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Push It Real Good
We have all been there. Going for that 10km run that you miss so desperately despite the lingering flu symptoms; shoving the bad knee into lotus position although the knee is hurting miserably. It seems we never know where our physical limit is before we land ourselves into trouble. No, we can never be perceived as whingers or worse, lazy people who cop out of imperfect situations. But there is wise push and there is foolish push. I have had my fair share of hard lessons experienced and learned.
Practising Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has been an invaluable process for me. It is such a demanding form of practice that requires a disciplined mind and humbling attitude. The irony is, Ashtanga yoga is very challenging physically, and because one will only be given a new posture in a progressive way (by the teacher) when one has competently absorbed the previous, this system could lead to a driven-centric mentality, especially if you are Type A personality by nature. The most magical thing about yoga - it is the naked truth. It reveals your strengths and weaknesses mercilessly. If you can't put that leg behind your head, you can't. That egotistical mind could force it behind, but you pay the price. Appropriate use of arms and legs increases circulation, space and support for the joints. One has to be patient in allowing the body to release its obstructions at its own pace. By prematurely attempting postures beyond your ability, students end up overusing one body part to push or pull the body into positions to compensate for another stiff area. This misguided behaviour only causes harm in the long run.
In sport, the key question is "what are the chances of overtraining?" I often have been accused of "doing too much". I run an average of 8-10km a day and also practise yoga daily. This might seem like plenty for an average layman, but to an athlete it is probably a stroll in the park. Each individual is different and has reached a different level of fitness ability. I know of people who run 20km a day. That is nearly half a marathon. For them, it is not too much. It does not cause them physical or mental exhaustion or pain in any form. I believe that pushing yourself through that occasional fatigue is all right. But not when one is ill or when pain is acute.
Paula Radcliffe famously ran marathons throughout her pregnancy. For the regular Joe, that would be foolish. But for the seasoned marathon champion, her body has become accustomed to the activity. Many professionals have agreed that with sensible intake of food and fluids, the chances of overtraining are very slim. Being patient helps too. You start off small, and build up the mileage steadily. Then the chances of consistency and longevity of your training will be much higher.
Impatience is born from ignorance of the simplicity of the activity, be it Hatha yoga or sport. If done wisely and patiently, the mind and body will become more fluid and sensitive with the practice of yoga. One will then be more intuitive and sensitive to the body, and know when you have pushed beyond that line of unrealistic ambition.
Celeste Lau
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