Yoga Challenge: Day 4

Tina

This morning, I did a longer yoga session: Seane Corn’s Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD (Beginner II/Intermediate I). On this DVD, there were two practice options: long form (80 minutes) and short form (40 minutes). The 20-minute audio sessions that I have been using from YogaDownload.com have been great, but I wanted to challenge myself a little more today. I’m not quite ready for 80 minutes of yoga yet, so the short form seemed like a good option. I’ve really enjoyed the slow flow yoga style that I’ve tried so far- the breathing, the fluid movements, the “flow”- especially when I am just waking-up in the morning. I also rented the DVD for free from Harvard’s Center for Wellness, so might as well give it a try!

The DVD’s narrative was particularly good- although, at times, there was just too much talking. Seane Corn clearly explains the poses as you are holding them. In fact, her explanation is quite precise, which helped me make sure that I had the correct form, but all of the instruction prevented me from fully relaxing and enjoying the yoga. However, I sort of got the hang of the breathing while simultaneously moving. I wouldn’t say that the breathing came natural to me, but it’s definitely getting easier.

strawberry

my yoga today was awesome! i wanted to say “thanks!” for starting this challenge, i’ve been needing to get into a fitness routine but haven’t been able to find a workout buddy (i’m teaching english in china at the moment and my regular group of workout partners are back in the states). knowing that you’re going to post about your daily yoga and ask all of us how our daily yoga went really motivates me to stick with it and follow through even if i’m feeling sluggish. plus, i’ve always been an outsider interested in yoga, and now i’m actually DOING it instead of admiring it from afar.

coco

I woke up at 3am this morning because I have so many things in my mind going on. And after doing the 45 min morning flow at 5am I felt much better, didn’t feel the lack of sleep at all.
Today’s class focused on the back which is what I needed because I sit all day long. And what i noticed the trick to do properly dancer pose is to kick the feet, so you can balance out the pose.

Becca

I did the lunar flow session again before bed last night and it was great. I kept the lights low and my eyes shut for a good portion and was so relaxed.

Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)

LOVE Seane Corn. You should check out her website. The intro of her in the poses and the poem that goes along is ABSOLUTELY beautiful. Definitely worth looking at!

Meaghen

Tomorrow I am definitely getting up and doing some Yoga. I am a slave to sleep and have been lazy. But I promised on the internet that I would, so tomorrow 20 minutes! Thanks for challenging us Tina!

sara

Today I did Power Yoga #4 Donation Class from YogaDownload and it was easily the most amazing class I’ve had by the lovely folks at Yoga Download. It was so full of meaning, focus, and conscious intention that by the time the hour was over I felt so calm, so centered, and so appreciative of the world. I have been lucky enough to go to yoga retreats in Thailand and India and have seen the amazing and dynamic transformation that yoga can create in a person’s life. Thank you for inspiring me to spend time doing something that I believe in so much.

Janie

Hi Tina! I’ve been reading for a while, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I wanted to tell you that I’ve been inspired to join your yoga challenge for the rest of the month. I know I won’t be an official challenger since I’m joining late, but I’ve long thought yoga would be really good for me, physically and mentally so I’m going to give it a go! I have several yoga videos at home I never use, so I will try one out tonight! Oh, and I’d love to win those exercise cards:D

Christina

I love yogadownload.com…great for a beginner like me. I can’t wait until I can try some of the harder ones!

Catherine (FOOD SNOB)

I did Gaiam’s “AM Yoga” this morning. I’ve been enjoying my yoga after work this first week, but I have a BUSY evening tonight, and figured I better get up a half-hour earlier this morning and do it!

I like “AM Yoga” – Rodney Yee used to sort of creep me out, but he’s grown on me. I like the gentle stretching in AM yoga – very easy to do while I’m still half asleep! And I feel great!

Aimee

I did the Biggest Loser Yoga DVD, which I hope to review on my blog. But it was a little more intense than I was hoping. I wanted something to relax and stretch more. This DVD had me doing a ton of planks!

melody polakow

I haven’t done yoga yet today… (I usually do it in the late afternoon).. but I am SOOO glad you started this challenge. Yesterday while I was doing it, I already noticed an improvement in my flexibility and it felt so good. I used to do Bikrams yoga when I was in good shape 10 years ago and since I’ve gained weight, I have not done much yoga.. and I realize now after only 3 days how much my body and mind missed it.

Rose

I just got down with a very late night yoga session – Detox Yoga #1. This is the second time this week I’ve done this 20-minute routine, and I will admit that it wasn’t as satisfying as the first. I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind – neither physically or mentally, and it made a huge difference. Another lesson I learned tonight: wear comfortable clothing! I was wearing a shirt that offered little support, and I noticed a difference. I was too concerned with fixing my clothing than focusing on the pose. Something to keep in mind in the future.

Katerina

4/4 days, wohoo! I am relly sore today from a killer session with my trainer yesterday but I am not ready to quit quite yet.

I did the 20 min Heart Opening Flow, mostly cause I wanted something different and I really like Jackie. That crazy back bend at the end did it for me, I actually really felt great afterwards.

Susan

Today was a 40 minute yoga class where we concentrated on our shoulders – lots of cool poses, and also some sit-ups and challenging poses. I love yoga. I have been practicing it for about a year and a half and I can honestly say it has changed my life. It is so good for the body and the mind. I am a HUGE fan!!

Beth P

Today I did Namaste strength and balance. I really liked this one and am looking forward to doing it again so that I’m more familiar with the flow. Right now 20-25 minutes of yoga is as much as I can take and still concentrate and breathe properly (or make an effort to do so). I’m enjoying this challenge.

Jessica

I did a yoga workout off of FitTV again today. It was called Sun and Moon and meant to strengthen the legs and shoulders. It was great!

whinkai

I do not usually comment on blogs but I love love reading your blog. I started the 31 day yoga challenge because I have never liked yoga and like you I never thought I was getting a good work out. Nevertheless, I have been very sore from the yoga because I am not used to stretching that way. I am a Junior in college going for my psychology degree with determination to go to graduate school for health psychology. My semester has been extremely stressful and taxing on my body. Today after I got home from campus around 5:00 P.M. I went into my room and did the 20 min. detox yoga. To be 100% percent honest, that is one of the best stress relievers around. Today has been a horrible day and after just 20 min of yoga I feel SOO refreshed and ready for my long night stay at the library. Thank you so much for your inspiration and your encouragement!!

Kara

I decided to subscribe to a month of Yoga Download! Yay! Unfortunately, I missed the part for the discount, so I’m kinda bummed Anyway, I did the Gentle Hatha Yoga #1 for 45 min. This was my favorite so far, I think because it was longer and more yoga-like than the other online ones that I’ve tried. I can’t wait to download more and see what else I can get myself in to!!

Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)

Tina, I am so sore as was everyone else in my yoga workshop class. The teacher kept it slow today as she knew we were all tired and worn out from some intense movement over the past couple of days. I was able to hold Crow for about 15 seconds, but I didn’t even attempt Side Crow. Not there yet.

Sister

Last night before I went to the gym I did yoga and I had a great run. I had energy and felt like I could run forever. I think I might have to try yoga before the gym more often.

This morning I woke up to do today’s yoga and to get me moving. I guess it kinda worked. I don’t feel tired but I also don’t feel super awake. I’ve never really been a morning person. I’ll try it again tomrrow. I’m glad I have started the yoga challenge

brandi

I did the Morning Flow 20 minute download this morning and it was great! This was my first time doing wheel – and wow. What a great feeling when I was done this morning!