Discoveries, Flow on My Own

Well I decided to do a vinyasa flow on my own once again. I was actually gearing up to go to my 1st class at the studio around the corner from me (Imagine, A Yoga Studio), but I ended up not getting ready quick enough for the start of class. This flow wasn't too different from the previous one, though it was about 20 minutes shorter, I did a more traditional sun salutation series, and I didn't narrate the flow this time. Also added some deep lunges, bridge pose (always reminds me of kiddie gymnastics!), some jumping jacks, and some deep leg stretches combined with triangle pose variations.

Discoveries:

• I can do side-crow!! On both sides!! Not for a super long time, of course, but I used to be unable to do side-crow at all. I can definitely tell I'm getting stronger and my balance is improving. I think a lot of it is also a matter of your muscles adjusting to new contortions until it becomes "normal". I LOVE the feeling of conquering a pose I previously found impossible! Regular crow is practically cake for me at this point (not bragging, just happy!). Still need to keep working on that upper-body strength!

• Tried to listen to a 'genius' (iTunes mixing program) "Indie Rock" mix to work out to. It was okay. The lyrics were kind of distracting. I think I'm going to create a specific yoga playlist of music. Fitz & the Tantrums was perfect last time, but I don't want to listen the same music every time I practice on my own! Looking for music that is fairly upbeat but not distracting, lyrics you don't necessarily have to pay attention to, and NO 'traditional' yoga music. Suggestions welcome!

• Headstand was much less wobbly today. Still not where I was while in yoga classes in my last semester of Butler. I think the key may be in not applying TOO much pressure in my forearms, it creates a tendency to overcompensate and push my legs off balance. 

Now I just have to get my butt to one of these studios around here!!