The Secret to Flexibility-

What do you get if you cross an elephant and a rhinoceros? Elifino!
Har, har.
I have been trying to add an aerobic element to my weekly exercise; I'm not ready for running, yet, so I've been using the elliptical machine three times a week. Post-workout, I do a few stretches for the legs to loosen everything. I gotta say, sometimes it's nice to use asana for purely physical reasons, no measured breathing, no turning inward, just letting the work of the muscles be the only work.

Sometimes the chosen pose--usually gomukhasana-gets the attention of fellow gym-goers so (as long as I'm in a good mood) I can use the moment for a bit of yoga-promotion. Pressed for details, I will go so far as to invite the curious to one of my classes. Spreading the word, if you will (*gasp*).

A couple of times I've traded pleasantries with a very strong, muscle-bound fellow. Yesterday, he called out, "So, Yoga Lady, what's the secret to getting more flexible?" Hmmm, teachable moment, thought I. So I chatted with him for a bit about not pushing past a muscle's capability, but allowing the body to open with the breath; listening to what's too much and backing off a bit when the muscle starts to resist a stretch; coming to class (of course); not getting mad when you can't do the same thing as your 17-yr-old body did in Tai Kwon Do.

I'm starting to see more students in class with the express purpose of increasing flexibility, which is nice. Maybe we've starting to move beyond tight, hards bodies (a little bit). I figure getting them in the room is the biggest hurdle and then I can slowly let yoga work its magic. If they stick it out, they increase flexibility...and often pick up some other skills in the process.

But, the Secret to Flexibility, in 25 words or less? Uhhh, hell if I know.

It's 2010 Isn't it TIME....

Hi Friends,

Wow, can you believe here we are in 2010, if your anything like me I am really excited to continuing my journey towards getting "Straight and Strong". Alicia and I began this journey of opening a studio about 4 months ago not knowing what to expect, and I have found several things that really stand out.

First, I have been blown away by my wife, she has been so focused and committed to making this studio a dream come true... bringing the love of yoga to others and the strong sense of self that it has given her, to others as well. Of course you can get that sense of self from many things, one of the benefits of yoga is, along with gaining your "self", you also become "straight and strong", as I like to call the feeling after an intense practice.
Secondly, are the great people we have met, some who are already great yogi's and show us a lot, and those who are new raving fans of the practice now, and love to come and practice with us. Watching us all get straight and strong together is a blast!
Third, is seeing the benefits that yoga is bringing to my own body, at 6ft 3in 260lbs, even though I've always been athletic, the flexibility, balance and strength yoga is bringing to me, is truly changing the way my body feels and moves.

I look forward to continuing my journey and am full of expectation to us growing together in 2010.

Namaste!