After having missed 2 weeks of my regular weekly Iyengar class I have to admit to feeling sluggish and moody.
The first week the boys were unwell and I wanted to be around them all day. The second week was just pure bad time management in trying to juggle work, the boys on Christmas break and organising a Christmas party at home. To top it off – it was a desserts party – and it really did not help my situation – especially when you need to ‘taste test’ during preparation !
I love Yoga and I’m thoroughly enjoying Iyengar’s approach. Prior to practicing Iyengar Yoga, I had done a few years of Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga. I was skeptical about the use of props in yoga (the Iyengar approach) but after having had a hip surgery, then a surgery to remove the rods, followed by a twin pregnancy soon after, I found that the use of props actually helps in the rehabilitation process. You get the entire benefit and stretch of the asanas using the props aiding your weak and troubled areas. The blocks, band, and the wall, and sometimes even a partner, facilititate in getting you in to the asana with the correct posture thereby ensuring that you get the intended benefit.
(Elaine, my yoga instructor is approximately 65 years ol and you would not put her past 45. She grew up with her mother being an Iyengar Yoga Instructor. The lady who taught Elaine’s mother and her is 90 years old and is still practicing.)
It looks like in the New Year I have to commit to at least 2 sessions a week with some home practice. I am hoping the boys get in on the fun and we can make it a mummy & me activity that they (and definitely me) look forward to.
These are 14 of my favourite asanas…
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
2. Adhomukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
3. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge)
4. Ardha Chanrasana (Half Moon Pose)
5. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes)
6. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
7. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
8. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon)
9. Marichyasana III (Seated Twist)
10. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly or Cobbler’s Pose)
11. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
I would like to share the actual benefits of each Asana with you but I am not qualified to do so. The benefits personally for me are that my spine gets a good twist, my hips open up and become more supple, I strengthen both my upper and lower body, get some blood flowing to my head, and I get a sense of balance.
