Saturday, April 18, 2009

The Art of Yoga


It's been over two years since we have been in India and it was about time that I got involved in something that was totally Indian. So I finally signed up for Yoga classes a couple of months ago. Since my weekly visits to the gym had dwindled down to .... ZERO, I figured I needed an alternate fitness program. Of course, my recent painful misadventure with kidney stones have made me realize that the human body cannot be neglected for long. Yoga seemed like a nice relaxing, non-impact, low intensity workout and it felt like something that would suit my style. Best of all, a Yoga instructor was offering classes right in the building, so I would not even need to drive to class.

It's been over 3 months now and let me tell those that have never practiced Yoga - IT IS NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS! The asanas (postures) are designed to extend, stretch and pull every muscle in your body. An hour and a half of twisting and contorting your body, definitely gives every muscle the exercise it needs. But I definitely see progress. For the first couple of weeks, I would crawl back home from class groaning! It seems to be working now. I definitely feel like I have more energy and greater flexibility. Of course, the class is getting tougher as well. The best part of the class is the way you end it. The last pose is "Shavasana" - the dead man's pose. It is called that for a reason ..... you are nearly dead by the time you get there and you look forward to it. In this asana, you are lying down flat on your back, with your eyes closed and muscles relaxed for about 5 minutes. Absolute bliss!

8 comments:

Radman said...

Do not consider this a post. I read your blog. I comment and ask questions on your blog. I have yet to get a comment or answer back.

Pervez Sikora said...

Thanks for your note. You definitely seem to be one of my regular readers and yes, I have seen many of your posts. Apologize for not responding to your comments and questions. Will make sure and post responses back to yours.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Keep it up. I do the Shavasana for 8 hours nightly does that count?

mick

Anonymous said...

Good for you for trying yoga..next step try Bickram yoga. I attempt yoga on occasion..even in my condition.
Make sure to comment to this post! Cant wait to see you guys in June.

Kanan

Pervez Sikora said...

8 hours of Shavasana during the night! Why didn't I think of it? I am overdoing it - 8 hours and 10 minutes!

Pervez Sikora said...

hey kanan - good to hear from you. looking forward to seeing you guys this summer!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

i found out two yoga training centers in bangalore thru this site
has any one taken a training in these classes if so please let me know whether they are good.

Pervez Sikora said...

Ayush offers Yoga classes which are pretty good.