ENHANCED MOBILITY AT 120.2 POUNDS
IN
IN
FIREFLY
IN
CONDO YOGA STUDIO
DEMONSTRATING
STRENGTH, BALANCE, FLEXIBILITY
&
CONTROLLED BREATHING
NOW LIGHTER
ABLE TO RAISE TORSO & LEGS HIGHER
MODIFYING HAND POSITION
AT
LOWEST WEIGHT IN 50+ YEARS
FROM
CALORIE RESTRICTION & INTERMITTENT FASTING
&
CONTROLLED BREATHING
NOW LIGHTER
ABLE TO RAISE TORSO & LEGS HIGHER
MODIFYING HAND POSITION
AT
LOWEST WEIGHT IN 50+ YEARS
FROM
CALORIE RESTRICTION & INTERMITTENT FASTING
WHAT MADE FIREFLY POSSIBLE?
While I was unfamiliar with this approach to non-impact physical activity, I recognized its emphasis on whole body movements - in stark contrast to the more conventional options (weights, treadmill, bikes) available at local area gyms.
Among the factors contributing to my current whole body mobility, my ability to move from Malasana (a deep squat) into FIREFLY:
I had no previous experience with the hatha yoga being taught by Ray Hoyt when we first met and spoke before the start of his evening class ten years ago.
While I was unfamiliar with this approach to non-impact physical activity, I recognized its emphasis on whole body movements - in stark contrast to the more conventional options (weights, treadmill, bikes) available at local area gyms.
Seeking possible relief from decades of chronic lower back pain and breathing issues compelled me initially to consult with Ray.
Our interaction had unanticipated consequences: I began monthly Tui-Na Bodywork (massage) treatments and initiated a yoga practice that recently celebrated a 10th anniversary.
Our interaction had unanticipated consequences: I began monthly Tui-Na Bodywork (massage) treatments and initiated a yoga practice that recently celebrated a 10th anniversary.
Despite my inexperience and obvious lack of abilities, it was obvious the yoga might be an effective and useful alternative activity to keep moving, to address various lingering health issues.
My yoga practice became a daily activity, a primary focus and began to inform my lifestyle choices (mobility and nutrition) as I turned 60 - initially attending two evening sessions later increased to four classes each week.
I devoted hours each day outside of classes attempting to acquire the ability to do many basic movements once done easily as a child.
AREAS I FOCUSED ON
- Nutrition: Making Informed Food Choices Daily
- Weight Loss: Seeking Adolescent Weight
- Acquiring Body Strength & Balance
- Increasing Muscle, Joint Flexibility (Range of Motions)
- Addressing Spinal Issues, Restricted Breathing
- Hand Impairment (Palm, Fingers) From Dupuytren's Contracture
OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE
DAILY YOGA PRACTICE
- Inspired Yoga Instruction: Group Classes, One-On-One Partner Meetings
- My Condo Yoga Studio: Daily Morning and Evening Sessions
I provide some brief historical perspectives on each topic below
NUTRITION
Preparing most of my own meals became a daily focus when my Medicare coverage began at 65.
This practice has contributed to many positive health outcomes I have shared online in yoga blogs during the past four years.
This practice has contributed to many positive health outcomes I have shared online in yoga blogs during the past four years.
I have continued to eat well since my last post on October 19 and have limited my food consumption between 8-9 am to 1-2 pm on most days - my fasting overlapping from one day into the next (durations ranging from 18 to 22 hours with a few exceptions).
