When I first started doing yoga almost a year and a half ago I looked at all the inversions people were doing on YouTube and all over the Yoga Journal website and thought, “those are really cool, but not for me!” There was no way I was going to find myself upside down and I certainly wasn’t going to be able to balance my body on my own arms.
In the end it turns out that (other than headstand, my big nemesis) I love flipping myself upside down and balancing my body on my own arms. Who knew?
There are a few poses that are intermediate-to-advanced that I’m working on right now like compass pose:
This is not me
(I can get into it, I just haven’t been able to fully straighten my leg yet.)
And peacock pose:
This is also not me
(I scared the crap out of myself by tentatively kicking up into it and actually finding a split second of balance. I think I’ll be using a wall next time I try just because I never actually expected to get up there!)
But the one I’ve been working on the most lately is Flying Pigeon and as of recently I can get my back leg out. It’s not up as high as it should be, but it’s up!
This, however, is actually me!
I need to figure out my balance point a little better so that the leg can go right up in back. This is how it should look, if I was Kathryn Budig!
I’m looking forward to working on it again tonight. Maybe I’ll eventually even take the pillow away, but last night I face planted right into it when I overshot my balance so I think I’ll wait a bit longer for that!
This is really cool and very impressive! I am thinking of getting the wii fit out this summer and trying some yoga like exercises myself. The only exercise I really get is walking with my husband, which we do regularly for about 2 or 3 miles, but that isn’t helping the rest of my muscles. I’m getting caught up on all your Blog posts, and I really find you inspiring and intersting. I’m reading “The Happiness Project” on your recommendation, and that is a lot of fun, too. I started reading your blog because I like joliepittwatch.com.
Did you just buy a dvd about yoga to get started, or did you take some classes?
Youtube is great, I’ve found a lot of interesting videos about pilates. So, why spend the money on the gym, when you can have great results at home.
Doesn’t hurt to keep a little security pillow 🙂 You’re flying pigeon pose looks great! I’m still working on that one but can’t seem to keep my knee in my armpit and keep my balance. What’s the trick?
-Annie
DUDE. I would seriously break something (probably my face) if I tried that. Way to go!!