I did *not* want to do yoga. Today was one of 'those' days. No particular reason. Maybe I was lazy. Yes, I think that's it. Some of the lethargy I was feeling yesterday carried over into today. I had 10 hours of sleep last night, so I'm not sure where it's coming from, but my energy is definitely low.
I didn't practice in the morning. I planned to do an afternoon practice after teaching my noon class. Nope! Lunch killed that idea. Then I was distracted installing an update for my iPod. I live and die by my iPod Touch, so this kept me happily occupied with geekiness for a couple of hours. Then it was time for tea. Then, oops!, I was running out of time! How did *that* happen?
(insert innocent look)
I wasn't feeling motivated enough to do Astanga (To be honest, I've been struck by a bit of Astanga burn-out lately). So I poked around on YogaDownload and found a Vinyasa-style class I hadn't tried yet: Core #1 with Dawnelle, 30 minutes. Absolutely loved it!
I would like to start reviewing these classes on the YogaDownload site. For now, here are a few observations about the 30 minute version of the class:
I appreciated the brief period of seated pranayama in the very beginning. It wasn't fancy - just basic diaphragmatic breathing, but it brought a certain calm and focus to the practice. I often start my own classes this way. Dawnelle's classes always have a strong flow component. There are no sun salutations per se, because the whole class is a sun salutation. This particular class focused on developing core strength.
The cues all revolved around the theme, with frequent reminders to 'engage the core' and 'observe the engagement of the core' in the poses. If you replaced the word 'core' with 'bandhas', you would have a great prep class for Astanga. That's what I did: each time I heard 'core', I engaged Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha.
My favourite part of the class was the transition from 'Airplane' (Virabhadrasana III with arms back along the sides) to 'Standing Splits'. I also found the Utthita Trikonasana variation challenging. I'm looking forward to trying the longer versions of this class (45 minute and 60 minutes).
If you're curious about this class, you can download the 20 minute version for free.
2 comments:
Low energy? I can relate to that but I must say I am feeling much better now. How about getting your iron levels checked and your iron stores as well. Could be the culprit. Or... how old are you? Perhaps changing hormone levels?
I'm 39, so I don't think the 'Big Change' is here quite yet and my iron levels are good. I think it might be 'Autumnal Ennui".
Post a Comment