RECENT DAILY NUTRITION
(SINCE MY LAST YOGA BLOG POST)
Eating Real Food, Mostly Plants, In Small Quantities
PARAPHRASING
Michael Pollan
FROM
FOOD RULES AN EATER'S MANUAL
MY SOURCES
OF
PROTEINS, CARBOHYDRATES, FATS
Small Portions, Both Raw & At Times Cooked
[Some From Organic Processing, Some Frozen]
- VEGETABLES: Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Carrots, Celery, Chestnuts, Kale, Kombu (Kelp), Varieties of Potatoes, Peppers & Onions, Sauerkraut, Spinach
- DRIED MUSHROOMS: Black Trumpet, Morel, Oyster, Porcini, Shiitake, Woodear
- GRAINS: Amaranth, Sprouted Barley -Buckwheat -Millet -Spelt and -Wheat, Black-Red-White Quinoa, Steel Cut Oats, Brown & Wild Rice
AND
- BEAN, LEGUME Varieties: include Aduzuki, Baby Lima, Black, Cacao Nibs, Cacao Powder, Canary, Cranberry, Garbanzo, Green Split Pea, Kidney, Large Lima, Lentils, Northern, Pink, Pinto, Small Red, Small White, Red Kidney, White Kidney, Yelloweye, Yellow Split Peas
- FRUITS: Apple Varieties, Blackberries, Blueberries, Mango, Raspberries ... also: Dried Apricots, Cranberries, Goji Berries, Pitted Prunes & Raisins ... and Dates: Medjool & Pitted
- SEAFOOD: Salmon, Sardine, Shrimp, Scallops
ALSO
- DAIRY: Almond Milk, Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Nibs, Eggs, Milk
- MIXED NUTS: Almonds, Brazil, Cashew, Hazelnut, Pecans, Macadamias, Pignolia, Pistachios, Walnuts
- MIXED SEEDS: Chia, Flax, Hemp, Pumpkin, Pepitas, Sunflower
- OILS: Avocado, Olive
- HERBS & SPICES: including Basil, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Turmeric, Others
PLUS
- FLUIDS: Coffee (Black, Cappuccino With Both Milk, Almond Milk), Kombachu, Tea, Water, Smoothie (Peach-Blueberry with Almond Milk)
- SWEETS: Occasional drinks (hot chocolate, mocha selections) and pastry (biscotti, french lace cookie, brownie selections) are enjoyed at the Booklovers Gourmet (Webster, MA)
These diverse food selections have provided me the required proteins, carbohydrates and fats to obtain a leaner yet strong and more mobile body.
Healthy daily protein requirements have been met without consuming any meats during the past six weeks.
I have attempted to keep my salt intake low, usually drinking fluids when eating and frequently throughout each day.
Sources of Foods included Arcade Snacks & Shaws (Auburn), Trader Joe's & Whole Foods (Shrewsbury).
Most welcomed has been a reduction of visceral fat storage without any evidence of a loss of muscle strength or wasting, endurance or experience of fatigue - as demonstrated by my daily morning and evening yoga sessions and other activities each day.
Since I began to combine the calorie restriction and intermittent fasting approaches to my nutrition three months ago, my body weight has been lowered in excess of eight pounds - a significant value.
Equally notable has been the relative ease to maintain the weight loss while eating well, without feeling any sense of hunger while both facilitating and enhancing my whole body mobility.
These experiences and positive outcomes to date from this daily fasting after eating since late August have been communicated to and supported by my Primary Care Physician & Geriatric Specialist Dr. Jarrod Faucher.
Healthy daily protein requirements have been met without consuming any meats during the past six weeks.
I have attempted to keep my salt intake low, usually drinking fluids when eating and frequently throughout each day.
Sources of Foods included Arcade Snacks & Shaws (Auburn), Trader Joe's & Whole Foods (Shrewsbury).
WEIGHT LOSS
FROM
FROM
CALORIE RESTRICTION & INTERMITTENT FASTING
I have continued to follow my daily eating, fasting routine since October 19th and limited food consumption to a narrow window of approximately 4-5 hours without difficulty.
Additional weight loss was experienced following this daily practice - from 124.0 on October 19th to 120.2 yesterday and close to my goal of 120.0 pounds.
Most welcomed has been a reduction of visceral fat storage without any evidence of a loss of muscle strength or wasting, endurance or experience of fatigue - as demonstrated by my daily morning and evening yoga sessions and other activities each day.
