Some more beginner questions!!

[Guest guest]

Hi there!! I'm new to the list and very new to Ashtanga. First off,

I haven't done Yoga for a very long time--about 15 years ago. And

then I just took one class and never pursued it. I'm 37 and consider

myself in fairly good physical condition. I am active with my 2 kids

and exercise fairly regularly. I can't get to a yoga class so have

purchased David S. Short Forms Video to start learning Ashtanga.

First off, I am really sore in my upper body and can't practice every

day. I will commit to practicing every other day (I do the 30

minute routine). I just feel like my muscles need a break for a

day. Is this normal for beginners and will I improve much without

the daily routine? Will that come in time? Also, is this something

that I can do/learn without a class? I live in a small town and have

very little time. We probably don't have a class here either. Am I

asking for trouble by attempting this without any personalized

instruction or can this be done via video? Thanks for the help! JV

[Guest guest]

HI!

 

 

Ashtanga yoga asks its practioners to develop alot of strength in

their upper body as you have found out! But dont freat! Strenght is

the first thing that you will develop due to the isometric strenthing

effects of downdog and the "yogi push up."

 

OF course its ok to only practice every other day in the begining!

Allow your practice to grow over time. Expand on your practice when

you "want" to. This will allow you to develop your practice out of a

pure love for the practice and not out of the fear of being wrong in

the eyes of other ashtangi's.

 

If you dont have a class around you then what about going for a

workshop somewhere one weekend? that is a good way to go learn, and

go back to your own home and let the new info "stew" into your

practice.

 

Hope this helps

have fun!

 

Chris