Response to NYT Article – How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body

Response to NYT Article – How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body

A beautiful article

http://www.ashtangayogatherapy.com/responsibility.of.yogi

I want to get better!

This statement has been in my head for a couple of weeks now. These past few months have made me realize a couple of things and one of them is that Yoga really is a part of me. I love it and no matter how much blocks and challenges I face, I find myself going back to it all the time.
Having realized this, I told myself that I want to start getting better at it again. I now feel the urge I once did to try to do more that's why I've been pushing myself harder. I'm also really thankful that Frank(our new teacher in BYA), Ginger and Rina take the time to work with me after class so that we can all work on our backbends and other postures.
I am still quite sad that I am unable to have a solid ashtanga practice because of my injured wrist. I did try to go back a couple of weeks ago but I made my wrist worse so I'm taking Ginger's advice and I'm concentrating on Bikram now and when I'm better I will build up my ashtanga practice from there.
This week I started doing 30 backbends after class and it sure is painful!!!! It hurts so bad that I can hardly bend my back after even just to do forward bends. I have also been working on my standing head to knee and bow. I honestly thought that sometimes my knees and thighs would fall off already from the pain I feel there from trying to lock my knees or kick my feet up. My body is in pain but I know that I need this to get better.
I'm actually trying to make it my little pet project to convince people in BYA to try to work just a little bit harder and intensify their workouts because all our energies affect our practice and I think that since the studio has hit is first year anniversary then we should all be getting stronger. I respect each individuals' practice but if they ever need someone to motivate them to do a little bit more, I'd be happy to help since it is our collective energies that make or break us in class anyway =)

BYA turns 1!

Here are some photos of us in the photobooth that night. Thank you to Ginger Diaz for bringing Bikram Yoga to Alabang. It has definitely helped me mentally, physically and spiritually. More power and more birthdays to come to my BYA family!

Advance classes in Bikram

I know that I have been delinquent in posting the past month and it's because I really got busy with work and the kids. Anyway, I started taking advanced classes in Bikram last month and the first time I tried it I must say that every muscle in my body was hurting the next day! My body was so sore that even if my spine was hurting a bit from the deep back bends I couldn't feel it that much since the pain from my muscles beside it were overpowering the pain in my spine and preventing me from bending my back anyways.

So how was the class? It was hard! I must say that I was disappointed in myself that I didn't do that well with the arm balances because that used to be one of my strengths when I was practicing ashtanga. I must say that I absolutely hate the finger stands. In a nutshell, I felt heavy or maybe I'm just weaker now =( 

I did better in my next advanced class but I still have such a long way to go. Most of my postures need refinement and I really need to strengthen my arms and core more. The posture that I am most afraid of is the handstand. I don't know why I fear it more than backbends when in fact I should fear the other one more because of my injury. I love headstands but handstands seem to have an adverse effect on me, I don't really know why because I used to do a lot of this when I was in high school. Hhmmm....

I have also decided to start practicing ashtanga again even if it's on my own to develop my arm and core strength again. I started this last tuesday and since my left wrist is a bit sore, I wasn't able to do the whole series. My practice got surprisingly better at some points tho because I guess Bikram has helped me soften up and gain flexibility because of the heat that we undergo in every class. I am excited to see how the combination of ashtanga and bikram will change my practice =)

FLOW: SurfYogaSamba Goes Raw

I am inviting all of you who may be interested to go to my friend's surf yoga samba and raw food weekend retareat in La Union this Aug. 27-29. 

 

What happened after the 30 day challenge?

After our 30day challenge party, we drank some tequila and I was actually still able to go to Bikram the next day and it was one of the best practices I've ever had. I don't know why, maybe it's because I felt no pressure so I was able to nail my postures because I was just having fun while practicing.

I actually entertained the thought of doing the 60 day challenge and I consulted Ginger. She told me that since we were going to start doing advance classes on August as well, maybe I should hold off on doing the 60 days because advance can really take its toll on you. I was half convinced to not go through with it. What sealed the deal for me was that I was so busy with family and work duties that I had to miss a couple of days already and I didn't want to do doubles on top of advanced.

