Sunday, July 11, 2010

Going to the Dark Side

One of the goals I set myself this summer was to become fit and strong. I wasn't particularly worried about my weight, even though it's been fluctuating, I figured if I was fitter and more active, it would settle down. Of course, once I got the phone call (last week, bloody hell), it kind of screwed my plans a bit.

Until I remembered my SIL was a yoga convert. I did ante-natal yoga and quite liked it, but my leanings tended to be more martial arts rather than yoga. But I've been putting off joining a class, procrastinating doing my exercise dvds and ignoring the olympic sized swimming pool just up the road. I bought a skipping rope which was duly packed and when I arrived I made the mistake of telling my SIL.

She took me for a walk round the neighbourhood on Thursday. Bearing in mind, Trinidad has steep hills, I'm deeply unfit and I smoke, I revelled in the fact that when we finished I did not require the attention of a paramedic, nor did I resort to Father #1's oxygen (though it was a close call).

Now you, my long term readers will know, my morning routine is fairly well fixed. Until I've had my first smoke and cup of coffee, I'm not coherent. I can't even think about getting dressed or leaving the house until I've had my second round. Forget eating. I was just thinking about my second cup of coffee when my SIL announced the yoga class started in 15 minutes. I managed to collect my brain cells and got changed into suitable gear (leggings and a big shirt) and we got there in time. Then for the next couple of hours I puffed, panted and groaned through my poses.

Apparently, I am 'awakening' my muscles.

We were doing Hatha yoga and the teacher leading the class was fantastic. The other students were supportive and helpful. I didn't feel like the new, clueless kid. I even managed a handstand! Me! Yes, you did read right. So, the idea is I'll do classes 3 times a week while I'm here, build up my strength and stamina and when I get back to the Land of Cold and Damp, I'll keep up the good work.

Yeah right.

But, I've got to start somewhere and if I don't do it now, then when?

10 comments:

  1. "a handstand!"

    Cool!

    Walking steep hills is very good, too. My old neighborhood was hilly, so made it an extra special workout.

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  2. Yoga has sorted my bad back out... and I'm very surprised at myself for doing Yoga. Lots of aches and pains at first - but I look forward to it now.
    Sx

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  3. The prospect of a fit and strong Roses....

    *looks at bruises on arm where she punched him last time we met*

    *hides under desk, whimpering*

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  4. Anonymous11:21 am

    Right on, dear! Good for the belly. Learning to breath is a rewarding thing!

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  5. outstanding! the first step is always the hardest, sugar! well done! xoxoxox

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  6. xl ~ thanks. Though I ache...I really ache.

    ms scarlet ~ apparently, it's supposed to be good for you. Doesn't feel like it at the moment.

    dave ~ LOL.

    mago ~ I have secret hopes for a flat stomach still, but I'm not going to ask for a miracle at this point.

    savannah ~ for me it's not the first step that's the hardest, it tends to be after about 3 months I start getting bored. Well, we'll see.

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  7. I've a friend who is going in for a second operation on yoga induced back injury. Just sayin!

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  8. rog ~ I'm a great believer in only doing what I'm able. Besides, it might be a great opportunity to meet a cute doctor.

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  9. I'm very impressed. And it's a good idea too - get into the habit when you're out of your usual lifestyle anyway, and then you'll adjust to the change more readily.

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  10. z ~ quite frankly, if I'm still doing this in 6 months time, I'll be impressed. That'll be the challenge.

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