Since I began to combine the calorie restriction and intermittent fasting approaches to my nutrition three months ago, my body weight has been lowered in excess of eight pounds - a significant value.
Equally notable has been the relative ease to maintain the weight loss while eating well, without feeling any sense of hunger while both facilitating and enhancing my whole body mobility.
These experiences and positive outcomes to date from this daily fasting after eating since late August have been communicated to and supported by my Primary Care Physician & Geriatric Specialist Dr. Jarrod Faucher.
ACQUIRING
STRENGTH
&
BALANCE
&
BALANCE
2017
In
THE YOGA LOFT
CROW POSE
(BAKASANA)
PHOTO BY PATTY TREMBLAY
DEMONSTRATING
STRENGTH
OF
WRIST, ARM, SHOULDER, BACK
&
CONTROLLED BALANCE
MUSCLE & JOINT
FLEXIBILITY
[1]
STANDING
FORWARD BEND
IN
THE YOGA LOFT
2012
DEMONSTRATING
DEEP FORWARD
RANGE OF MOBILITY
NOTE REVERSE PALM POSITION
[2]
COMPASS POSE
2016
IN
THE YOGA LOFT
PHOTO BY PATTY TREMBLAY
DEMONSTRATING
LENGTHENING
OF
LEG MUSCLES, CONNECTIVE TISSUES
PELVIC GIRDLE MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY
[3]
SPINAL ISSUES
USING YOGA BLOCK
PATTY TREMBLAY PHOTO
DEMONSTRATING
ENHANCED
WHOLE BODY MOBILITY
NOTE
ARCH OF SPINE USING BLOCK
HAND IMPAIRMENT
PALM, FINGER LIMITATIONS
FROM
DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
MY APPROACH
TO
STRETCH PALMS AND FINGERS
THIS INCLUDES
REVERSE CHATURANGA DANDASANA
2013
PHOTO BY ERIC LECUYER
DEMONSTRATING
DEEP HAND, FINGER STRETCH
&
WRIST, ARM, TORSO STRENGTH
MUSCLE, JOINT FLEXIBILITY
YOGA INSTRUCTION
GROUP CLASSES
[ATTENDING OVER 1,300]
IN
MARICHYASANA VARIATION
ONE-ON-ONE
PARTNER SESSIONS
[475 MEETINGS]
WITH
PATTY TREMBLAY
[MAY, 2013 - DEC, 2017]
In
THE YOGA LOFT
CROW POSE
(BAKASANA)
PHOTO BY PATTY TREMBLAY
DEMONSTRATING
STRENGTH
OF
WRIST, ARM, SHOULDER, BACK
&
CONTROLLED BALANCE
It was obvious my muscle strength was limited during the first months attending hatha yoga classes led by Ray Hoyt.
I had many opportunities both in and outside group classes during the first several years of yoga activities to gradually develop the strength in both hands, arms, shoulder girdle and torso required to support my full body weight in many different asanas - accessibility to FIREFLY was not yet within my abilities.
Among the postures preparing my upper body for FIREFLY were Cobra, Downdog, Eight-Angle, Handstand, Peacock, Feathered Peacock, Side Crow and Updog - each requiring the involvement of multiple muscles and joints depending on the specific asana.
Especially useful were combining asanas: transitioning from one position to another - such as Downdog to Updog, Plank to Side Plank, Plank to Chaturanga or Reverse Chaturanga (see image of asana below) and sitting Leg Cradle to Eight-Angle.
The placement of my knees on triceps in the Crow pose presented an additional challenge: maintaining balance while leaning slightly forward.
A major psychological challenge for me - overcoming fear of falling, being injured - was obtaining a comfort level being both elevated in Crow or inverted in positions like Handstand, Feathered Peacock: over several years I made progress with the assistance of instructors and others facilitating these movements.
I had many opportunities both in and outside group classes during the first several years of yoga activities to gradually develop the strength in both hands, arms, shoulder girdle and torso required to support my full body weight in many different asanas - accessibility to FIREFLY was not yet within my abilities.