I did try doing a double last week because I missed it. I think that I want to commit to doing at least one double a week just to make my body get used to doing longer workouts--I'm also doing this in preparation for the advanced classes. My back is getting better and I've started doing full postures except for camel because I want my back to be 100% back to normal when I try that posture again.

If there's something that I have been neglecting to do after the 30 day challenge, it's drinking a lot of water. I've been so busy and I haven't been bringing my thermos with me that's why I don't get to drink as much as I used to. I end up getting so thirsty in class! I will start drinking more again--I have to so I guess it's back to bringing water with me everywhere I go once again.

Day 30 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

Today was the last day of the challenge and I was up for anything I was ready to take in a hard class because I knew that I had the option of resting the next day. I just came from my chiropractor and I also had my myotherapy that morning so I was hoping that the adjustments would help me. Finally, I have been able to notice the improvement in my back. It's still painful but I feel more balanced and I'm able to go in deeper into my postures.

Ginger taught our class that day and everyone was in high spirits. It was quite humid so even if Ginger was generous in opening the windows and door, it was still a bit hard to breathe. I was so into my practice that I really got jolted when someone shouted "Excuse me, she passed out" in a very panic stricken voice. I looked back to look for who it was and I did get surprised to find the girl lying down flat on her back with eyes closed. We were still in the standing series here so it wasn't hard to see who it was. Ginger was quick to act and immediately took charge. She went to her just when she started to open her eyes and thank goodness that she smiled. I admit that I did get a bit rattled but I shook it off and forced myself to concentrate once again.

Since it was my last day, I didn't back off as much only for camel and rabbit because they are very deep postures and I know that my back cannot withstand those for now. I surprised myself by not falling on standing head to knee where my right leg was my standing leg--this is my weaker side so it felt great to have been able to get in and out of the posture without falling off. 

I was so happy when we ended, starving but happy! I am really thankful that I was given the opportunity to do the 30 day challenge because it really has changed me. I'm physically and mentally stronger. I've learned to appreciate the power of my mind again. I have learned to face my fears head on--practicing during 4pm has definitely helped me face my fear of the sun's heat and lack of cold air! I am grateful for the friendships that we have formed also through this challenge. Thank you to our teachers, Ginger, Omar and Rina. You guys have helped us by practicing, teaching and struggling with us all throughout this month =)

Here are some photos of the party we had:

Day 29 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

 I was looking forward to my practice today. I got to the studio quite early so I wasn’t harassed. I didn’t know who our teacher would be and at this point I didn’t care. If the class was going to be hard then I welcome it because it’s my 2^nd to the last day.

Omar was there eating his banana so I assumed that he would be teaching but then Ginger and Rina arrived and Ginger said she was teaching. I was looking forward to class because I knew that Omar and Rina’s energy would help us in our practice.

To be honest, I was quite surprised that Ginger was nice because she kept on opening the door and windows. Because of the rainy weather, the room was cold and since it was so early it was harder to sweat. Today was probably one day that I wouldn’t have minded the heat. I really was into my practice this morning. I admit that I was getting distracted a bit by someone constantly burping next to me but I just told myself to zone in on myself so that I wouldn’t get affected by others.

Because I had my physical therapy yesterday, my back muscles were more relaxed (still stiff but better than yesterday). I was able to go deeper into backbends and I felt that my legs were able to go higher in bow. I can feel my shoulders loosening up so I’m able to make them move more.

I can’t believe that it’s almost over. Just one more class to go then it’s time for our party. I am excited to celebrate. I know we all deserve it =)

Day 30 coming up!

Day 28 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I woke up bright and early for my first day back after a 4 day leave and I was about to leave quite early when I couldn’t find the car keys. The helpers left to do their market and I couldn’t get thru to my driver’s mobile phone. I had to wake my hubby up to ask where the other set of keys were. I had a pretty rough start this morning.

