I was lucky enough to be taught yoga from the age of 4. At my school, as a part of our P.E lessons, we were taught to stretch and pose (minus the breathing techniques and meditation) and to follow the basic teachings of Hatha yoga. As an adult, I attended classes from time to time and I even used yoga to help me rebuild my strength and flexibility after a horrible accident a few years ago. But that’s it, over the last couple of years I have been pretty lazy when it comes to physical exercise so when a friend suggested I come along to her yoga class, I jumped at the chance.
Having not practised in quite some time, as you can imagine, I am a little out of shape (understatement). As I sit writing this I have a stiff neck, a sore back, and whilst I can bend over and touch my toes with little difficulty, that is about the extent of my athletic prowess. I have decided to attend yoga twice a week (give or take, as my schedule allows) and to really take note of the differences I feel after each session, as well as the impact it has on my body.
I have chosen to attend Free Flow Yoga- a studio that is just a short walk from my apartment. It is Tirana’s only Baptiste Yoga studio and it offers a range of classes for every different level. Founded in 2012 by Anilda Nocka, the idea was to create a yoga community that was welcoming, empowering, and challenging, full of vibrant individuals. Sounding right up my street (quite literally), I signed up, got my gear and headed off for my first session.
Session 1.
I have an awful stiff neck at the moment- to the point I considered calling to skive my class but I had a word with myself, took a painkiller and decided to suck it up and give it a go. After all, maybe the class will help alleviate my stiff joints as well as turning me into a brand new goddess of a woman? It is worth a try.
The studio is painted in a lovely, soothing grey/purple colour with mantras and motivational quotes painted on the wall. Irina, the teacher is from Romania and as she takes us through the routine, I realise this is a little bit different from the yoga I have done before. There is little talk of energy or anything hippy-esque, instead she had us posing and moving in a dynamic manner with little room to catch my breath. I felt the sweat pouring from me and It felt like a proper workout rather than just a stretching session. Afterwards, not only did I feel happy and full of life, but I felt like I had worked damn hard as well. My only complaints were that my neck was still sore and my wrists were a bit painful as they are not used to supporting all, or even part of my weight!
Session 2
My second session was with Irina- I felt sluggish, tired, and rather reluctant to go, preferring the idea of lazing in bed, cocooned in my duvet like some sort of feathery burrito rather than sweating it out in the studio. But upon arrival, the endless enthusiasm of Irina and the owner, Anilda, as well as the cheery faces of the other yogi’s put me in a more positive mood.
This session felt tougher than the previous one and as it was a hotter day I soon found myself dripping with sweat as my limbs shook. It was a nice sense of exhaustion though- I noted progress from my last session as the poses seemed easier to get into and my wrists didn’t hurt as much. Afterwards, my body felt tired but my mind was racing and happy, endorphins were flooding my bloodstream and I found myself smiling all the way home! I could most definitely get used to this feeling!
Session 3
https://www.instagram.com/p/BirLHO1HiAt/?taken-by=freeflowyogatirana
I decided to keep up the momentum and attend another class on the following day. Despite my core muscles and the backs of my legs aching a bit, I thought what better way to train them than to go at it again. Feeling like some sort of zen/wellness/healthy/at-one-with-the-universe goddess, I headed off to class once again.
This time my class was with Anilda, whilst she took things at a slightly slower pace than Irina, the poses were harder and held for longer, as well as being a little more complicated. I fell over twice and struggled to work out how I could possibly get my leg into that position a couple of times, but she was super helpful. She advised me how to work with my body’s limitations and weaknesses and how to adapt the poses for my lengthy (188cm) frame. Not many teachers take the time out to give one-on-one attention but I am happy to report that both Irina and Anilda do this, as well as getting hands on when needs be.
Whilst I felt a little out of my depth today in terms of the level of yoga being practiced, at no point did I feel embarrassed or silly (even when I fell over with the grace of a three legged hippopotamus) which is due to the friendliness and warmth of the other attendees. Despite today being tough on my body, I didn’t ache at all and I have started to notice a ever-so-slight change in my body.
Session 4
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcSsUqhiCa/?taken-by=freeflowyogatirana
Todays class was with Irina and due to being rather hormonal, I felt incredibly grumpy at the fact I had to get out of bed and go do some upside down stretching in a studio with other humans. This all changed when I got there and although I found the class a lot tougher during this time of the month, it still managed to lift my mood.
By session 4 as well as a bit of practicing at home, I have noticed that my arms have become stronger and dare I say it, I seem to have developed a little bit of muscle definition. My back is less achy and I have noticed that I seem to waft and glide around the place with a little more grace than before. In other words, my body feels healthier and in better shape. Whilst my figure remains a little more rotund than I would like it to be, inside and in terms of my joints and muscles, I feel pretty damn good.
Session 5 (sort of)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiAB67gndyD/?taken-by=freeflowyogatirana
So today I woke up with the best of intentions. To get up early, drink herbal tea, ponder the meaning of life and world peace, and then head off to yoga at 10am. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise the timetable had changed and I totally missed the class. Feeling dedicated and like the new-found yogi that I am, I decided to stretch it out at home. Without a yoga mat, I had to make do with the living room carpet which was not quite as pleasant as the mats in the studio. Likewise, the sounds of my cats arguing and one of them repeatedly trying to put her bottom in my face whilst I was trying to concentrate on my breathing, was not quite as atmospheric as in class. Regardless of this, I continued.
Remembering the poses that we covered in class as well as the sequences of movements, I did my best to replicate what the teachers had taught me. After 30 minutes of being sweaty and wobbly, I called it a day. By now the pain in my wrists has started to subside and I can feel a huge increase in my core muscles. I can almost do a crab pose as well which is something I was never ever able to do in the past. My balance seems to have improved slightly and I notice that I a holding the poses longer without every single muscle in my body complaining about it.
Conclusion
After 4.5 sessions, plus some extra bits I have been doing at home, I have come to a few conclusions.
- I am not graceful and will never be graceful, but that is ok.
- I once had the upper arm and body strength of a mosquito, but this can change with a bit of hard work and perseverance.
- Yoga is a great way to help heal old injuries and weaknesses. As someone who has broken/sprained/twisted every possible part of her body at some point, I noticed a huge difference in the way my body feels.
- Sure enough, my hips and abdomen feel more “open”. It is hard to describe but I feel more flexible, more malleable and like the energy can flow more easily.
- In just four weeks I have noticed an increase in strength and muscle definition Maybe you wouldn’t notice it but I do. It’s there. Honest.
- Yoga really is a great way to relax and de-stress. If you aren’t into all of the “Namaste” stuff then that is fine as well, you can still enjoy the benefits that it brings to your mind and body.
- It IS a workout. Many people think that yoga is easy, for wimps, or isn’t a real sport. Well I have news for you, try squatting on one leg with one other leg stretched out behind you and an arm in the air for 60 seconds in 30 degree heat and then come and tell me that. Yoga is a workout for your mind, body, and soul and it needs real strength to master.
- I have been wanting to practice mindfulness for a long time but I have never been able to switch my mind off completely. At the end of our yoga sessions during the wind-down bit. I have been able to completely clear my mind- something that has never happened before.
- Yoga people are awesome. I have met some really nice people at the studio- creative, international, inspiring, healthy, fun, and interesting. It has turned out to be a great way to meet people.
So I have decided to continue with my yoga experience. I will do my utmost to go twice a week and to MAKE the time to take care of myself. If we try to find time to take care of our bodies, we will never get around to it, so I have realised that forcing myself is the key!
Namaste!
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