Anti Gravity Yoga

I would like to share with you an article I found at the New York Times: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/gym-class-antigravity-yoga/

A very interesting concept, this class mixes yoga with gymnastics and trapeze like moves.
Here is what the author has to say…
What is AntiGravity Yoga? Yoga moves performed in nine feet of silk that is suspended from the ceiling like a swing.

Who’s it for? Moderate thrill-seekers. Bored yogis. Dancers and gymnasts looking for something new.

What’s the benefit? AntiGravity Yoga is great for stretching, working the core muscles and relieving stress — as long as you remember that it’s nearly impossible to fall out of the hammock.

Is there a learning curve? Be brave during class and you’ll be surprised at how you can follow along. After a few classes, you’ll be monkeying around with the pros.

Where does it hurt? The next day, you’ll feel it in your lower abs, upper arms and shoulders. Your upper hip area just plain hurts (or, in my case, is black-and-blue) from dangling upside down.

What should I bring? Wear long pants and a T-shirt with sleeves (to protect your skin from rubbing against the fabric). This is a “no socks necessary” kind of class, but be sure to pack a sense of adventure.

Best in-class review: “Ahhhh,” uttered by someone in the back of the room as she stretched out her lower back. (I was too disoriented hanging upside down to pick out who it was.)

When are we getting this in BCS!?

Yoga

Yoga… try as I might, I have yet to fully appreciate this ancient art. Maybe it is because I show symptoms of A.D.D., maybe it is because I am bad at being quiet, or maybe it is because my mind is constantly planning my next daily project, but I never leave yoga feeling more calm or peaceful than when I entered class. After the same pattern of training intensely for road running races, and then being out for two months after my knees or ankles conspired against me, the physical therapists and running authors continually encourage me to make yoga apart of my weekly exercise regimen. But honestly, besides Tony Horton’s P90X yoga (which is more like an exercise tape not a yoga video), I give up after a few hourly sessions. My body doesn’t feel the benefits: I don’t feel more flexible, calm, or strong. So, after 3 months of ITBS (a common running injury), I am determined to work on my flexibility. I would like you to come along for the journey. Please feel free to post helpful hints and tips! Who knows where this adventure might end…possibly India? Well let’s not get ahead of ourselves… let’s take it one session at a time!