Vinyasa

I did a Yogadownload class today, Heart Opening Flow #1, 60-minute class with Jackie. This is billed as an 'intermediate' class and I found it challenging but not impossible. The cueing was a bit over-the-top, though. It's difficult to pin down, but some teachers are a bit too 'dramatic' in their presentation. It's annoying and can be distracting.

The sequence was great though. It moved along, all the counter poses were there where I needed them. The pacing was good and there were plenty of rest intervals. I liked the variations on the sun salutation - fun!

I did all of the suggested advanced variations. I loved transitioning from bound Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle) to Svarga Dvidasana (Bird of Paradise) - that was new to me, and awesome! This is the stuff I miss when I'm doing Ashtanga practice exclusively. It's just nice to do something different.

This practice also had all kinds of standing backbends and there backbends in each 'Crescent Lunge'. It reminded me of the Anusara classes I was taking a couple of years ago. By the time I hit camel, I was feeling pretty good and I was surprised how deep I was able to go in the pose. This is definitely a class I will do again.

I slept in late this morning, 10 a.m. because I didn't go to bed until 2. Yes, as a matter of fact, I *did* go out dancing last night. It was fun I guess, but Holy Meat Market! I could feel the questioning gazes slide over me like slippery fish as I walked into my favourite bar. I haven't been there in awhile and it's an entirely different crowd than I remember; I didn't recognise anyone. I stayed for a half-hour and when it stopped feeling fun, I headed home.

Since it was a lovely summer night, I decided to walk. I noticed that a new Bikram studio has opened up around the corner. I don't like the one down my street . The director is an ass and he *hates* Ashtangis, goes out of his way to be a jerk if he knows a student practices Ashtanga. The last time I went in, he stopped the entire class mid-sequence and announced “Kai is doing Triangle Pose wrong. We will all do it again.” I was floored (and embarrassed). He also insisted that I round my back in forward bends and hyperextend my knees. I never went back.

Don't misunderstand, I do try to respect the traditions of the studios I visit and honour the instructions of my teachers, but not to the degree that I risk injury. When I see a hyperextended knee on a Bikrams advert, I actually cringe.

Anyways, I might have to give this new studio a try sometime. I've heard good things about the directors and I do enjoy the occasional Birkram Torture Session. ;-)