I got to the studio a bit later than usual and chit chatted with the girls for a bit. Omar was our teacher this morning and the weather has been cold and wet so I didn’t mind that he didn’t open the doors much because my body needed heat! I was so stiff from having a break for too long and my concentration was a bit off.

I was right to have been wary of leaving for so long because I felt it in my practice. My muscles were tight and all the playing with the kids actually made me bend the wrong way one time so my back was tighter than it was before I left. I wasn’t panting in class but I felt the difference in my practice.

I hate to admit this but my body was craving for a double. I wanted to do a double so bad because in my head I knew that my second practice would mean that I was more flexible and that I wouldn’t struggle so much in getting into the postures. I was supposed to attend the 4pm class but hubby wanted me to go with him somewhere. I only have 2 more to go but I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a double tom and I’d still go to class on Saturday of course. I never thought that I’d like doing doubles but my mind and body really is wanting and craving for one. How odd. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d be longing for one. This challenge has definitely changed me and this is a testament of just how far I’ve grown and adapted into this practice in less than a month. I’m excited for my practice tom.

Day 29 and maybe 30 coming up tom =)

Day 27 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

Ginger decided to have a 6am class just for this saturday so that people who need to catch up can do so this week. I wasn't supposed to take this class but since I had a chiropractor session this morning I opted for this  instead of the 3pm. 

Ginger told us that she would give us an easy class because it was early and it was a weekend. She was very lenient today so I decided to try harder because we had more recovery time in between postures. I had  a massage yesterday and it helped me a bit because my muscles were a bit more loose except for the ones in my shoulders so it was easier for me to open up in the postures. 

The energy in the room was relaxed and I felt no tension until Ginger decided to share a story about what my friend did. I was so shocked at what he did and how he name dropped me that I definitely had a renewed surge of energy afterwards. I couldn't help thinking--"Oh my gosh, I can't believe he said that!". Of course the whole class was laughing at the story but I really couldn't fathom how my friend could have misinterpreted my stories and hung me out to dry like that. After that story, my locust and bow were so high because of the surge of energy that I felt. 

What my friend did really was funny but quite embarrassing for me. Thank goodness that he's such a good friend of mine or else I think I would've given him a hard time after. Did this instance affect my practice? Of course! It made me do better because it absolutely woke me up! At least something good came out of it ;s

We all finished the class in pretty high spirits. I went to the chiropractor after and he said that I didn't have scoliosis based on my x-ray but I do have a slight curvature. I'm hoping that I respond well to his treatments because I want my spine to get better. I need it to get better!

Just a few hours ago it hit me that I wouldn't be able to do Bikram for 4 days and I really got tempted to do a double just for the heck of it because I'd miss it. Wow! I never thought I'd feel that way before. I always said that I wouldn't do a double if I didn't need to but now I'm wanting to do it just because. Hhmmmm.....I guess this challenge hasn't only changed my body but also my mind. I truly am so glad that I joined this challenge. It opened up so many things for me to experience. 

I'm a bit nervous about taking such a long break but Omar said that I'd come back strong so that's what I'm looking forward to.

Day 26 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I have been really busy this month because of work, in-laws and other family obligations that's why I've been taking the 6am class so often. This day was no different. I set my alarm for 5am then got right out of bed after my alarm rung to get ready for class. By 5:40, I was in the studio laying my mat in my favorite spot. 

I was still tired from yesterday's double but I was also excited because I only had this day and saturday then I get to take a break for 4 days before I go back to the hot room on thurs next week. Rina hardly opened the doors and windows but I honestly didn't mind. It was so early and the room's temperature was just right. I was still sweating like anything inspite of the lack of heat--I'd like to think that this was because of the effort that I exert in my practice =)

I kicked out on the second part of standing head to knee and I noticed that I find it easier to touch my forehead to my knee on my right side. I can actually stay in the pose and get out of it the right way unlike my left side. I have a harder time touching my forehead to my knee there so I usually fall out on that side. I'm happy and thankful that I can do this pose inspite of lack of practice since I have only done this once before after I got injured. Overall, I had a good practice. My standing bows have been steadily improving as well. I feel the differences in my postures, the little adjustments that I have been able to make because of this challenge and I'm excited to unlock more things to make me go deeper in my postures. 

