Ashtanga Yoga

Class: Ashtanga Yoga

Date: October 13, 2010

Time & Location: In class

On Wednesday, Sharon Fruchtman taught us Ashtanga Yoga. I was eager to learn from Sharon because I also work with her at the high school on Friday's for yoga. Sharon is a very good teacher. She is patient, attentive, and willing to help those who need it. She is also a very skilled yogi herself. Laurie reminded us on Monday to be ready for an exhaustive practice, so I was expecting the worst. We did many different postures that consisted of back bends, warrior poses, front bends, and much more. We also performed vinyasa's between each complete asana. A single vinyasa consisted of a plank that went down into a back bend, then an upward dog, followed by a downward dog. I found the vinyasa's very exhausting because of the pace in which they were done.

I also found many of the postures very challenging. We often had to distort and bend our bodies in ways that I would have never imagined. I managed to do a majority of the postures, surprisingly. Although they were difficult and sometimes painful on my muscles, there was a great deal of accomplishment I felt once completing them. I found the process of getting into a posture the most difficult thing. Once I actually found a comfortable spot, I was fine. Although the process was rigorous, I got a great deal of satisfaction from it. After the class, I felt much more energized and ready for my day. I also felt very calm and relaxed. Overall, I have enjoyed learning and practicing Ashtanga Yoga the best.