The Original Petz
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Day 60 - Hot Yoga
This was probably one of the BEST DEALS I bought off livingsocial. The California Yoga Company has been a blessing in my life on the road to health and wellness. It was bittersweet walking up the stairs, knowing in the back of my mind this would be my last class for awhile. All the teachers and students were very supportive, I thank each and every one of them.
I was definitely in pain, but it was pain I could work through. I could feel my palms wanting to come together in the eagle pose, even though balance has never been my strong point. Even with the growing pains, my body wants to get deeper into the poses.
This was a difficult challenge but my core strength and flexibility has improved, I’m actually going to miss the ab series (even though I was the first to grunt when it was time to do them)
If Bikram is too intense but you enjoy a challenge, check out California Yoga Company
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Day 59 - Hot Yoga
Thanks everyone for the lovely comments on the 8 week yoga photo set. Day 59 was a bit of a downer, I could just feel my muscles aching for a break, I could barely push through but in the middle of class I got a burst of energy out of nowhere, I just rolled with it. Venis gave us quite a workout!
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After eight weeks of Hot Yoga here’s how I progressed in pictures. I’ve definitely feel more strength in more core and I feel more flexible. Those were my two primary goals.
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Day 2 - Boxing Boot Camp
Simon took the day off, I met Derek who was really cool and pushed us hard. We learned how to step-pivet, which is basically taking a step and moving your other leg backwards to circle around your opponent. I had trouble with this move before but I think I got it down.
We ran two laps outside, I was grateful my endurance for running has gone up. It was a nice pace and the fresh air felt good.
The speed bag work was a challenge, you have to count in your head how many times you can punch in 30 seconds.
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Day 58 - Hot Yoga
No rest for the weary, Brian pushed me yesterday, despite having bad cramps. My mind kept wandering off, Kuly from RDB passed away, The news of Kuly’s death shocked the Desi music scene. A few other media personalities hinted to me they had no idea Kuly had a brain tumor. He was only 35.
My eagle pose on my left is still shaky but on my right its getting stronger. I hear my body whisper…
“Is it day 61????”
Ill be posting before and after pics tomorrow…. stay tune.
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Day 1 - Boxing Boot Camp
I’m nearly done with my yoga challenge onto the next one….BOXING BOOT CAMP! The gym is run by Simon Redmond, a former golden glove champion.
This isn’t the first time I’ve attempted Simon’s camp. I met Simon in November 2011, when I wasn’t in the best of health both physically and mentally. I thought I was ready to change for the better but I was clearly too overwhelmed with my dad’s ailing health, losing my job and just feeling depressed. I dropped out.
The camp has been on my mind. I was running errands and passed through polk street a couple of weeks ago. Simon and I talked on the phone in late November, he told me when I’m ready to come back, I can use the credit for the next boot camp. It was very sweet of him.
I passed by the gym and was like…
SCREW THIS! I want to complete Simon’s boot camp. I want to face my demons from November and just get on with it.
On Monday morning, I was the first one outside (surprise, surprise) Simon saw me and welcomed me back.
We got right into jabs, head-body-head, right punches (number 2) and practicing with partners. It was great.
This time I’m going to complete the boot camp. Watch me.
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Day 57 - Hot Yoga
Before I left my place, I felt an intense stomach cramp, it sort of lingered after boxing boot camp, but it came at me in full force. Luckily by the time I got to the studio it had calm down to some degree. When you have cramps and it’s time to do the cobra series, the pain is like child labor x50 (this is coming from someone who hasn’t given birth to a child) but you get my drift.
I felt a little better with my balance and class went pretty smooth. :)
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Day 56 - Hot Yoga
If you want to learn Yoga - Go to Bill - if you want to learn how to count - go watch Sesame Street!
A student asked Bill if he was going to count down this one pose, but if Bill hears no breathing, the countdown to the next pose gets delayed, picture a BAD bus delay. Yep. Always remember - BREATHE BREATHE BREATHE. That goes for all the classes, but especially keep that in mind for Bill’s class.
I’ve always been fascinated with the way we do our crunches. I feel like I get a better burn vs. the typical crunch. It’s hard to explain, but try to bare with me. For example we put our legs up in a 90 degree angle for one set, our arms stay to our side about four inches off the ground, our chin tucks down and we slightly come up and stay up. But we move our stomachs in/breathe in and it gives us that crunch burn.
Bill explained to me how in the 70s bodybuilding monopolized the fitness world and people back in the day believed the only way to be fit was to strive for the bodybuilder look. Now we know that bodybuilding ISN’T the only option out there. But those crunches that do more harm than good for your back/posture are still being taught by some PE teachers and personal trainers.
At the end of class, Bill reminded me to take it easy and rest. He told me it’s important for me to take a step back and reflect on this accomplishment, I admit I do get caught up on these “little” things I want to improve, I don’t see the bigger picture or take time to enjoy my achievements. The 60 mark is quickly approaching and its been quite a blessing to find a yoga practice I know I can stick with.
After class, Brian posted on the CYC fb my blog link. That was really nice. I hope this blog inspires you (whoever you are) to keep reaching for your own goals. Any goal is achievable, once you put your mind and heart into it.
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Day 55 - Hot Yoga
My feet honestly have a mind of their own. You would think on day 55, they would give me a break and actually work with me. They decided to go on strike! :( Which made me feel off balance. But on the flip side, I felt more focused and trying to push through my growing pains. Bill stood beside the wall with his hand on his ear, I knew what he was up to….
I wrote that Brian should stand by the corner because I feel like I’m always breathing (most of the time) when he yells out he can’t hear us breathe.
What did Bill do? He whispered ….
Miss Cooper, I can’t hear you! Let me hear you breathe Miss Cooper. (I blame my allergies…honestly) heh.
Luckily the class as a whole did fairly well and we didn’t have to do four sets of anything. Hooray!
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My Prom Dress (2001 era)
I’m spring cleaning this weekend and I found my prom dress. I thought it would be fun to play a little dress up. The poor thing is turning 11 years old on May 25th!