Asanas Requiring Hand Support
Among the postures preparing my upper body for FIREFLY were Cobra, Downdog, Eight-Angle, Handstand, Peacock, Feathered Peacock, Side Crow and Updog - each requiring the involvement of multiple muscles and joints depending on the specific asana.
Especially useful were combining asanas: transitioning from one position to another - such as Downdog to Updog, Plank to Side Plank, Plank to Chaturanga or Reverse Chaturanga (see image of asana below) and sitting Leg Cradle to Eight-Angle.
The placement of my knees on triceps in the Crow pose presented an additional challenge: maintaining balance while leaning slightly forward.
A major psychological challenge for me - overcoming fear of falling, being injured - was obtaining a comfort level being both elevated in Crow or inverted in positions like Handstand, Feathered Peacock: over several years I made progress with the assistance of instructors and others facilitating these movements.
MUSCLE & JOINT
FLEXIBILITY
[1]
STANDING
FORWARD BEND
IN
THE YOGA LOFT
DEMONSTRATING
DEEP FORWARD
RANGE OF MOBILITY
NOTE REVERSE PALM POSITION
[2]
COMPASS POSE
IN
THE YOGA LOFT
PHOTO BY PATTY TREMBLAY
DEMONSTRATING
LENGTHENING
OF
LEG MUSCLES, CONNECTIVE TISSUES
PELVIC GIRDLE MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY
MODIFIED
FORWARD SPLIT, DEEP STRETCH
ERIC LECUYER PHOTO (2013)
FORWARD SPLIT, DEEP STRETCH
ERIC LECUYER PHOTO (2013)
Being able to move in each of these three asanas, having legs fully locked and extended, contributed to my FIREFLY mobility.
Other asanas done in standing, sitting, supine, on sides and in prone positions including variations of One and Two Leg Forward Extensions, Double Pigeon with a Shoulder Stretch and Side Bends in Upavistha, in various types of Splits also played a role in my current FIREFLY abilities.
Yoga activities during the past ten years have significantly improved my spinal (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions) mobility while reducing chronic lower back discomfort and pain without using any medications.
I was often barely able to bend (arch) my spine backwards from a standing, supine or prone position when I first started to attend Ray's yoga classes.
Attempting to tilt my head backwards was especially a challenge during my first 18 months of yoga activities - effecting my breathing and producing a long, loud haaaaaaaa- sound.
A Sunday consultation I requested with Ray Hoyt in March, 2011 led to my first experience on an inversion table and an assessment of my back: I received several basic backbending movements to practice including standing with my back inches from a wall, raising both arms above my head and slightly moving hips forward, arching my back with finger contacting the was - movements that initially were challenging.
Progress was made with daily practice during my first 27 months of yoga practice as demonstrated by the professional photos of various asanas I had taken in a Worcester studio.
Back bends on my own as show below and assisted dropbacks at The Yoga Loft wall ladders, at times using the wall ropes also provided opportunities to increase my back bending abilities.
Analysis of X-Rays taken by a local chiropractor Robert Page (Auburn, Webster offices) in 2013 documented structural issues (scoliosis) of both cervical and lumbar spine areas.
While Dr. Page noted an asymmetry of my pelvic girdle and wrote the status of my lumbar-sacral region was that of an 80 year old, my 27 months of yoga practice had compensated for these spinal, hip issues based on photos of whole body asanas I had taken for my small business venture Yoga Fitness And Nutrition LLC and posted on my yoga website.
Despite these limiting conditions, I have been able to increase my spinal mobility in all directions: forward, backwards, sideways and twisting - daily movements that have remained a priority each day during ten years and an important factor contributing to my FIREFLY asana in 2019.
I have learned to use various props in my condo yoga studio - especially yoga blocks, rollers, belt - during daily practice to effectively address discomfort and mobility limitations (= stiffness) of my spine and back, other body regions as an alternative to medications, frequent massage sessions.
