jsheridan
Forum Replies Created
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Yes the Bikram is Hot yoga. The heat is aweful, but you get used to it after a few classes, like Pole pain 🙂 The difference between Bikram and other hot yoga classes is that Bikram is the same 26 postures, while another class may vary every class, so you can decide which you prefer. Both my hamstrings were torn a while ago, and are healing so I can reintroduce them to stretching. What you do depends on what stage you are at in the healing process. Mine are ready to be worked, but when I push them cold, they flare up, so the heat really helps them relax. Stretch them gently to what they can handle, dont push it. I find the bikram to be a good mix of stretch and strength, which is also important when healing. If you just stretch without strengthening it, you run the risk of reinjuring it.
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I do Bikram yoga. It sucks, but it really helps me. You do have to be careful with the heat, it is not for everybody. However, I have torn both my hamstrings and when I go regularly, they dont act up. Its magical.
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@juelann I just got it the other day 🙂
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I am in the mills in downtown Manchester. Right now, since I just opened, there are mostly lower level classes, but I am directing all advanced students to the Open level classes. As soon as I see there are enough advanced students to hold a class, I will add higher levels. Today and tomorrow all classes are free. Next week only, any new students can take their first class for free!
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It is something you have to play around with and see what works. Try cutting out or adding various things for a period of time to see when you feel like you have energy and when you are losing weight. Keep a food journal and make notes. Everyone needs something different. For me, I eat a fairly high carb diet with lots of protein. I do terrible on a low carb diet, but many people do great on them. it takes a lot of time and experimentation to see what works for you. It also helps to work with an RD so you know you are still getting all the necessary nutrients!
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So I am the other end of the spectrum, I pole about 3hrs a day, 5 days a week. along w/ additional strength training at the gym and running. and flexibility, lyra, and hand balancing. In summary, I am crazy.
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I have done that spin a lot, and it never bothers my arm so it may be placement. Do you have a video of yours?
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I posted this for someone else with the same question. Here is a video detailing the steps you need. First, solid ayeshas (which you say you have! yay!) A solid lifted shouldermount is helpful, it is the same muscles. Second, learn to Iron-X and lift back up into it. Then Learn to come all the way down and stop at the bottom. Learn to stand next to the pole, top arm engaged, bottom arm bent, and press out into a hold. Once you can do that, do mini side crunches in that position. If you can do these, you can deadlift 🙂 http://youtu.be/JqnWKTK198M Let me know if this helps or if you need clarification!
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Awesome! Handstands take time and consistency. Keep at it, and they will be easy in no time!
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Ok, here is a video of what I meant. Notice all my push comes from the leg on the floor. Also, make sure your body is a straight, or slightly hollow line. Do not let your back arch. Keep reaching your toes to the ceiling and really push out of your shoulders. If you are unsure, do it with a spot or in front of a wall so if you fall, it catches you.
Here is a video of straddling up. It is typically easier for beginners. Again, a spot can be helpful. Getting good at hopping through a straddle will help you when you go to your press someday. You want to get your hips completely stacked over your head before you start to lift your legs.
And a demo of twisting out. This is helpful so you dont just flop over and slam on the floor. it is similar to doing a cartwheel. Just twist your hips to one side, reach your toe for the floor and everything else will follow.
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Some tips for handstands: I think everyone’s advice to practice them with a wall/pole is great for building the strength needed. It is a lot of shoulders and core. Once you are comfortable with the strength, and want to try them free, this is the number one fix for balance for people not trained in handstands. you NEVER “kick” into them. your arms, torso and leading leg make a straight line that does not break so as you bend down to the floor, your leading leg is lifting at the same rate. Really squeeze your core to keep everything in a straight line. ALL OF THE PUSH COMES FROM THE LEG STILL ON THE FLOOR. do not use your top leg for momentum.
Practice baby ones on the floor. Assume the starting position (like down dog with one leg lifted), squeeze your abs and your glutes, and bend the knee of the leg still on the floor and do tiny pushes where you straighten the knee and point the toe in the air. As you get comfortable with this, push more to get into what I call an “L handstand”, where your body and vertical, your top leg is straight like a true handstand, but the bottom leg comes out parallel to the floor so your legs are in the letter L. Be careful to not allow your top leg to fall over your head, so you are in a split. Due to physics, it is really difficult to hold the L handstand for any length of time. It is also difficult to fall over backwards.
Once once your L is controlled, then you can attempt bringing the second leg up. Try them about a foot in front of the wall, so if you fall, you have something to catch you. or with a spot. Also, learn several bail out methods (twisting out is safest, but you can bridge and forward roll as well.
Let me know if you want a video tutorial!
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So here is a video of all the steps I listed. Not my best deadlifts, but I poled 3 hrs and taught today, so Im tired 🙂 this is twisted grip, but it works for all grips. The first shows lowering and holding, then lowering and lifting your iron x. Then pressing out and holding with no kick. Then small hip lifts in that hold. Then deadlift 🙂 http://youtu.be/JqnWKTK198M Studio veena wont let me upload the video, so it is on Youtube.
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I cant show you any research that you will get lumpy muscles. I CAN show you lots of research that actually says Eccentric (the reverse) training will increase strength more than regular lifting because you can do more weight. I always have clients work the negative.
Another suggestion is find a high surface (countertop, back of couch, etc) and do pushups on those. It should be a LOT easier. Once you can do them there, find a lower surface and keep progressing like this until you get back tot he floor.
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You can also build the strength for holding handstands (and core stability) by putting you feet on the wall. Kicking up into a handstand at the wall is great, but if you fall side to side, not so great. And you need to work on balance before kicking. Instead, go into Downward Dog with your heels at the wall, and slowly walk your feet up until you make the letter L (your chest should be facing the wall). Your hips should be stacked over shoulderss and hands. If this makes you nervous, dont go quite as high. Try holding for 10 seconds and build to 30 seconds to a minute. Try lifting one leg at a time. Once this is easy, walk your feet higher, and try to walk your body closer. When you are good at this, you should be able to have your chest against the wall and your body vertical. http://www.athleta.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Handstand-Prep.jpg
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After a hard session, I sometimes get forearm splints. Like shin splints in your arms. There is a dull ache/throbbing in my arms. After ice and rest it goes away. It is mostly a doing more than my arms can handle. Since you are new to pole, it may just be that your arms are not used to holding your weight, even with correct form. Make sure you are not poling too much, give yourself rest, and build up slow. Your forearms are like any other muscle! If it persists, I would talk to your doctor.