Saturday, November 18, 2006

Yoga, Part Deux

I had another yoga class, although it wasn't by myself this time. That actually turned out to be good news as I had other people to watch, which cut down on the guesswork. One of the students was apparently an intern learning about midwife-ship and the other two were in their ninth month of pregnancy (!). As predicted, I was still the least limber of the group.

I think I may have figured out what the whooshing noise was. When I arrived to sit in the waiting area, the whooshing noise and crying baby were STILL there. It sounded like a newborn and I swear it was being tortured. I don't know if I was just having one of my days but I ended up bursting into tears (thank God I was by myself). I got myself back under control fairly quickly but I still don't know what prompted the tears...fear, stress, or frustration on the baby's behalf. It was the most pitiful sound I've ever heard in my life. I think the mom finally picked up the baby and it stopped, much to my relief. Oh, yeah, back to the whoosing noise:

This time, yoga lady gave me what I can only call a 'breathing instrument' that looks like a kazoo but doesn't buzz (thus it's not as much fun). Instead, it whooshes when you exhale. We did a bunch of stretches and worked on our respirations...inhaling and whooshing, inhaling and whooshing, etc. It apparently can be used in after-birth recovery, so mystery solved. Do I need to pack this thing for the hospital? It was all well and good for practice, but after a few respirations one does start to drool a bit so it's not all that comfortable.

Despite my efforts at home to do the exercises, I don't think I impressed yoga lady any with my improved ability. At one point I got a butt-cheek cramp -- please don't laugh, it was quite painful at the time -- and just couldn't manage to explain in decent French what had happened. In case you're wondering, the word for cramp in French is "crampe" so I have no excuse other than being dumb for my failure to communicate clearly. Luckily, yoga lady figured it out and put me in what I suppose is prime butt-cramp recovery position, but not after she clearly stated that it was a very good thing I started yoga class so early because I have a LOT of work to do. Dear God.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can always count on you to give me a good laugh, you are so cool, can't wait to see the yoga moves. keep up the good work and having that baby will be a breeze. later

Just me said...

Well, at least you're trying. I tried really hard not to laugh at the "butt cramp", but I did crack a smile. lol ;o)

Pam said...

Standing O for you! I get to sit here, idly of course, get a great giggle, Thanks!, but, in the end, you'll be the one all bend-y and healthy - ready to have a smooth sailing delivery...YAY!
; )

Unknown said...

Ignore her. Yoga is for everyone and butt cramps are all part of the fun and joy that is Yoga.

PutYourFlareOn said...

I hope you try to stick with it, yoga is so good for you and the baby. It may feel akward since you're starting it pregnant but I think you'll find that your flexibility will come the more your practice. One thing to ask is your teacher certified to teach prenatal yoga? I've found a great teacher here in Paris and I really like her teaching style, she teaches the class in English and French (she's american). I've been away from class for a month now, I hope I can get back into the swing of things, my belly wasn't there before and now it is. I might be having butt cramps too! And you know what? I've had a crap like that before and it's really uncomfortable.... I *so* understand!