First, A little bit about me.
Before we get into any of the good stuff, let me introduce myself. I'm Jamie, casually known around the anime, cosplay and gaming communities around the internet as Eve Argent. I liked doing things, all kinds of things, and new things. I take adult gymnastics classes at Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics center with Coach Lex. I do trampoline aerobics at Skyzone. I plan to pick up Capoeira again once the brace on my ankle is off this week. I bike 8 miles to and from work when its not too hot or raining.
I like to sew and craft. I have two cats. I have an unhealthy addiction to video games and roleplaying. I write stories and dangit if I don't have too many hobbies for someone with full time job.
I've tried a lot of things. Most things I've tried, I lack the patience and control to see through. This (along with my secret selfish desire to be awesome and do awesome things) was the inspiration for my challenge.
It's not going to be a short road, nor easy. I decided yoga would be a good practice to teach me calm, control and patience. My bestie Caitlin is coming with me on this journey, though her goals are different than mine no doubt. I've invited her to write for the blog as well.
Things I can do already from gymnastics: headstands, handstands, backbends.. but not well, not controlled. I have the feel for being upside down, but none of the strength or control I had when I was younger. I want it back. I want the strength and stability to take on the flips and kicks of gymnastics and Capoeira again. But I also want to keep my joints.
So that's me. This is the plan.
I like to sew and craft. I have two cats. I have an unhealthy addiction to video games and roleplaying. I write stories and dangit if I don't have too many hobbies for someone with full time job.
I've tried a lot of things. Most things I've tried, I lack the patience and control to see through. This (along with my secret selfish desire to be awesome and do awesome things) was the inspiration for my challenge.
It's not going to be a short road, nor easy. I decided yoga would be a good practice to teach me calm, control and patience. My bestie Caitlin is coming with me on this journey, though her goals are different than mine no doubt. I've invited her to write for the blog as well.
Things I can do already from gymnastics: headstands, handstands, backbends.. but not well, not controlled. I have the feel for being upside down, but none of the strength or control I had when I was younger. I want it back. I want the strength and stability to take on the flips and kicks of gymnastics and Capoeira again. But I also want to keep my joints.
So that's me. This is the plan.
The Plan
My Goal is to achieve a one-handed handstand steadily. I have put a three year time frame on it, but I'll work as long as it takes--and longer once I've realized my goals. I decided on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, or power yoga to learn the balance and build the strength.
You wouldn't believe how long it took me to figure out Ashtanga Yoga and Power yoga were the same, or that that was the style I wanted to do. There is entirely too much information about yoga on the internet and hardly any of it was useful. With my job and location of my house and non-access to car, I have decided against my better judgement to use online video classes.
I haven't fully decided what service to use there are lots of options. From most promising to least:
CorePowerYoga Online Classes - Paid Service $9-$15/mo
YogaToday - Paid Service $9/mo
YogaGlo - Paid Service $18/mo
DoYogaWithMe - Free Service
I plan on using the free trials for all of these services and weighing the price against the quality of instruction and how safe I feel doing the series.
You wouldn't believe how long it took me to figure out Ashtanga Yoga and Power yoga were the same, or that that was the style I wanted to do. There is entirely too much information about yoga on the internet and hardly any of it was useful. With my job and location of my house and non-access to car, I have decided against my better judgement to use online video classes.
I haven't fully decided what service to use there are lots of options. From most promising to least:
CorePowerYoga Online Classes - Paid Service $9-$15/mo
YogaToday - Paid Service $9/mo
YogaGlo - Paid Service $18/mo
DoYogaWithMe - Free Service
I plan on using the free trials for all of these services and weighing the price against the quality of instruction and how safe I feel doing the series.
Okay so It was actually day one.
Today, Caitlin joined me at my apartment for our first practice. We started the free trial for CorePowerYoga, and I have to say I am impressed. The flow was challenging for both of us, but not over exhausting. I'm definitely going to feel it in the morning. The beginner class which we chose progressed through sun salutations, core strengthening, standing balance poses, light back bends, and a cool down at the end. It felt good, comprehensive and I could imagine paying about $10 a month for it without regret.
So much Chaturanga Dandasana (High push-up, low push-up, up dog, down dog progression). My shoulders are killing me.
I think I breathe too shallow to do some of the longer, deeper breaths. Mostly, I still have no idea what I'm doing.
So much Chaturanga Dandasana (High push-up, low push-up, up dog, down dog progression). My shoulders are killing me.
I think I breathe too shallow to do some of the longer, deeper breaths. Mostly, I still have no idea what I'm doing.