While my 2001 major reconstructive thoracic surgery at 50 provided significant improvement to my breathing (correcting a pectus excavatum condition), the mobility of my thoracic region remained limited.
I remember the compromised breathing and, as noted, the distinct sounds made whenever my head was tilted backwards during those early years of my yoga practice - especially when doing assisted Upper Facing Plank with others.
Using a yoga block at different elevations along my spine in different asanas gradually improved my respiration and allowed me to do FIREFLY with controlled, normal breathing.
Moving my head backwards no longer presents a breathing issue, alarming sounds doing whole body movements.
SUPTA VIRASANAI was often barely able to bend (arch) my spine backwards from a standing, supine or prone position when I first started to attend Ray's yoga classes.
Attempting to tilt my head backwards was especially a challenge during my first 18 months of yoga activities - effecting my breathing and producing a long, loud haaaaaaaa- sound.
A Sunday consultation I requested with Ray Hoyt in March, 2011 led to my first experience on an inversion table and an assessment of my back: I received several basic backbending movements to practice including standing with my back inches from a wall, raising both arms above my head and slightly moving hips forward, arching my back with finger contacting the was - movements that initially were challenging.
Progress was made with daily practice during my first 27 months of yoga practice as demonstrated by the professional photos of various asanas I had taken in a Worcester studio.
Back bends on my own as show below and assisted dropbacks at The Yoga Loft wall ladders, at times using the wall ropes also provided opportunities to increase my back bending abilities.
2016
CONTROLLED
STANDING BACKBEND
DEMONSTRATING
PROGRESS MADE
SEEKING
ARMS PARALLEL TO FLOOR
There were times during group classes when I was able to keep my feet pointed forward, parallel and - moving in a slow and deliberate manner - to level my arms with controlled breathing on my own or with the aid of a partner.
Analysis of X-Rays taken by a local chiropractor Robert Page (Auburn, Webster offices) in 2013 documented structural issues (scoliosis) of both cervical and lumbar spine areas.
While Dr. Page noted an asymmetry of my pelvic girdle and wrote the status of my lumbar-sacral region was that of an 80 year old, my 27 months of yoga practice had compensated for these spinal, hip issues based on photos of whole body asanas I had taken for my small business venture Yoga Fitness And Nutrition LLC and posted on my yoga website.
Despite these limiting conditions, I have been able to increase my spinal mobility in all directions: forward, backwards, sideways and twisting - daily movements that have remained a priority each day during ten years and an important factor contributing to my FIREFLY asana in 2019.
I have learned to use various props in my condo yoga studio - especially yoga blocks, rollers, belt - during daily practice to effectively address discomfort and mobility limitations (= stiffness) of my spine and back, other body regions as an alternative to medications, frequent massage sessions.
IMPROVING RESTRICTED
THORACIC BREATHING
I remember the compromised breathing and, as noted, the distinct sounds made whenever my head was tilted backwards during those early years of my yoga practice - especially when doing assisted Upper Facing Plank with others.
Moving my head backwards no longer presents a breathing issue, alarming sounds doing whole body movements.
USING YOGA BLOCK
PATTY TREMBLAY PHOTO
DEMONSTRATING
ENHANCED
WHOLE BODY MOBILITY
NOTE
ARCH OF SPINE USING BLOCK
Among my most valued memories involving backbending in The Yoga Loft were partner assisted asanas - especially using two chairs with a blanket as positioned below.
Over several years I acquired a welcomed ability to deeply curve my spine, lengthen my muscles and connective tissues to have both feet and head on the floor simultaneously and, at times, having my torso lifted upwards with not discomfort.
I was thrilled with my spinal, muscle mobility progress!
Over several years I acquired a welcomed ability to deeply curve my spine, lengthen my muscles and connective tissues to have both feet and head on the floor simultaneously and, at times, having my torso lifted upwards with not discomfort.
I was thrilled with my spinal, muscle mobility progress!
