118 classes in 113 days.
Yes, I'm still in pain. My right leg was continuing to cause trouble in class tonight. Very sore on my quads and quite painful at times. But I persisted and the teacher Sheri told me not to be too concerned.
However, tonight during class, Sheri shared some very interesting information with us. Teacher training is going on here in Vegas (it's the last week this week), so Bikram himself has been teaching a lot of classes. Anyways, Sheri was at one of the classes he taught recently and he made a point that everyone should try to kick out on Standing Head to Knee, whether their standing leg is locked or not. He said that kicking out can actually help the person lock their standing knee. Now, I already lock my standing knee, so it's not a big deal for me, but it's definitely a major change from what the teachers have been telling us everyday. I kind of like the point about kicking out can help locking the knee. Interesting.
Now of course, the point isn't to slack off and not try and lock the standing knee:) And for sure, you have to lock both knees before bending your elbows. If you have any questions about that last part, go ahead and try to bend your elbows down without locking the knees. Go ahead, I dare you.
Greg
I'm pretty convinced that "if you can, you must"...kick out that is. That's what Bikram says. Even though it WIPES ME OUT for standing bow (my favorite!!) I still try to kick out both sides, both sets. It builds so much strength!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the pain in your right leg. I went through that last year. My right knee was in pain for about 30 days during a 60 day challenge. I used to be a runner. That knee would pop and crack like rice krispees going up the stairs. After the 60 day challenge was complete the knee was fixed. But not without alot of discomfort. Hang in there!
Yes. The first stage is just prep. According to Bikram it's "lock the knee, kick out, and then lock the knee AGAIN." But soooo many teachers will teach "lock the knee, kick out if you've been coming every day for 10 years, and OMG your knee bent GO BACK GO BACK ABORT." Why? I don't know. But it's supposed to wipe you out. Hooray for stamina!
ReplyDeleteHey, we have a visiting teacher coming to our studio next week who is suppose to be Amazing. Her name is Sheri. Do you know if this is the same Sheri that teaches where you go?
ReplyDeleteTraci - mmm... I'll ask her when I see her on Sunday if I remember. She does travel around sometimes so I wouldn't be surprised if it's her. She went to Europe a little while ago and taught some classes in Ireland and Prague.
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, I'm new to your blog (I will be doing the 101-day challenge too!) I didn't know that Bikram says it's okay to kick out without a locked out knee; I've always been instructed otherwise - but it makes sense that kicking out may help locking the knee.
ReplyDeleteAnd 118 classes in 113 days is extraordinary! Your persistence is inspiring!
Traci - that's totally gotta be Sherie. (Emphasis on the IE, right?) She used to teach in Boston and she's visiting there again next weekend. Don't think she's taught in Vegas lately, tho she DID teach at Duffy's studio once upon a time. If it's the girl I know, she's got dark hair and LOTS of tattoos.
ReplyDeleteJ: Yup! That's how our studio owner described her! I hear she's awesome. Can't wait to take her class!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, that's a different Sheri.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!! I always hear the opposite "if your knee is not locked your pose hasn't even started, don't try to kick out". But it makes sense what you are saying.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most challenging pose for me but last night I was able to kick out during both set. I felt very good about it.