Turns out I am not a yogi... YET!

Research:

This past week I have done a bit of research online to find exercises and stretches that are meant to help with yoga inversions. I tried to look up different moves that will be able to help me with my final goal. I need to increase my shoulder and arm strength, as well as my core strength and balance, in order to do an elbow stand by the end of our course. 

I discovered that I can increase both my shoulder strength and core strength by doing planks. I also tried to stretch and strengthen my back by doing back bridges and holding that position. 

Workouts: 

In order for my body to be prepared to do an inversion and hold an elbow stand, I will need a regular workout routine. My plan is to continue with the exercises that I researched, as well as additional exercises at least 3 times a week to train and strengthen my body. 

My goal workout is: 
- 20 pushups
- 40 crunches
- 40 leg raises 
- two 30 second back bridges 
- two 45 second planks 
- downward dog, superman, and additional yoga poses

Practice: 

When it came time for me to actually try to get into the elbow stand, one web site suggested that I start in downward dog, a traditional yoga pose, then reach farther forward to place not only my hands on the ground, but my elbows as well. Once in this lowered downward dog pose, I raised one leg into the air and attempted to hold this position. When that becomes comfortable I am supposed to kick off with the bottom leg and extend into an elbow stand.

Unfortunately, I was not able to get into an elbow stand this week! But I was able to learn a lot about different stretches and moves that are meant to help me in preparing my body for an elbow stand. Although I haven't had much success YET, I am confident that it will come if I continue to practice and to prepare my body. 

Going forward: 

In the next couple weeks, along with my goal of an elbow stand, I also plan on researching different types of yoga. I hope to learn about the different strands and yoga sequences that might help with flexibility, strengthening, and stress relief (I know we all need a little stress relief). 

I also hope to document more of my progress on video in the next few weeks to showcase in my final TED talk video. 

Check out the small slideshow below to see some of the stretches and strengthening moves I researched this week!