ASSISTED
BACKBENDING
USING
TWO CHAIRS
HAND IMPAIRMENT
PALM, FINGER LIMITATIONS
FROM
DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE
My self-diagnosis of this genetic connective tissue disease was confirmed by Dr. Robert Terrill - my first Medicare consultation as a senior of 65.
Dupuytren's Contracture is the result of an abnormal production of the protein collagen by cells (fibroblasts) in the lower part of our skin (the dermis - among nerves, blood vessels, immune cells).
These cells can result in raised, hard lumps (nodules), cords and pits on the palm and often two fingers: the 4th (ring) and 5th (small).
The collagen formed has tightening (contractile) properties that compromises normal hand range of motions: fingers often being pulled towards the palm.
My yoga practice has been compromised this condition and led me to purchase hand gloves to provide protection when applying pressure.
Daily morning and evening yoga sessions have provided a non-medical intervention to stretch both palms and fingers as part of my whole body movements - selecting asanas and taking more time to carefully monitor applied pressure to my hands to avoid injury.
These efforts have enabled me, with extra preparation, to support my weight in postures like Crow, Eight-Angle and FIREFLY.
Dupuytren's Contracture is the result of an abnormal production of the protein collagen by cells (fibroblasts) in the lower part of our skin (the dermis - among nerves, blood vessels, immune cells).
These cells can result in raised, hard lumps (nodules), cords and pits on the palm and often two fingers: the 4th (ring) and 5th (small).
The collagen formed has tightening (contractile) properties that compromises normal hand range of motions: fingers often being pulled towards the palm.
My yoga practice has been compromised this condition and led me to purchase hand gloves to provide protection when applying pressure.
Daily morning and evening yoga sessions have provided a non-medical intervention to stretch both palms and fingers as part of my whole body movements - selecting asanas and taking more time to carefully monitor applied pressure to my hands to avoid injury.
These efforts have enabled me, with extra preparation, to support my weight in postures like Crow, Eight-Angle and FIREFLY.
MY APPROACH
TO
THIS INCLUDES
REVERSE CHATURANGA DANDASANA
PHOTO BY ERIC LECUYER
DEMONSTRATING
DEEP HAND, FINGER STRETCH
&
WRIST, ARM, TORSO STRENGTH
MUSCLE, JOINT FLEXIBILITY
Placing my hands into a position for practicing Peacock also has been an effective way to safely apply and support full body weight to stretch palms and fingers as well.
YOGA INSTRUCTION
GROUP CLASSES
[ATTENDING OVER 1,300]
IN
GYM, TEMPLE, THE YOGA LOFT
BY
RAY, PATTY, JEN
Ray, Patty and Jen each contributed in significant ways to the yoga mobility I now enjoy - learning to listen to my body, being compassionate to myself and recognizing that my yoga practice could be a humbling yet exhilarating experience at times.
Their excellent, inspired class instruction often included opportunities to do asanas with them as a partner, at times being requested to demonstrate specific movements as a teaching tool.
Details of those occasions are known because of the documentation I kept for each yoga class: reconstructing from memory the sequence of asanas done during each of the sessions they taught - a valued source of many positive experiences and good memories.
Details of those occasions are known because of the documentation I kept for each yoga class: reconstructing from memory the sequence of asanas done during each of the sessions they taught - a valued source of many positive experiences and good memories.
I
ALSO
ACKNOWLEDGE
MEMBERS OF OUR YOGA COMMUNITY
AS
AS
VALUED PARTNERS
DEB, LOUANNE, ANDY, FRANK, LYNN
AMONG OTHERS
AMONG OTHERS
I enjoyed our interactions and learned a lot about how different body types of different gender and ages are capable of moving from everyone comprising our yoga community over many years.
We were exposed to many different postures - ways of moving, holding our bodies safely in different positions.
Among the diverse asanas done during our group classes that prepared me for Malasana and FIREFLY was Marichyasana: involving both shoulder and pelvic girdles.
