Thursday, January 27, 2011

My "Oh Mother" Moment

Lady Gaga rocks Hot Yoga! No wonder she has an amazing body!

I always have a moment in yoga, during the first breathing sequence, Pranayama Breathing, where I think to myself "Oh mother (Mother is my swear word lol). I don't want to be here." And then I get over it, continue my practice, and end up with a great class.

I mentioned this in a previous post, but I really feel that finding something specifically for you during contest prep is very important. Funny that Jaime Baird, IFBB Bikini Pro, recently made a blog post about her taking on yoga breathing during her contest prep and it really helping with her stress level, and that during my very first contest prep I made a conscious decision to hold onto yoga for me. For others, it may be taking a long bath every night, reading, making iTunes playlists or blogging. But for me it is Hot Yoga.

Not only is it a "kick your ass" workout (and it is!), but the heat itself brings your mind either to a place of panic or, if you choose to let it, a place of meditation and peace. I really could go on about why I go Gaga (pun intended) for Hot Yoga. But I'm going to narrow it down to a quick list on why I think its awesome during contest prep (or any weight lifting series):
  • It will stretch your sore muscles. The heat along with the humidity will literally prevent your muscles from cramping.
  • It will bring your mind to a place of rest and peace.
  • Your skin will appear so healthy & rejuvenated for stage.
  • The intense stretching and massage will help release lactic acid from your muscles, aiding in recovery and allowing you to lift more during your next weight set.
  • Increases flow of cerebrospinal fluid, helping release of metabolic waste products. (!!!! Hello!!!)
  • Natural appetite supressant. (Side note: When I first began my weight loss and started Bikram Yoga, I would literally not be hungry all night after yoga)
  • Increased organ compression allowing for waste products to flow and be passed out of the body.
  • Aids in discovering balance, awesome for the ladies who aren't used to tall heels.
  • Crazy core workout. Serious. Your spine & abs can be so so SO sore after this.
There are so many more benefits, but when I was practicing last night... These were what really came to mind.

Oh! I did a 25 min bike HIIT in the AM then Bikram Yoga in the PM.
Eats: (Low carb day, as it is considered a rest day)
600: 1/2 scp pp
700: 1/2 c tofu, 2 egg whites, 1 whole egg, coffee
900: 2 c spinach, 3 oz tuna, 1 tbsp olive oil, green tea
1200: 4 oz chicken, 1 c broccoli, green tea
1500: 1/2 scp pp (This meal and next meal was the result of not being prepared with my pre-scheduled meal, somehow it didn't make it into my lunch bag. However, I always keep a protein shake around for that reason)
1745: 1 scp pp (post-yoga)
1830: 6 oz steak, 2 c lettuce, 1 c mushrooms (I've never been so excited for steak in my LIFE!)
2000: Casein protein crepe w/1 tbsp pb
Total: 1523 calories, 205g protein, 38g carbs, 87g fat. 216 oz water.

Surprisingly, I had the "Oh Mother" moment, where I wanted to quit thinking that my tired brain & under-carb'ed body would pass out during yoga... Nope. I was just fine. I was shakey & ready for a protein shake right after, but just fine during. As competitors, our mental fortitude is what keeps us strong, and doing something that is "just for you" can only comfort.

6 comments:

  1. I definitely agree with all of the above regarding yoga except appetite suppressant....for me at least, after a long practice I'm a hot, sweaty, starving mess!

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  2. That diet looks tough to stick to! How low in calories will you go up until your contest?

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  3. The fact that Lady Gaga can hold that pose in those heels while I struggle to do it barefoot makes me want to go to yoga RIGHT NOW! :)

    T.

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  4. Superwoman- That is only on my rest days. Which will be Wednesdays and Sundays. I'm working with Nikki from M&F on my diet and leaving it totally up to her. I give her lots of feed back but we're starting high for my height (1550-1625 calories a day) to accomodate for possible plateau in the future. Although I'll take it as low as I need to (Its week 1, of course I'll say that NOW lol), but I truly do want to do this healthy and hydrated my first time through so I know it can be done in the future. :)

    I know T! Part of me thinks that's another reason I love it, its so hard and I just want to do better in the postures every time. Its a Type A personality thing. ;)

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  5. You are doing so great girl, keep up the good work. Wish I had the bikram Yoga neer my place. I'm sure I'd love it!!!

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  6. I just went to bikram yoga for the first time. It definetly took some mental refocusing at times when I was dreaming of cold air hitting my body:) I was so hungry afterwords. It was a great workout.

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