Apr
30
Posted on 30-04-2008
Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

Sanskrit:  Chandrasana

If you look at my Yoga teacher or even advance practitioner, their half/crescent moon is really bent at a 90degree.  This is the maximum that I can go down.  Don’t even start me on back bending.  People like me with a bad back can’t really tolerate too much of back bending.  Still a long way for me then.

Namaste, everyone!

(2) Comments    Read More   
Apr
04
Posted on 04-04-2008
Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

Sanskrit: Kapotasana or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

This posture is good for stretching the groin, tights and back. In downward dog, bend your right knee and swing them forward in a Pigeon pose or some may called it Swan pose. You should square your hip and press it down towards the floor. For beginners that have difficulty to square you hip, place a block under your butt. This is just the beginning of pigeon pose aka Kapotasana.

For the full pigeon pose aka Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, bend your left knee and using your left hand to catch hold of your leg.

You may need to practise more of the asana before going to the full posture which may be difficult for some. But to me, boy, after almost 9 months, the instructor still commented that I have imbalance posture.

It is the difficulty of squaring my shoulder to the front especially if you are someone that can’t tolerate back bend.

Well, need to brush up lots of skill here and also flexibility. I will rate this asana at 8/10! lol. It may look easy but the fact is, it is not!

Namaste, everyone!

(2) Comments    Read More   
Apr
03
Posted on 03-04-2008
Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

When I first started practicing Yoga, it is merely to lower my blood pressure and of course, trying to loose some weight here and there, tone up the body a bit and this and that.  Little do I know Yoga helps toning other body part that I least expect of.  It can be embarrassing but I have to admit, I have a better looking butt now.  I’m sure you don’t want to see a picture of my butt right.  Well. all I can advise is, do more stretching.  That really helps your body to tone.

On the other hand, I have renewed my Yoga membership from yearly to Lifetime membership.  Congrats to me 🙂 .  Well, the package is sure attractive and since I’m serious in Yoga now, why not?

Lately, I have not been attending classes frequently.  Guess what, my body knows how to complain.  I have aching back, stiff neck, my body feel so weak and so dull it badly need some twisting.  Yea, now I feel so good after all the twist.  So you tell me, I have to be serious in Yoga right?  Even my body knows how to complain. What a big achievement!

Namaste, everyone!

(0) Comments    Read More   
Oct
30
Posted on 30-10-2007
Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

Sanskrit: Bakasana/Kakasana

*

  • Squat with your feet together and your knees opened out to the sides. Place your hands flat on the ground in front of you, spreading your fingers. Your elbows are bent and your torso leans forward. Find a focus point to assist your balance by looking down to the ground.
  • Lean further forward as you raise your heels off the ground so that you can rest your shins on the backs of your upper arms as near to your armpits as possible.
  • Raise your feet off the ground toward your buttocks as you lean your weight into your arms and hands. Round your spine as you do so by contracting your abdominal muscles and keeping your legs well tucked in. This will help you to achieve a feeling of lightness in the position. Raise your head slightly to help counteract the tendency to fall forwards.
  • Lastly, if you can, straighten your arms to balance. I can’t cos I’m ffffffffffffffffalling!
  • This is a very strong arm pose. I would rate it at 9/10.

    (8) Comments    Read More   
    Aug
    03
    Posted on 03-08-2007
    Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

    Deep Spinal Twist Variation

    I have been haunted by hunch back since my schooling days. Whenever I am in Upavisthasana, I tried very hard to lengthen my back but failed miserably. Now matter how I roll and roll my shoulder, it just would not straighten. This is one posture that my Yoga Instructor constantly came over and corrected it by pulling my shoulder to the back. Ahh…. I feel good when she did that.

    Ever since I took up Yoga, I would contantly reminded myself to walk-with-your-back-straight! But…but… hunching is so relaxing…. *puppy eye*

    Namaste, everyone!

    (6) Comments    Read More   
    Jul
    30
    Posted on 30-07-2007
    Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

    Sunday was another usual day where I drop my eldest daughter for her Teakwando class and I hop over for my Yoga class. But last Sunday, there is only 2 yogis present. Good thing I don’t end up being alone as that would freak me out. Tho, I have an evil plan in head. Not trying to be a show off, the usual Hatha class is no longer a challenge for me. What else with 4 sets of Sun Salutation? *yawn!*

    Before I could open my mouth, my Yoga Instructor Elaine suggested, “Today we do something extreme.” I claps my mouth almost cheering out in joy. Then I smile at her, “I was going to suggest that too.”

    A challenging Sun Salutation pose. Instead of the usual “plank pose – chest and chin down – slide into cobra”, we had “plank pose – chaturanga – upward dog”. aitelyu, it is not easy to come up from chaturanga to upward dog without my big tight hitting the mat once. Teheeheee… this is my first time tho and I can’t help myself but to cheat a little. Sue me *sticking out tongue*

    We was taught other challenging postures and did many outrageous postures. For example the Pyramid headstand. I’m almost there but not quite there yet. Elaine taught us the other variation of headstand, that is the Traditional headstand.

    Woohoo! For the first time I am able to lift myself to full headstand. I still have the phobia of falling backward. So, no picture of me doing the full headstand in public as of now.

    We adjourned the class with another variation of shavasana by placing a block under our back making sure our butt is still firmly on the mat and our leg in butterfly pose. Nice!

    I left the class feeling accomplished (headstand) and fullfilled (different variation). How I wish our daily lesson is always so challenging.

    Namaste, everyone.

    (6) Comments    Read More   
    Jul
    27
    Posted on 27-07-2007
    Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

    I don’t have a strong arm 🙁 I sulk when coming to any posture with arm balancing. Tho I’m good now, I strive to be better. One of the posture I practice regularly at home.

    Pardon the photo editing. It was supposed to show a posture of my leg leaning on the wall for support.  The biggest challenge now is to hold up my leg 90degree OFF THE WALL as in headstand (Sanskrit: Shirshasana)  That, we can wait. lol

    Namaste, everyone.

    (5) Comments    Read More   
    Jul
    23
    Posted on 23-07-2007
    Filed Under (Almost There) by admin

    Sanskrit: Konasana

    Can’t bend without aid. Good thing I can get a helping hand at home. To me, this is 8/10!

    Wonder when I can perfect this posture?  Hmm…. many moons to come.

    Namaste, everyone!

    (5) Comments    Read More