Body Balance 24

I'm continuing to live my new life almost surprising myself in the process. This morning it was new Body Balance class with the lovely Elane who's probably my favourite Balance teacher. They had moved to program 24, which after one try I have to say must be one of the best ones I've done. Here's what it was like:

Tai Chi warmup: Elaine warned that the hand choreography was quite complicated, but when she showed it, it turned out to be just a variation of make hands like clouds (or wave hands like we used to call it). Not to say that it's not complicated - beginners spend quite a long time learning that move in Tai Chi, it was just familiar to me. Otherwise the track was quite typical Balance Tai Chi warmup with wide stances and choreography mainly for hands. Music was Moby's wonderful Porcelain.

Sun Salutation: Again, normal Sun Salutation, but hey - if it ain't broken, don't fix it. I didn't really enjoy some of the previous twisting salutations they had, so this was pretty perfect for me. Music was Sting's Desert Rose.

Standing Strength: Mostly yoga and different Warriors - starting with Warrior A and B, triangle and finish with Sun Warrior. Good thing about the Warriors is that you can do it just as intense as you want, and chicken out when you feel like it - like I did: after four months complete break from any exercise Warriors are a killer. Music was Heather Small's very fitting Proud.

Balance: I absolutely loved this new balance track. Some Tai Chi - style standings on one leg and bending over in different speeds, and the good old star. Choreography was quite simple - mainly just the same series over and over again - but then again I think Balance is about simplicity: you don't want an overcomplicated choreography because then you can't concentrate on... well, the balance. Music was the beautiful Paul Schwartz and The Joyful Company of Singers' Miserere.

Hip Opener: This was quite painful too because I seem to have lost all the flexibily I used to have. Quite complicated postures, but it felt very effective. I also notice that my left side seems a lot stiffer than my right side - I'm sure it didn't use to be so. Music was Streets Of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen.

Core: I don't usually like the Pilates-based Core and Back tracks, but this was quite bearable. Some extremely tense moves here, for the sides and the abs, but not too many cycle kicks. Music was My Love Is Your Love by Whitney Houston.

Back: This could have been worse too, but it was actually quite nice. I need to remeber to take another mat with me next time, as my hips are far too bony for this stuff and I don't do the moves as effectively as I should. Moves were basic: lay on you stomach and lift your legs and upper body. Simple but effective, I can feel it in my back. Music was Ain’t It Funny by J-Lo.

Twists: I like the twist tracks - I often find them quite easy and relaxing. These were standing twisting postures, some from yoga, some Body Balance. Music was very cheesy So Amazing by Clark Anderson.

Hamstring streches: By this time my legs were trembling like crazy, so hamstring streches really hurt. But in a good way, and it was quite nice to have one track just for them. The streches were done lying on your back while holding your leg and moving it from side to side. Music was Angel by Sarah McLachlan.

Class ended with meditation as always.

Really enjoyd this class and I think I'll try to get it into my Sunday schedule permanently.

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