useful with a side of woo
Yesterday I went to an introductory yoga consultation.
I've been dancing around yoga for awhile, if only because I know so many people who swear by it as a means of increasing flexibility/strength and preventing injury. I've tried doing it on my own with YouTube videos and websites but I came to the conclusion that I needed some instruction if I wanted to do it right.
The consultation wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I think I can use what I learned.
I was hoping for a simple routine of stretches to do at home, but the main focus turned out to be on breathing and meditation techniques, which isn't bad as I was hoping to get some relaxation techniques out yoga as well. Everything was couched in words like "meridian", "chi", "water energy" and the like. I have a gut dislike for such terminology because to me they seem like they're painting an unnecessarily fluffy veneer over something that can be more easily described as "breathe from the belly" and "concentrate on the moment", but I guessed that if I went into a yoga studio I'd best expect such trappings.
The instructor stepped me through the breathing, so I know how it's supposed to feel and some rhythmic motions that will occupy my mind during meditation (instead of counting backwards like I've been doing).
I signed up for a limited membership that includes 10 practices, their workbook, and access to online videos for a year - I figure it's worth it just to figure out how to do this without hurting myself. I figure I'll try out the stretches/classes once I've got the breathing down.
I've been dancing around yoga for awhile, if only because I know so many people who swear by it as a means of increasing flexibility/strength and preventing injury. I've tried doing it on my own with YouTube videos and websites but I came to the conclusion that I needed some instruction if I wanted to do it right.
The consultation wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I think I can use what I learned.
I was hoping for a simple routine of stretches to do at home, but the main focus turned out to be on breathing and meditation techniques, which isn't bad as I was hoping to get some relaxation techniques out yoga as well. Everything was couched in words like "meridian", "chi", "water energy" and the like. I have a gut dislike for such terminology because to me they seem like they're painting an unnecessarily fluffy veneer over something that can be more easily described as "breathe from the belly" and "concentrate on the moment", but I guessed that if I went into a yoga studio I'd best expect such trappings.
The instructor stepped me through the breathing, so I know how it's supposed to feel and some rhythmic motions that will occupy my mind during meditation (instead of counting backwards like I've been doing).
I signed up for a limited membership that includes 10 practices, their workbook, and access to online videos for a year - I figure it's worth it just to figure out how to do this without hurting myself. I figure I'll try out the stretches/classes once I've got the breathing down.