(First of all, thanks everybody for your comments on my last post. My immediate reaction was negative - who loves the idea of getting pregnant in a hospital? - but some of your comments, and the words of some friends I've talked to here at home, have helped me see that this is also a really positive thing. It means I have choices, and it means Dr. Sneakers will be on board to help me have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby one day. Those are definitely good things. Thanks for helping me see them.)
And now, yoga:
I went to my first class on Monday night. It was a lot of fun, and just the right mix of relaxing and challenging.
The yoga centre I went to is adorable. It's got a little lending library, and you can make a cup of herbal tea and bring it into the class with you. There are little lounges to sit and talk or read in, and the studio is big and bright and quiet.
I talked with the instructor beforehand about my mobility limitations - fused wrists and knees that won't bend all the way are the most problematic for yoga. He told me just to do what I was comfortable with, but that he'd keep an eye on me and if I seemed to be having trouble, he'd come over and help.
I'd been nervous that everybody would notice me modifying the poses when I couldn't do them, but I had forgotten how welcoming and easygoing yoga classes usually are (it's been a few years since I've been to one). Nobody cared; in fact, I don't think anybody gave me a second glance. And I definitely heard a few ouch's from some of the others in the room.
I shoved a blanket under my bum in child's pose when I couldn't bend my knees far enough, and in poses that require hands on the floor, I went down on my elbows and forearms instead. There were one or two times when I thought, "okay, a few more seconds of this is all I can take," but in the end I was able to do just about all of it.
In fact, the only thing I really had trouble with was the 10 minutes of relaxation at the end. As usual, my mind was racing. I'm hoping that comes with practice.
I'm looking forward to my next class!
5 comments:
This is awesome Helen! Someday I hope to take some yoga classes...I actually know two people that teach it, but just haven't felt motivated enough yet!
Way to go, Helen! Sounds amazing. I need to get back into yoga. Loved the class I took years ago. Now I just need to find the time!! :) L
I am so happy you found such a great studio with a welcoming group! Yay! I love yoga. I looked into it in my area and the closest thing to me was Bikram Yoga studio. They heat the room to 105 degrees and work out in what look practically like bathing suits! No thank you. I bit too hard core for me. And how awesome that you were able to do just about all of it. Hope you have a great weekend, Helen. -Kelli
Yay! I am glad it was a good experience for you. I love yoga!
Kelli - I'm with you on hot yoga. It's definitely not for me!
I've had two classes now and really love it. Some of the poses are pretty challenging for me, but I have been trying them and modifying when I have trouble. So far, I haven't been too sore after. I'm excited to see how I feel after I've been at this for a while.
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