Weekly Yoga Class Reflections

Class #1: Gentle Flow Yoga

What I Enjoyed

In Class #1, I particularly enjoyed the gentle flow of the sequences. The focus on deep breathing helped me to relax and center myself throughout the practice. I found the cat-cow pose especially beneficial for warming up my spine, and I appreciated the child’s pose at the end of the class for its calming effect. It felt great to stretch out my back and shoulders after a long day.

Difficulties

However, I struggled with the downward-facing dog pose. My hamstrings felt tight, which made it challenging to fully extend my legs. I also experienced some discomfort in my wrists after holding that position for longer than I was used to. Is there an alternative way to position my hands or modify this pose to relieve some pressure on my wrists?

Class #2: Power Yoga

What I Enjoyed

In Class #2, I enjoyed the more dynamic nature of power yoga. The sun salutation sequences were invigorating, and I felt a rush of energy as I moved through them. I particularly liked the warrior poses, as they made me feel strong and focused. Additionally, the balance challenge of tree pose was rewarding; it pushed me to improve my concentration and stability.

Difficulties

In contrast, I found the chaturanga transition quite difficult. My upper body strength is not as developed as I would like it to be, making it hard to lower myself down without collapsing onto the floor. This caused some strain in my shoulders. Would you recommend any specific exercises to build strength for this movement?

Class #3: Restorative Yoga

What I Enjoyed

Class #3 was a wonderful contrast to the previous sessions; I really enjoyed the restorative nature of this practice. The use of props in poses like supported bridge made it easy to relax into each stretch, and I loved how we incorporated yoga blocks for added support. The focus on longer holds allowed me to deeply connect with my breath and release tension in areas that needed it.

Difficulties

The only challenge I encountered was during the seated forward bend; I found it difficult to maintain a straight back while reaching forward. Instead of feeling a stretch, I experienced a bit of discomfort in my lower back. Is there a way to modify this pose to avoid that discomfort while still receiving the benefits of the stretch?

Overall, these yoga classes provided a great mix of challenges and relaxation techniques, allowing me to explore various aspects of my physical fitness and flexibility. I’m looking forward to your feedback on my questions!