In time I wouldn't mind some more of the stillness of mind and peacefulness of heart that I've read yoga brings. Actually I think I've already had a little taster of the former, this blog doesn't start from the beginning. I practised a little yoga in Mysore and on the beaches of Goa, it was good, but not enough, so when we moved on I studied from a book and then moved onto videos.
So far I've got three videos on our computer but in my opinion only one is actually good in terms of "real yoga", it's by Yoga Journal and it's a Step-by-Step Introduction with an excellent commentary and tips. The only other video worthy of mention is 'Yogalosophy' by Mandy Ingber, she has a tiny little bottom and got Jennifer Aniston into shape. This brings me back to what I want from yoga now - to get into shape for the beach so I can do my Baywatch strut. With that in mind, I have also decided to take up a spot of running, nothing major at the moment it's just jogging and walking but it makes me hurt so it must be good.
For anyone who's interested in running but can't, the program I've decided to follow is slow and therefore, I hope, doable: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I did W1W1 (Week 1, Work out 1) on Sunday, it was twenty minutes of repeated 60 seconds of jogging followed by 90 seconds of walking, and I managed it. I plan on getting a bit further into this program before I actually sign up for any races, but there are plenty in Bangkok, so who knows...
The main reason I've started this blog is to organise all my wants (and there are plenty) into a list that I can work through and systematically check off so I feel like I'm getting somewhere, it might also help to get me out of bed in the mornings.
What do I want?
Short Term goals
- Better length in my legs, especially the hamstring, back knee area
- To do one proper, lady style, press-up
- Loosen my Hip Flexors
Mid Term Goals
- Proper standing/seated forward bend
- The Splits
- Ripped abs or at least a flatter tum
- A butt with attitude
- The side plank
- Second video of YJ beginners sequence
- Create my own sequence
Long Term Goals
- Try Bikram yoga
- Further understanding of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
I also plan to;
- Do yoga every day, even if it's just a few minutes of stretching or seated meditation
- Learn the names of the poses in English and Sanskrit
- Learn the muscle group names and gain a better understanding of how the body works
I'll definitely add to this list but this week I'm going to focus on increasing the length in my legs and my running of course! I'll let you know how it goes...
