Downward dog and other pretzel positions
There’s something invigorating and at the same time peaceful about doing downward dog and tree pose in the pouring rain. Well, not in the rain…but with the rain pattering on the rooftop over your head while you’re safely cozy and twisted into a pretzel. I don’t know what’s up with the rain all over central Mexico, but the only place I’m not shaking my fist angrily at the sky is in the wooden cabin where the Asociación de Yoga Dharma, A.C. offers various yoga classes.
I’ve been going to yoga for a little over three months now, and it is one of the best “fitness” decisions I’ve ever made (and probably the only one I’ve stuck with). When you think of yoga, you might either think of sexy stretchy ladies doing poses on the beach, or of frumpy housewives trying to stretch out of their “stooped over the stove” positions. Regardless, many people think of yoga as a form of exercise that’s really just all about light stretching. However, anyone that goes to classes with “stormin’” Norma, the Tuesday-Thursday morning yoga instructor, would know that if you can get through the session without finishing flushed and sweaty then you are just super-human.
Every day the poses change – class with Norma, or any other instructor, is never routine. Not only are the classes varied with different rhythms and focuses, but instructors pay close attention to their students’ physical needs and conditions. For example – my class has young adult and middle age women, and if someone’s back hurts (even us 20-somethings get a little achy sometimes!) then we start of stretching our back and lumbar zone; if someone can’t do the full extension of the pose (leg over your head, arms twisted around your back – or something fun like that), there are always alternatives depending on your level. Of course, instructors always push their students to their full potential – don’t think you can get away by slouching through a pose – you’ll get caught!
My favorite parts of the class are watching the “Normāsanas.” Āsanas, or postures, not only help your flexibility, but the produce a balance of mind as well. However, “Normāsanas” are the full, perfect postures that our yoga instructor can do – the kind of posture that inspires you to maybe not eat that Carlos V chocolate bar so that you can lift your leg just a little bit higher, or twist your spine a little further. “Normāsanas” are what all students aspire to be able to do some day…
The Asociacion de Yoga Dharma, A.C. offers many different classes at all levels, including training for instructors. While my class meetings are Tuesday – Thursday, from 9:45 to 11, there are earlier classes and late afternoon classes, and some classes on Fridays. You can see their complete schedule and a list of yoga centers on their website right here .
