all the poses!!! ✔️😍 and I was sweaty by the end of it!

I do loved this one, not having to look at the screen so often and then coming back to the screen and follow Adriene!

It’s been a great journey! It’s the first time I have integrated Strength and Flex into a daily routine, before having done S&F three times a week on my un-run days. But YWA is gentle enough (with some amendments to accommodate different bodies) to do every day, even for someone like me, and still give everyone a good workout.

We’ve done it!! 30 days of Yoga!

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks in reply to CBDB

Well done CBDB! Wasn’t it fun? I did the same as you, doing my own thing for the most part, then finishing by following Adriene for the last few minutes. Those 49 minutes flew by, as did the last 30 days.

February calendar all ready to start tomorrow! 🧘‍♀️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to cheekychipmunks

👏👏

roseabi profile image
roseabi in reply to CBDB

We've done it!!!

Gosh, this one was vigorous!! It's the first time I've got warm doing yoga all month!!! It's cold in my bedroom 😂

I'm very pleased to have managed to do each practice in the calendar, and I'm particularly happy with my chaturanga to up-dog improvement!

Shower now, and tomorrow a break from yoga 🤩

Thank you so much, CBDB, for hosting on here, and well done everyone XXX 👍♥️🥇💪🍰

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to roseabi

👏👏👏

annaruns profile image
annaruns in reply to CBDB

Well done! I managed 25 minutes of freestyle which oddly seemed to coincide quite often with what Adriene was doing... before my cat joined me and we went into shavasana together 😂 still, I really didn’t think I would enjoy doing my own thing until I started doing it, and then I really liked going at my own pace. Need to work on slowing myself down and enjoying some of the poses, though, because I tend to do more of a “flow” style and float from one to the other. Still, proud of how far I’ve come and already looking ahead to what the February calendar is showing!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to annaruns

Yes, the free form gives you the option to explore your boundaries more, or work on one specific transition. So I felt I could really iron out some transitional issues today!

👏👏👏👏

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

I have to be honest, and say that as a novice I really missed Adriene’s gentle instructions as I really didn’t want to miss out on any positions.

I got a stiff neck as I kept peeking to check what she was doing. 😬

What was really interesting was that I did actually watch some of the video earlier in the day...it was fascinating to just watch her...you could see her doing subtle posture changes like drop her shoulders...and breathe...

...and there’s one moment when she walks up the mat, and gives a look straight at the camera then carries on up the mat...

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to LottieMW

Yeah, she does have a way with the camera 🎥. 🤣 I do sometime wonder if part of the reason of her Yoga bring special is actually to do with her having been an actress (dialogue with the camera and weaving narratives), and a yoga instructor for children (confident playfulness) as well as Yoga experience.

No matter what the magic is, it works so well!!

LottieMW profile image
LottieMW in reply to CBDB

Very true 👍

dijep profile image
dijep30D Graduate

Just finished 😊 Thanks so much for posting about this to start with and posting these weekly discussions. Its been a brilliant way to be more active every day and has given me a focus through the bad weather and knee days.Today was an interesting way to end, I was trying to remember some of the different poses that she's introduced me to, low boat 🛥 I managed much better than at the start, I can now hold and lower my planks so much more slowly, I even managed a side plank on each side 🎊 I attempted wild thing and sort of got there 😂 I didn't try crow but I will when my knee stops complaining.

I'm off to print out the February calendar.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to dijep

Fabulous! Yes, I think I’ll continue as well. Will be dropping some thoughts in a post later, as the group experience has definitely added something to the wonderful mix, that is YWA.

Blackberrypie profile image
Blackberrypie

Day 30 done, had fun making it up as I went along, staying a long time in some poses which felt good. I did keep looking up during the final shavasana as I didn't want to miss the ending which was perhaps less relaxing than ideal, but a nice way to bring the series to a close. Thanks for the company on the journey, think I'm picking up with Yoga Camp tomorrow!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Blackberrypie

Fab! Yes, also liked exploring individual poses and transitions in a more focussed manner! Have fun with yoga camp... we’ll be here doing the calendar... 👏👍🏽🙌

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1

Double whammy of day 29 and 30 together today! Wow, I am shocked to admit I cried through out most of day 30 and not because of the poses! 😆 Had a completely unexpected curve ball of emotion about it being over! Phew, better out than in and all that. Anyway, count me in on continuing with the February Bridge, please! May catch up tonight or tomorrow, not sure yet but will definitely be there somewhere! Congratulations to everyone, we did it and it was amazing!! 💛👍😀

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold in reply to Gannet1

Brilliant! Well done!! Wow, two sessions! 😅Yeah, I can see how the January series are really something special. Welcome to the BRIDGE MAT, we’ll see you there soon!

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