MARICHYASANA VARIATION
IN
HALF LOTUS, BOUND POSITION
2016
DEMONSTRATING
DEEP JOINT MOBILITY
[PELVIC, SHOULDER GIRDLES]
PHOTO BY PATTY TREMBLAY
IN
THE YOGA LOFT
PARTNER SESSIONS
[475 MEETINGS]
WITH
PATTY TREMBLAY
[MAY, 2013 - DEC, 2017]
ASSISTED UPAVISTHA
PHOTO BY LG
BOB, PATTY IN LOCAL GYM
(2013)
(2013)
DOCUMENTING
FORWARD MOBILITY PROGRESS
LENGTHENING
LEG, BACK MUSCLES & CONNECTIVE TISSUES
A REQUIREMENT FOR FIREFLY
FORWARD MOBILITY PROGRESS
LENGTHENING
LEG, BACK MUSCLES & CONNECTIVE TISSUES
A REQUIREMENT FOR FIREFLY
I recall during my first year of yoga many spending days practicing movements like Upavistha - sitting with legs apart and taking time to lower my torso forwards: on various occasions for long periods lasting up to 45+ minutes to have forehead contact the mat.
CONDO YOGA STUDIO
NOVEMBER, 2019
PROVIDING
DAILY OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP MOVING
USING
YOGA BLOCKS, CHAIR, SANDBAGS, STRAP, ROLLERS,
BLANKET, CHAIR, STAIRS, WALL
&
BACK, HAND, WRIST SUPPORTS
WITH
MULTIPLE MIRRORS TO MONITOR FORM IN ASANAS
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020
NOVEMBER, 2019
DAILY OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP MOVING
USING
YOGA BLOCKS, CHAIR, SANDBAGS, STRAP, ROLLERS,
BLANKET, CHAIR, STAIRS, WALL
&
BACK, HAND, WRIST SUPPORTS
WITH
MULTIPLE MIRRORS TO MONITOR FORM IN ASANAS
I converted my small living room into a yoga studio during 2014 - using this area for my own yoga practice and to instruct others.
Ray Hoyt's decision to end his yoga instruction and not find a new location for The Yoga Loft ended my valued morning yoga partner practice with Patty Tremblay.
In response, I began daily morning and evening yoga sessions on January 1, 2018 and kept detailed records about my movements.
Documenting the sequence of asanas to both maintain and enhance my whole body mobility has been an useful, instructive way to monitor progress and to assess both short and long term goals.
Documenting the sequence of asanas to both maintain and enhance my whole body mobility has been an useful, instructive way to monitor progress and to assess both short and long term goals.
FIREFLY BECAME POSSIBLE ....
as a consequence of many different factors: a healthy approach to nutrition, regaining a teenage weight, past quality instruction and current daily home yoga practices of whole body movements focused on acquiring the requisite strength, balance, flexibility and controlled breathing over these past 10 years.
Equally important from my yoga practice has been the ability to calm my mind - mindfulness being a valued component that also contributes to my overall wellness as a senior.
There is a satisfaction I continue to experience and enjoy daily knowing the decisions made during this decade have led to positive outcomes.
It is the invaluable gift of health I now most appreciate as I approach 69.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020
I will continue my approaches to nutrition, fasting and yoga mobility for the duration of 2019 and for the next several months while closely monitoring, evaluating my health and mobility status.
My calorie restriction and intermittent fasting approaches to nutrition these past three months have exceeded expectations.
The resulting weight loss to adolescent levels has contributed the most direct impact notably facilitating my whole body movements in FIREFLY, other equally challenging movements.
The resulting weight loss to adolescent levels has contributed the most direct impact notably facilitating my whole body movements in FIREFLY, other equally challenging movements.
As we celebrate our Thanksgiving day tomorrow, I remain grateful for good health and mobility being experienced daily at this time in my life.
Enjoy this holiday with family and friends.
Do share your thoughts on my comments and images.
#BobCrowther #Nutrition #Yoga
