Day 330 - Yin/Yang Yoga

I tried something new today - a yin/yang yoga class.  It was 90 minutes long and really fun.  The yin part of the class was a lot of gentle stretches held for about five minutes each.  You don't realize how tight your hips are until you hold a hip opening stretch for that long!  The yang part of the class was more what I am used to - more active postures in a flow.  Then, the class ended with savasanah.  I really enjoyed it.

During the stretches I had a lot of time to just think and process.  I kept coming back to the fact that I have gone from viewing exercise as a way to punish my body for being fat to actually enjoying the movement.  Where before I wanted to lose weight for a myriad of superficial reasons, now I want to be able to do more.  I want to be more flexible.  I want to be able to go hiking.  I want to move.  While that may sound really basic and simple, it's a huge change for me.  And, I have started to appreciate my body for everything that it can do, and does for me.  Again, simple, but a huge change of philosophy for me. 

Day 329 - Super Saturday!

One of the best things about weekend is being able to relax and spend time with my family.  But, another great thing is being able to pick which exercise I want to do for the day.  I have a couple options at the gym, but that means getting up early.  And, now that Michael's special needs yoga class is finished for the summer, that's not available.  So, today, I decided that I wanted to get on the elliptical and just go for it.  In an hour I was able to burn 813 calories!  That felt great!

One thing that's been going on for a few weeks now that I haven't mentioned is that I no longer need my CPAP machine.  I didn't really want to talk about it because I wasn't sure it was real.  But, it definitely is real.  I have needed the machine for just about 20 years.  Now, I think I am sleeping better without it than I ever did when I needed it.  So, even though I am still frustrated with the fact that I can't seem to get past this plateau, I do have a wonderful, tangible health benefit from this journey.

Day 328 - Busy Week, Busy Day

Today was a really busy day, to cap off a really busy week.  It's all really good stuff, but I haven't been keeping up with my posts as much as I would like.  But, the good news is that I went to my Friday night yoga class tonight, and it was great, as usual.  I love the feeling of well being and relaxation after a great stretch.  And, my balance is getting so much better.  I love that!

But, the best part of the day was talking with Michael's teacher.  He has had two perfect weeks in a row now, and she is so proud of him.  And, the better thing is that he is proud of himself.  I love that he has turned a corner this spring, and is doing great.  Some days are just wonderful.  Oh yeah, it's Friday, too!

Day 324 - Abbreviated Monday

I had a parent support group meeting tonight, so I could only go to one class at the gym tonight.  But, I definitely made the best of it!  I was able to hold a straight arm plank for a full minute!  I wa so proud of myself!!!  And, the rest of the class was really, really good as well.

The highlight of the day was just a side conversation I had with a friend.  She shared a success of her son, and it just made me smile ear to ear.  It's her victory, so I can't share the details, but it's just so wonderful when you hear of other kids doing wonderfully, and especially doing things that are so typical for their age.  Success makes me so happy!

Day 322 - Yoga with Michael

It was a little sad today - Michael and I had our last ASD yoga session until the fall.  It was a great class, but definitely bittersweet.  When Michael was asking when we would start up again, you could tell he was really sad to have such a long break.  But, hopefully, he and I will do a practice on our own during the summer.  I love doing yoga with him, and I know he enjoys it.  But, I also know that he enjoys being witht he other kids and a 'real' teacher.  But, we will do the best we can over the break!

Day 320 - Something New

I had bought a living social deal for five classes at a new yoga place near me.  Well, it's new to me at least.  And, I was really excited to have something different to do.  So, tonight, I went to a beginner class that was 75 minutes long.  I think I was sweating for the entire class!  It was a great class, but it was definitely intense. 

The best part about the class was that it was small enough that the instructor was able to monitor everyone's form.  I have a bad habit of not keeping my feet aligned correctly in some of the standing poses (mountain, forward fold, chair, etc.).  She said that could be why my knee sometimes goes out on me during class.  I guess I'll be working on that!

I have four classes left.  I think one of them will be a yin/yang class, and I've always wanted to try a yoga nidra class.  I'm not sure what I'll do with the last two classes, but I'm really looking forward to figuring it out.  It's been a while since I had something new to try, so I am definitely excited by this!

Day 319 - Sweaty Stretching!

I went to yoga tonight all energized and ready to go.  I deliberately did not do cardio at lunch time because I wanted to see if my yoga practice was better if I started out fresh.  I think it definitely makes a difference.  Even though there are still positions I can't do, I was able to hold others better and longer tonight.  I love that I feel more flexible, and stronger.  It was just a wonderful class tonight!

The best part of the day, though, had nothing to do with exercise.  I got a note from Michael's teacher saying he had a great day.  No matter what, I will never get tired of hearing about good days at school.  So, Michael and I both had great days.  A definite win!