Just Do It

That's what Nike said. And maybe I should follow Nike's tagline more often. Exactly because I have this tendency to over-reflect, over-plan, and just over-procrastinate (redundancy intended). Not just in the stuff I write -- take blogging, for example! -- but even in the stuff I do.

So I'm trying to do it.

I'm trying to get back into climbing. Once a week, twice a week, any day/s of the week. Just staying focused on the mini-goals of (a) thickening the finger callouses, and (b) bringing back my forearm muscles' endurance. Yes, (a) trumps (b) by a long-shot. Been traversing on jugs, just to get back those extra layers of skin on any part of my hand, for Lord knows extra protection comes in handy. Been re-doing easy problems, just to log in more climbing time and more forearm-pumping action.

I'm trying to get back to yoga. Not that I was ever a committed yogi in the past, but I've re-acquainted myself with several poses that I've never been able to do, and would still like to achieve in this lifetime. So I say to myself: There's no other time to start working on them but now. Especially since these poses aren't natural for me, and will require a gazillion thousand breaths before I get deep into them. (Alam mo yung downward-facing dog? Lintek, ang sakit sa hamstrings.)

They say discipline is key. I believe that. SO much discipline is needed to keep doing these things. So I'm starting a ticklist of poses/super-human tricks I want to do before I die, which should give me enough drive to regularly hit the gym, and my brand-new mat:

1. Front Levers

Image depicts a gymnast on rings, but a similar challenge is presented to climbers. The only difference is climbers hold on to hangboards instead of gymnastic rings.

2. One-Arm Pull-up

It's as the name says. And again, practiced by both gymnasts and climbers. Requires ridiculous back and arm strength!

3. Straddle Press Handstand

This one is really a gymnastic move, done on the floor and balance beam as part of a routine. Tougher than a regular handstand, it requires the person to lift the legs up, slowly, using the body's core, instead of kicking off the floor and therefore "cheating" with the use of momentum. The core, man, it's in the core.

4. Full Boat Pose

I'm praying and wishing and hoping it won't take me 10 years before I get to do this full pose. I'm being positive, even if I'm only working on the half boat pose and constantly end up with embarrassing, spasmic spasmodic movements in my legs when I hold it for more than 5 breaths. My hip flexors are horribly weak like that.

5. Jump Back to Chaturanga Dandasana

I can't find a photo 'cause this is more of a movement than a pose. But basically it requires one to jump back from a sitting position (cross-legged or "indian-sit" style) into a plank position. That means you have to curl yourself into a ball (abs+hip flexor work), lift yourself up (back+shoulders+arm work), make your balled-up self squeeze into that space between your arms and swing your legs back (core work). Doing Step 1 already makes me depressed.

I therefore conclude...I should've been a gymnast.

*****
Photo credits: 
Images 1 & 2 - http://www128.pair.com/r3d4k7/Climbing&Gymnastics1.0.html
Full Boat Pose - http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/489
Jump Back - http://www.kinoyoga.com/how-to-jump-back/

I Am Grateful

How aptly branded, this Manduka mat is. But yes, it makes one feel grateful indeed.

Especially since it came in my favorite color. ;)

Manduka Pro-Lite, available in Certified Calm stores
(Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Two Parkade, Bonifacio Global City)