I wrote out my resolutions a few weeks ago and two of them included yoga and strength training.
For yoga, the one thing I want to work on is my downward dog. Like I stated, I look like I’m doing a jacked up push-up with my butt way up in the air. I’ve done some yoga videos and they’ve helped to loosen up my legs (very little) but not my shoulders or upper back.
Do any of my lovely yoginis out there have any suggestions on moves that I can practice so I can get better at my downward dog? I feel like not only will it help my back and shoulders, but also my hamstrings that have been the tightest muscle in my body, probably my entire life!
And strength training? I do most of these moves on a whim, never having a set plan and really, never knowing what I’m doing half the time. If any of my trainer bloggers are reading, any recommendations of what I should add to say, my session from yesterday?! All the help you give would be appreciated!
I know I could go out and read most of these things, but I feel like getting advice from people with personal experiences is the best.
Are you working on improving your strength or yoga this year? What are you changing or adding into your life?
Anyhow, I woke up this morning with a super scratchy throat, and if you follow me on Twitter, you’ll know that I was hoping if I didn’t swallow and realize it was there, it would go away. Wishful thinking eh?
I immediately chugged cold water, then set out to make hot tea and some wonderful oats that I could finally eat my leisure, instead of on the go like I was all of last week:
My typical oats combo:
- 1/3C rolled oats
- Cinnamon
- Newman’s Own Organics Cranberries
- Diced Red Delicious Apple
- 1T Natural PB
I was feeling much warmer and with a less scratchy throat thereafter!
Off to take a boating test! Yay…
14 comments:
ahh i need to do more yoga too. my FAV pose is the pigeon pose..feels AWESOME after a run!
Maybe you could use a yoga block so that you get the form perfect and then slowly but surely remove the block to increase flexibility.
I haven't seen your down dog so I can't say for sure but you may want to try making yourself wider and don't worry about your heels touching the ground, that will happen over time. You can also bend your knees until you are warmer and work towards having straight legs. Yoga is a practice, not a perfection. Just keep working at it, the best pose to help you with your down dog IS your down dog.
The yoga is yummy series of videos was recommended to me. There's a video for runners that's supposed to really help loosen up your hamstrings and hips.
My yoga goal this year is to start doing it consistently. Sometimes I just want to run and not do anything else, I'm lazy like that, but I really feel much better when running is supplemented by yoga.
Good luck on the boating test!
Do you follow The Fitnessista? She posted a strength workout she created for Caitlin. I snagged it.... I think it looks like fun. Ok, I think it looks like it could kick my booty, same thing. :p
great oat combination! and i want to try yoga at somepoint in my life!
xoxo
shelley
This helps open my shoulders: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2462
I'm horrible a the downward dog! I can never get my heels all the way flat. Guess my hamstrings are just to tight. Good luck working on yours.
The few times I've done yoga, it's been a laugh fest. I think I would need more than form work.
drink up that hot tea! i had a sore throat the other day too, tea works wonders. i have no yoga tips for ya, unfortunately i h aven't done yoga in FOREVER. definitely on my list of things to get back in to.
I'm training for a half marathon right now but I am definitely challenging myself to keep up with yoga and strength training. My advice is just to keep practicing.
Good luck!
I know you are probably busy getting settled this weekend, but let me know if you want to get together sometime! We can come down there to ol homestead or you're always welcome here
hmm -- when i'm really trying to deepen my downward dog I try and focus on really pushing away from the mat and drawing my shoulder blades together to open up my chest. Don't be concerned if your heals don't touch the ground or if you need to bend your knees! You'll evolve each time you practice and become more and more flexible. Promise :)
I also really want to incorporate more strength training in to my life. Gotta work on my kelly ripa arms ;)
<3
OMG love your new placeee that tub is ridic!!!! Good luck girlie it sounds like FL will be awesome for u :D I've always heard my yoga teachers say to imagine your hips/butt pushing back toward the back of the room, where the ceiling and wall meet. Sounds weird but visualizing that exact spot and trying to do that has helped me.
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