BBM Connection

Workout: Abs Conditioning: Pilates

So, it may not have been obvious, but I have returned (however marginally) to the world of yoga — chaos has coaxed a few workouts out of me, though never quite to the point of also doing the post-workout blog. Today, however, I felt I should make a couple notes.

The basics first: I did the pilates abs workout today, which I believe is my second time through it. Unsurprisingly, I died in about the same place as last time, and some things were easier/harder than I remember from the first time. I was more tired starting off this time (I felt the burn right from the first exercise), but the most salient part was that my back started hurting on the second exercise or so (more below). On the whole, I’d say I did a better job persevering through the workout, though I ended up doing wimpy versions of some of the exercises just to keep the momentum. I think as I get more comfortable with the mechanics, this will be less of an issue.

One major realization throughout this workout was just how weak my back is — something I’ve known for a long time, and tried in vain to do things about in the past (usually ending up giving up in frustration) but with no real progress. Chaos mentioned how the pilates chick used to have a bad back (worse than mine), but how pilates fixed that. This is definitely some good motivation to work on this further. I do sense that these exercises may help, and the philosophy that she goes into on the interview on the dvd further backs that up. What this comes down to is that I may put more emphasis on this workout going into the future — previously I was not too concerned about abs (mine are not astounding, but reasonably good I felt), but with this new angle in mind I think it’s definitely something to see how well it helps. Man my back hurts right now (typing this entry)…

Workout: Yoga for Strength: session 1

Wow. Finally got a follow-up session in, and much to my surprise I not only didn’t regress but I think I progressed during my hiatus.

I hurt my back a little playing softball on Saturday (not sure if it was a cold throw or cold batting), and my back is feeling the best it’s felt since then after this session! Very cool. It’s still not healed, but hopefully with a little more rest (and more Yoga) it’ll be near 100% for this weekend.

My downward dog felt rather good — I got both feet down and could stretch out my body — and I didn’t wimp out at all… even for the 2 minute hold. Many of the sequences felt natural and comfortable, and I think every one felt considerably improved from my first attempt (now some 5 weeks ago). I even got my head to touch my knees (keeping them locked) by the later Standing Forward Bends.

The two poses that definitely felt incomplete were the Bridge Pose and the Supported Shoulderstand poses — I couldn’t quite get my shoulders/arms flat on the ground for the former, and couldn’t quite get my arms together behind my back (enough to get the belt in proper position) for the latter. I just did the best I could and hopefully it should get better. The latter surprised me a bit (I think I’m flexible enough to do it, or at least used to be) — but I think the injury coupled with not having played volleyball in nearly a year probably contributed greatly.

Anyway, my back feels great, though I can definitely feel some of the tightness returning as I sit here (somewhat hunched) typing this. I think it’s time for a shower and some good old-fashioned rest. I am pleased to be returning to Yoga.

Workout: Yoga for Strength: session 1

as chaos got me to try the yoga thing, and got me started off, i thought i should commemorate my first yoga session here. monday night i decided to jump in and started yoga (practice) for strength, session 1. downward dog is a bitch.

just can’t quite get my heels down. also i hadn’t watched the video carefully enough to go off of audio cues alone, and the way my living room is situated i didn’t have much flexibility in getting a good view of the TV most of the time. so i ruined probably numerous poses (especially during the first two sequences) by keeping my head constantly turned looking back at the TV. it was nice though — i definitely didn’t feel great in terms of my muscles saying “hey wtf are you doing?”, but i could definitely tell that if i kept this up that my back and body would be grateful. “almost” refreshing is perhaps a good way to put it.

made it through the vinyasa, which was cool. when i got to the inverted poses section, i realized i hadn’t actually watched that part yet (at least, awake). but i tried to follow along anyway. copped out of the downward dog exercises, but attempted the rest. the headstand ones were kind of annoying. i liked the shoulderstand ones (great for the back), but i probably didn’t do myself any favors by attempting it without a blanket or towel (or belt) and using a futon instead of a chair. also, there’s just not enough room in my living room to properly do the leg side stretches without wiggling around as i go. i made it through though! nice first session.

i was hoping to get a session in today, but 1) i worked really, really late, and 2) i jumped around a lot at work today, and having not done much athletic activity lately i actually really tired out my legs. it’s possible that fatigue from last night figured in (plus perhaps truncated sleep), but i didn’t feel any adverse effects earlier in the day. so i’ll just go to sleep, and perhaps pick it up again tomorrow.

thanks for the recommendation, chaos!