A Yoga Update

Recently I’ve started to notice big changes from when I first started yoga and even just a few months ago. I’ve never really noticed too much until now, I’ve always thought I’m not progressing much and that was because I’m not putting in a lot of time.

However that isn’t the case at all. I may not be practicing every day or for hours (or even 1 hour) when I do practice but I can see a difference in my body and the postures I’m now able to do or get deeper in now.

When I first started I couldn’t touch the floor or my toes without bending my legs, my leg flexibility wasn’t the best at all. I can now easily touch my toes and even place my hands on the floor without having to do lots of stretches to warm up. I was amazed at this, I never thought I’d soon be getting my chest to my legs or be able to hold behind my legs for the extra stretch, but I can.

I’ve also noticed even though I find my back and shoulders still ache a lot that they’re becoming more open too. Spinal twists are one of my favourites as they feel a-maz-ing.

I’ve started trying to do one power yoga flow each week to bring my strength up, which I feel fits well with my two BJJ sessions each week. I then fit in some nice stretchy flows when I can. The day after BJJ is perfect for a good stretchy flow to ease my aches.

I’m so glad yoga and BJJ compliment each other so well, flexibility and strength are important for both. I’m also so happy to see the difference in my body, I just want to keep pushing on with more confidence that I’ll one day reach those splits or handstand.

BJJ – One Month In

I can’t believe it’s been a whole month since we started out BJJ classes. In someways it feels like it’s been so long and in others it feels like no time at all.

I feel so comfortable turning up to classes, getting into my Gi and warming up with some shrimps across the mat. I’ve actually nailed getting the correct leg for the all of the lengths in last 3-4 sessions, I was either starting wrong or getting muddled up in the middle. Yeh I’m easily confused with my left and right so it takes some thinking about.

We’ve gone through a range of moves to get around different setups but it’s going to be a long while before I have those mastered. Which is why it feels like I’ve not been doing it long at all.

One thing I love is that we can fully spar at the end of a session and try things out in a more real situation, I’ve discovered my boney elbows are actually very useful for getting out of someone’s guard.

I can see why people say that BJJ is learning to be calm in a difficult situation, which is something I need to work on as I do panic when I’m being squashed and can’t fully breathe.

I’m sure it will all come with more experience and confidence. I’m looking forward to my next session after finished my last one only a couple of hours ago.

Salem’s Lot – Book Review

This was my first Stephen King book and I was excited to get reading. The length was a little daunting as my usual reads aren’t this long but I got straight in to it.

My first impression was that King is a very descriptive writer, this at some points made the story feel long but at others gave such a great level of detail to enhance that image in your head. I enjoyed seeing things from a lot of people’s views, but the timeline did get a little confusing at times. Especially the start and end mini stories.

Overall I enjoyed some sections of this and can see why Kings books make a good movie, but it wasn’t one of my best reads. I may try another King book sometime but I’m not sure they’re for me.