Day 27 coming up tomorrow!

Day 24 & Day 25 of the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I took the 6am class for my Day 24 and the 4pm class for my Day 25. Rina was our teacher for both classes. In the morning, my energy level was quite low and I struggled with my water intake. I didn't drink much but I kept on wanting to drink most of the time. I was a bit mentally absent, my mind has been getting more and more restless lately so when I finished my practice I felt like I was in a daze.

Lea and I agreed to go to the 4pm class. I was a bit undecided about going into the room at such a hot hour but when my friend told me that he'd join me, I was left with no choice but to accompany him. The room was once again HOT! My friend couldn't stop panting and drinking beside me because of the heat. I actually got surprised that I was able to withstand the heat with not much resistance from my brain. I stood my ground in the postures and since my body was so much more flexible then, I had an easy time going into the postures. I was fueled by a sudden determination to stay in the postures for the entire time and I was successful about 98% of the time. I think that I was staying strong so that my friend wouldn't completely break down beside me. I wanted to give some of my energy to him and to help him finish the class.

I did drink a lot when we got to the floor series and I only started getting irritated by the heat when the sun was already creeping on my left side. The room was hot enough without its direct rays so having it so near me was torturous. I did survive my last double for the challenge and I loved it!

After the class, I did feel proud to have finished 7 doubles. I thought it was never going to happen last week but just like that and it was over! I feel quite contented =)

Day 26 coming up tom!

Day 23 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I took my 23rd day yesterday morning and Rina was our teacher. I don't know why but I had a hard time in class. It wasn't hot because it was 6am but I was sweating as if it was a 4pm class. Let this be known that Rina is often mistaken by people as someone who gives easy classes but the truth is she holds the postures almost or even as long as Ginger. The only difference with the two is that Rina allows us to have more air circulation by opening the doors and windows.
Yesterday, I really noticed and felt how my thigh muscles were struggling to do the leg work. I guess locking your knees for how many consecutive times can also really take its toll on one's body. I struggled physically with the class because I found myself trying to exert so much more effort just to try to get myself balanced in the postures(for both standing and floor series).
I finished the class tired also because I lacked sleep. Later that day, I went to see Dr. Camara. He's a very well recommended chiropractor and when he checked my spine he told me that I had scoliosis and that my old injury in my lumbar area is still not better as well as my middle spine. He pressed those parts with his fingers and my toes really curled up from the pain! The good thing about him is that he said I don't have anything that cannot be fixed. He told me that I could still do yoga and I can continue with cardio and plyometrics once he has fixed my alignment because it would be counter productive to strengthen my body when I'm not aligned yet.
I liked him instantly when he didn't tell me to stop what I'm doing. Instead, he found ways for him to be able to help me continue what I was doing(yoga of course). I'm crossing my fingers and praying that he'd really be the help I need to conquer my back problems.
Day 24 coming up!

