21 Day Yoga Challenge Day 1 - Fun Flow Practice with Elise Lorimer
I loved it. I LOVED it. I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun and been left so energized as a result of yoga (outside of a class, that is). I have always struggled with a solo practice because it is very boring. At least, the DVDs I've used have been nice, but not incredibly inspiring or dynamic. Which is ok sometimes, when I just need to relax and unwind. But this was incredibly fun, and I hope they leave the video up so that I can access it after the Challenge is over. This is the exact type of routine I would love to wake up to. I'd be ready to face the day after rising with this :)
I loved the movement around the mat. It was exactly what I was looking for, and was a great way to start, though I feel like it might have been difficult for beginners. I had trouble with some of the poses, especially going deeper towards the end, and I'm at least familiar with all the poses mentioned, just incredibly out of practice.
Challenge Tip
The breath is your internal barometer. It will tell if you are going too fast or not fast enough. If you're struggling to catch your breath, you're pushing yourself too hard. If you have to slow your movement in order to stay with the breath, pick up the pace. Let the breath lead the movement, not the other way around, and you'll find your perfect pace.
Challenge Recipe
Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Vegetarian Times Issue: March 1, 2009 p.86 - Member Rating:
Frozen bananas make smoothies that are rich and thick (not icy). You don't even need to slice them. Simply break them into chunks before blending.
Ingredient List
Makes 2 smoothies
Place all ingredients in blender and process until completely smooth. Thin to desired consistency with 1/2 to 1 cup water. Nutritional Information
Per 8-oz. serving: Calories: 268, Protein: 10g, Total fat: 2g, Saturated fat: <1g, Carbs: 58g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 97mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 37g
My first Mary Kay meeting is tonight, along with my orientation, so this was a great way to center myself before getting ready.
I loved the movement around the mat. It was exactly what I was looking for, and was a great way to start, though I feel like it might have been difficult for beginners. I had trouble with some of the poses, especially going deeper towards the end, and I'm at least familiar with all the poses mentioned, just incredibly out of practice.
Challenge Tip
The breath is your internal barometer. It will tell if you are going too fast or not fast enough. If you're struggling to catch your breath, you're pushing yourself too hard. If you have to slow your movement in order to stay with the breath, pick up the pace. Let the breath lead the movement, not the other way around, and you'll find your perfect pace.
Challenge Recipe
Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Vegetarian Times Issue: March 1, 2009 p.86 - Member Rating:
Frozen bananas make smoothies that are rich and thick (not icy). You don't even need to slice them. Simply break them into chunks before blending.
Ingredient List
Makes 2 smoothies
- 2 frozen bananas, broken into 1-inch chunks (2 cups)
- 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1 Tbs. honey
Place all ingredients in blender and process until completely smooth. Thin to desired consistency with 1/2 to 1 cup water. Nutritional Information
Per 8-oz. serving: Calories: 268, Protein: 10g, Total fat: 2g, Saturated fat: <1g, Carbs: 58g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 97mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 37g
My first Mary Kay meeting is tonight, along with my orientation, so this was a great way to center myself before getting ready.