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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Gumby


I have found that the past few weeks, I have had more time on my hands. I am not sure where it all goes because I have still felt rather 'busy' (what? instant messaging with my mom? noooo.....) but I have been using the month of January to do some Bikram Yoga classes. I started these back in Colorado Springs, maybe...oh....5 years ago. I did them for maybe 3 weeks. I HATED THEM with a passion. They were so tough, I mean why would you purposely go into a room of 110+ degrees for 1.5 hours and do all of these extended strength-type poses? With a bunch of other sweaty people, nonetheless? Well, I picked them back up last winter (Dec '06) after we moved to Austin because a local place had $29/1 month unltd. I have to say, something changed in my 5 year lay-off. While I cannot say that I 'love' it, I can embrace it knowing that it serves my body well. If you have not tried it, I do recommend trying a few classes. Some things to be aware of, however, before you dive in.

1) Do not try to do these classes in the midst of a really heavy triathlon training schedule. One sport, you can handle it...and work them in selectively with regards to your training days...but if your legs are enduring cycling, running and (overall body) swimming fatigue, you'll struggle in here and it is another workout added to the week. Not recommended.
2) Hydrate before class. If you drink too much in class, you'll feel sick. Trust me.
3) Don't look around. Not sure if any of ya'll have done it, but there are some rather thin and um...well,...rather too thin? people in these classes sometimes. Additionally some are human-gumbys and can do insane things with their bodies. I am as stiff as a board compared to them, but I still push myself to MY limits. Since you're all virtually naked (minimal clothing), you'll be judging yourself if you look around too much. Just look at yourself in the mirror and your posture and poses and be thankful that you can do this stuff at all. It is not easy.
4) I could go on and on but...essentially, I do think that these classes are advantageous in that they work on our flexibility (which as endurance atheltes we can all improve upon) and I firmly believe they can help with overuse injuries, as well.

So...give it a shot if you have not done it. Since most of December and January have been devoted to running for me, and the cycling and swimming are purely recovery and very easy, I have thrown in Bikram Yoga classes 2-3x/week as a good cross-training activity. I'll never be Gumby, but through the blood, sweat and tears (ok maybe it is not THAT bad....) I do know I am doing my body a huge favor.

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