Day 20, 21 & 22 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I was a bit busy yesterday so I wasn't able to write about my 20th day. I went to the 6am class and Omar was still able to give us a much needed breather. The good thing about the 6am class is that it's still a bit cool so I didn't really have to battle with the heat. I just had to stay focused and be in the moment. My shoulders are still a bit sore from my massages so that was what I had to work with but my body was ok and my mind was also ok yesterday, not so weak and not so strong.
For today, I did my 6th double for my 21st & 22nd classes. In the morning, I was feeling really tired but I decided to challenge myself. I knew that Omar wasn't going to make us hold the postures long so I made it a point to do better while I was in the postures. I kicked my leg out for the first time since my injury in standing head to knee and I was surprised that I was able to do the full expression and I didn't fall out when I was doing my right leg. It gave me such a boost of confidence even if I fell out of the left side. I couldn't believe that weeks of actually holding back has done me some good. My standing leg was more stable since I was able to form the habit of really locking my knees. I finished my morning practice tired but happy.
For the afternoon class, 4pm, I was dreading the heat! I think my memory of my 4pm class last week still had its lingering effects on me. I was quite surprised tho that I wasn't so bothered by the heat this time(of course this could also be because Omar opened the door and windows more than Ginger last week). My thirst was the nagging thing I was fighting with and yes I did drink about 4 or 5 times in class but at least I had a pretty strong and calm mind. I was in high spirits after the class and I only have one more double class to go! woohoo!
This has been quite a journey and I can't wait to see how I'll feel on the last day.
Day 23 coming up tomorrow!

Day 18 & 19 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

My sister-in-law and her family are here visiting us and it's for this reason that I have been spacing out double sessions consistently this month so that I can make up for the time that we'd be going out of town with them. As we were talking this morning I realized that I completely forgot about the family reunion we'd be having next sunday so I had to do a double class today just to make up for that.
I honestly didn't know if I was up to doing a double especially if the class was going to be really difficult. Omar was the teacher this morning and God bless him because he gave us a wonderful break this morning. He was easy on us and I was smiling to Lea in class because I got my wish. What bothered me this morning were some of the people practicing. There were some girls who kept on talking to each other in class and it was quite distracting because they were right behind me. Because I was so irritated, there was a time that I looked at them and they were just staring at themselves in the mirror doing next to nothing. I said to myself that I would be damned before I acted that way in class. I mean, what's the point of going to class if you're not even going to try to do good in it? It would be such a waste of time.
Okay enough of that negative energy. As Lea told me this morning, positive energy and thinking only. That shall be my mantra for the remaining days of this challenge.
I was still undecided about doing a double but Omar told me that he'll be giving a really easy class this afternoon so I went home and ate, took a shower, played with the kids then I went back to the studio. I was so happy that Omar did give me a much needed breather today. I was able to exert more effort and energy into my postures because I wasn't gasping for air. I told Omar that I would love him forever if he gave us an easy class so I told him so after class. I told him that I would love him forever until he gave me another difficult class. hehehe.
Am I tired? Hell yeah! Maybe I'll get a massage later and try to relax my stiff muscles because I will be doing the 6am class again tom. 11 days to go. I can do this. Positive outcomes only!

Day 17 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

For my 17th day, I was once again awarded with a very challenging class by Ginger. I guess my body is still getting used to staying in the postures for such a long time. The hard part is trying to regulate my breath after exerting so much effort. I find that the rest in between the standing series postures to be short that I struggle to get my heart rate down before the next posture.
Ginger was telling the class that we should try not caring about what the teacher is doing (i.e. whether he or she is moving near the door or window and you're hoping that they'll open it) and just concentrate on ourselves so as not to get so affected by all the external things happening around us. I completely agree with her but doing is so much harder than knowing right?
I notice that I'm really getting burned out and I'm trying my best to hold on to my sanity. AAAHHHHHHHHHH! That's me shouting as a way of venting out.
Day 18 coming up tomorrow.

Day 16 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

When my alarm went off at 5am, I just stood up. I did not pay attention to how tired I was because I didn’t get much sleep or how fatigued my body was from my double class yesterday. I just got ready and drove to the studio.

I found out that Ginger was teaching so I knew we’d be in for a truly good morning in the studio (sarcasm injected here). Don’t get me wrong, I love Ginger but for the past few days I’ve been feeling the weight of the challenge. I’ve noticed that Ginger has really been making it a point to hold postures for at least a minute long this whole week. I guess she’s trying to make us push ourselves harder.

