Bending myself in new ways

I've been going to the gym for a while, lifting weights, and I've noticed that I'm starting to build muscle. Great! (If you want to read up on my routine, subscribe the blog via RSS or follow me on Mastodon, I'll write that post later)

However, I've also noticed I've become a bit stiffer. Whether it's bending over, or crouching down, I need a warm up at the gym to reach my maximum range of motion, and at home it just isn't happening on demand.

So, for the second time in my life, I've decided to take up yoga.

The first time, months ago, was very halfhearted and I did a few at home videos without much success. I found out my gym membership pays for a nearby yoga studio the next town over, and I signed up for a beginner's class. It was fun, but would require me to beeline from my house to the next town over...during rush hour, with a small chance, if any, of making it on time. Scheduling didn't work out, and I quickly dropped it altogether.

So, this time, what's up? Well, first I tried Pocket Yoga, which might I say, is fantastic for a quick routine just from your phone. However, their definition of "beginner" really means "beginner who knows what these poses are and is already flexible and balanced". Even in their easiest class, I'm falling over on one foot, and can't touch the ground during a lunge. I also don't know what a "sun salutation" is.

Never fear, however, we have other ways. I signed up for Apple Fitness+ again, which I remember trying out last time. Apple nailed one thing that other classes and teachers could take a note on - there are three trainers on screen doing mild variations, one easier if you're out of shape, one in the middle, and one doing a more difficult variation. Bravo, Apple. I can just follow along with the beginner trainer for now.

In addition, I got myself a pair of yoga blocks and a strap on Amazon. Yoga blocks are useful spacers if your hands/feet/knees don't quite make it to the floor, and a strap can help keep your legs where they should be.

Hopefully, by the next blog post I'll be a little more flexible.

Nico