I’m ready for the weekend, even though I probably won’t do much. I’m going to try and stay off of my computer though, aside from the couple things I want to do on it. Or maybe I’ll just leave them until Monday.
I’ve spent the week working on some digital paper packs for my Etsy shop and to sell on Gumroad. Figuring out Affinity Designer has made my brain hurt.
And that’s why I’m now sitting in my yoga hammock and writing this post. I do like the gentle swaying motion; noticeable enough without making me feel nauseous.
I started by sitting in a saddle pose (one leg on either side of the hammock ), then stretched each leg out. The fabric is supporting my back, bum, and each leg. As I’m writing, I’m stretching my legs as far apart as I can, holding for about 30 seconds, then slowly bringing them back together. I can feel the pull in my inner thighs, which tells me I should be doing more stretching than I have been.
My next exercise is to put the bottoms of my feet together and bring them as close to my bum as I can. I can feel the pull in my inner thighs as well as my outer thighs. Even though the movements are slow and controlled, I can feel the burn.
As I have been doing the poses I have realized two things. One is that I have neglected to be consistent with my stretching, and two, it gets very hot in here when the fabric is closed at the top. As I stretch my legs outward I can feel the cooler air.
I know I probably couldn’t sit in this position for long if I was on my mat, so for me the yoga hammock helps me do more than I could otherwise. The downside is it’s so comfortable that I want to take a nap.
Have you had the opportunity to try a yoga hammock? Let me know in the comments below, and have a wonderful weekend.
I thought I was doing so well, then I was committed to a project for several hours per day for the last week. My progress went for shit, and I think I weigh more now than I did before Christmas. If it wasn’t for my Fitbit telling me to get up and move, I know I would have had a lot less steps than I did.
I’m happy to say that project is now in a box in my Jeep, ready to be mailed to the publisher. It really has been a thorn in my side, but at the end of the day, it has also been the connection to my late husband’s roots. And for that I am grateful.
When I packaged up the USB, index cards, and family histories tonight, I was very ready for a glass of wine. But as ready as I was, I opted to have some milk instead. The fact I hadn’t eaten supper didn’t help, so I figured milk was the better choice.
It’s all about the choices we make, no matter what’s going on in life. We can choose the wine and overdo it; or we can choose the milk and give our bodies the vitamins and minerals it needs. I will be honest; had I chosen the wine I wouldn’t be writing this post. I’d probably be playing Yahtzee or one of my other games on my iPad.
Granted, sometimes we don’t have any control over what happens. And it’s those times that we have to be thankful for the times we do have options. I know that by making even the simplest decisions I am helping myself become a better person. That’s not to say I won’t choose the wine tomorrow, but not having it tonight proves I don’t need it to celebrate a project completed.
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Tonight was also the first time in over a week that I did anything with my yoga hammock besides use it to balance myself when I was taking off my jeans. It felt good to stretch out in it and do a few easy poses. I like it for the Bridge Pose because it’s much easier on my spine than when I’m on the floor.
I also like to stretch my sides by curling to my right, then my left while laying on my back in the hammock. It’s essentially the same thing as standing on the floor and leaning to one side or the other, but with a better stretch because you don’t have to keep your balance in check. At least that’s my opinion.
You may think I’m choosing the easy way, but for me it works. And that’s what it’s all about; choosing whatever works for us at this point in time. Don’t let others tell you what you should be doing, such as a full cardio workout when your body isn’t ready. Take your time, but also give yourself a little push further with each workout.
I generally do five reps of the Bridge Pose, but tonight I did ten. Will I feel it in the morning? Yes, most likely. But I’ll have also given my muscles the extra stretch they’ve needed, since so many hours have been spent sitting in my computer chair and bent over a stack of papers at the table.
As I wrap up this rambly post, I’ll leave you with this: no matter how far you think you’ve fallen behind with your workouts or what have you, you can always choose to start again. It’s okay to be back at square one, because life happens. What’s not okay is to give up.
What do you do when you have a setback? Let me know in the comments below.
Yoga hammocks are becoming increasingly popular as a means of enhancing yoga and exercise routines. If you’re looking for a way to take your practice to the next level, a yoga hammock may be just what you need! From improved body alignment and flexibility to increased core strength, the benefits of incorporating a yoga hammock into your routine are numerous. Not only does it provide an extra layer of support, but it adds a fun new dimension to any exercise session.
Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee. Thank you for your continued support.
How to set up
The most important part of setting up is to make sure you have a solid structure for your hammock. Without a strong support you can easily be injured if the hammock falls while you’re using it. If you’re unsure of the structural integrity of the ceiling in your home, or screwing in mounting brackets is not an option it’s best to get a frame designed for yoga hammocks.
I own my home so do not have to worry about losing a security deposit because of the holes I drilled into my trusses. Even with following all of the installation instructions for the mounting brackets, I was still apprehensive about putting all of my weight in the hammock for the first time. Slow and steady is the way to go, and listen for any creaks or groans and the sound of wood splitting. Fortunately I didn’t have any trouble, and I was able to begin using my hammock shortly after installation.
Different exercises
Yoga hammocks have been gaining traction in the fitness industry, especially amongst yogis and aerialists alike. They offer a unique way to build flexibility and balance while having fun at the same time. If you’re interested in adding a yoga hammock to your practice, you’ll need some exercises to get started. Here are just a few of our favorite moves that you can do with your yoga hammock!
The first move is an inverted pull-up; it’s great for building strength and stability as well as improving your balance. Start by lying down on the floor beneath the hammock, then grab onto either side of it with both hands. Inhale deeply and use your core strength to pull yourself up into an inverted position, suspending yourself above the ground for a few seconds before gradually lowering back down again.
The tension of the fabric supports your weight as you move through different positions, allowing a greater range of motion than on solid ground. As well as stretching out tight muscles and strengthening weak ones, it also helps to build strong core muscles which is important for maintaining good balance. With each exercise you can feel yourself getting stronger and more flexible while having fun at the same time!
Three other popular poses are the Rainbow, Deep Swing, and Straddle Superman. The Rainbow pose involves stretching forward in the hammock while extending the legs and back behind you. For the Deep Swing pose, the feet come together in front of you and the chest lowers into the fabric. This pose provides an intense stretch for the shoulders, hips, and spine. The Straddle Superman pose is great for flexibility and strength as you pull yourself up by your arms with a flat back in an upright position from a seated position on the hammock. Try these yoga hammock poses today – your body will thank you.
My new yoga hammock.
Safety tips
One of the most important things to do before using your yoga hammock is to ensure its stability. If you have yours mounted in the ceiling with brackets, give it a steady tug (no sharp yanks) before you start each time. If using a frame, be sure the legs are all in the proper position and that all parts are in place. No matter how many times you’ve used it, take the couple of minutes to be sure all is still stable and in place. Your safety is #1.
One thing to keep in mind is to always ease into your hammock gently. It’s better for you and the fabric to not have any jarring movements. Even if you’re using a frame, plopping down into the hammock can cause unsteadiness. A yoga hammock is much the same as an outdoor hammock; ease into it, otherwise you could end up on your butt on the ground/floor.
Something else to keep in mind is to be sure you have enough clearance if you’re practicing inversion moves. Be sure the base of the hammock is high enough so when you do your flip you don’t hit your head on the floor. Having a crash mat is beneficial, so if you do slip the shock is absorbed.
Benefits for yoga
Yoga is a great way to stay healthy, gain strength, and find inner peace. Practicing yoga on a yoga hammock is even more beneficial, as it has many added benefits that help your yoga practice. A yoga hammock helps build strength and stability in the body by allowing for controlled movements with the support of the fabric, making poses easier to access and achieve. It increases muscular coordination and reflex response by encouraging you to use multiple muscles simultaneously in order to maintain balance. Additionally, the fabric helps open up hard to reach muscles, providing a deeper stretch than is possible on most mats.
Benefits for exercise
Incorporating a yoga hammock into your fitness routine can be an excellent way to increase strength and muscle tone. This type of equipment allows for easy flexibility training, targeting difficult-to-reach areas and supporting body weight in order to really challenge the muscles. Designed for stretching and strength building, this piece of equipment can work wonders for anyone’s strength training regime. You’ll also enjoy the feeling of being suspended and relieved from gravity – a sensation that is just out of this world. There are no downsides to including a yoga hammock in your next workout.
Wrapping it up
Yoga hammocks are a great way to enhance your yoga or exercise routine. They provide support and add a fun new dimension to any session. If you’re looking for a way to take your practice to the next level, consider incorporating a yoga hammock into your routine. Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you used a yoga hammock before? Let me know what you thought!
50 Something Yoga 