I was struggling mentally for the first 30 minutes of class because I was resenting the fact that it was 6am and I couldn’t get a break. However, something inside me changed and I dared myself to put my anger and frustrations into my practice by working harder. Instead of getting irritated I simply gave in to each and every posture even if it meant that my whole body would be shaking or falling out from trying so hard.

I was happy and relieved when we got to the floor series. Whenever we come to the floor, the postures that I dread the most are the ones in the spine strengthening series. I mean, it really just takes soooo much effort in each of the postures just to be able to lift up any part of my body so I knew that I just had to get through this last hurdle and then I’m good. When we reached to full locust pose, Ginger has managed to surprise me again by asking me to demo the posture in class. I couldn’t do anything but laugh and get into the posture—yes with my legs shaking from the effort I put in. Being asked to demo something in class is a lot of pressure but it’s not the worst thing I’ve had to do. The good thing about doing it is that I actually get to hear what I do right in a certain posture so I guess it balances things out.

I was ecstatic by the time we finished kapalabhati. I was done! I was actually supposed to practice some postures from ashtanga but after that workout, my body was protesting and telling me to just do it another day so I laid down and tried to rest for over two minutes.

Today, I’m really just thankful that I was able to finish the class without giving up.

Day 17 coming up tomorrow!

Day 14 & 15 of the 30day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I have come to the realization that for the remainder of this whole challenge we would get out butts kicked by our teachers if one or more of them is practicing with us. Since most of them need to do doubles, I fear that we'd be in "hell" for the remainder of the month.
This morning Omar was very nice and opened the door and windows for long periods so I was happy to have a bit of a break from all the intense practices. I think that it's nice to have breathers from time to time because it re-energizes me. This challenge is taking its toll on my patience and mind control at times so letting myself have an easier time is something I welcome just so that I have time to ground myself once again.
Moving on, after this morning's practice I took the medication that my doctor gave me for my back muscle spasm. I really dislike that medication because it makes me weak and disoriented. When I was still feeling the effects at 2pm I decided to take coffee to help me have enough strength to get to the 4pm class.
Last week, the 4pm class was nice to be in because it was raining but today the heat was at more than 42degrees and the heat of the sun was really penetrating inside the room.
Silly me but I actually thought that Ginger would open the door and windows wider BUT noooooo! We did not have such privilege until we reached the last two postures. To make things worse, I had to pee while we were doing the standing series. Please take note that I did pee twice already before class started and I guess the coffee I drank was wreaking havoc on my bladder. When it was standing separate leg head to knee, I begged ginger to let me pee because sucking my stomach was actually painful already but I obediently finished the postures first before I was able to get my bathroom break during tree pose.
I hated the heat this afternoon but my brain wasn't cussing as much as yesterday. I don't know why. According to Lea(one of my classmates), I would be thankful after I regain my breath for today because I was able to do my double and finish my work and home duties at the same time and she's right, I am thankful for all of those today.
Day 16 tomorrow, I'm not sure how that will be but I shall hope for the best.

Day 13 of the 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge

I did not wake up with the best feeling this morning. I was feeling tired inspite of having 7 hours of sleep. When I found out that Omar was teaching, I wasn't sure what kind of class I'd get but when I saw that Ginger and Rina were practicing with us, I got a bit worried.
It was not cold this morning and Omar hardly opened the door or windows so I was really feeling the humidity and how hard it was to breathe. When he did open the window for a very short time, not much air would come in. If thoughts could kill I think Omar would have fallen flat on his face right then and there. I think I just directed my frustrations at him because my mind was quite weak this morning. I gave in to my thirst and drank water about 4 times. Towards the end, I could feel the pricking sensation of pins and needles all over my hands, face and feet. I really despise that feeling because it paralyses me and makes doing anything a hundred times harder.
I think that I haven't been able to drink enough water especially since I did a double yesterday. It's just hard to remember to drink sometimes especially when I'm busy with the kids, work and household errands. I hope that tomorrow would be better for me.
For today, I'm thankful that I was able to go and practice despite the laziness that I felt.
Day 14 & 15 coming up!