Confessions of An Off-Season Triathlete: Yamuna Body Rolling
Mary M | Jan 29, 2010 | Comments 5
This is the first installment of my “Confessions …” series where I’m going to take you through the various ways I keep myself busy while awaiting Chicago spring (never coming) and the 2010 triathlon season … hope you enjoy!
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As a triathlete many times over, I have become a fitness junkie and am always intrigued by different work out techniques. When I first heard about the Yamuna Body Rolling class that was only offered in Chicago at the Trump Tower, I was eager to test it out for myself.
While my workouts generally consist of pushing my heart rate well past zone three and generating so much sweat that my preplanned Whole Foods stop is foiled because I can’t risk seeing my Whole Foods crush in my current state, my dance background appreciates the slower paced class that focuses on balance and strength.
Upon arrival, I truly didn’t know what to expect. Mary, our instructor, unpacked her bag and out rolled various balls ranging in 4 to 9 inch sizes. She promptly assigned us balls according to our size (smaller balls for smaller people) and began to demonstrate the Yamuna technique. I would try to describe it but I would assuredly lose you. Instead, I offer a quick tutorial from instructor Mary.
While farther along the “strange” spectrum, my abs, neck and legs were very sore the next day. My body felt loose, as if I’d released toxins and renewed my joints. I can’t scientifically link the two but I’d wager they are connected.
What I do know are the three main benefits of the Yamuna technique:
1. Strengthening weight-baring stretch
2. Stimulating bone.
3. Creating space in the body.
… intriguing, huh?
Yamuna is the name of the technique’s founder who has a rich history in yoga and is now an internationally acclaimed Educator, Bodyworker, Herbalist and Aromatherapist.
If you get a chance, go check it out. Details here.
What do you do to pass the winter-caged-in-gym-but-I-have-to-keep-moving time?
Please tell me! Also,let me know about any interesting techniques you’ve heard of and I’ll attempt to test them out!
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Looks like a great conditioning activity between workouts.
Definitely not as zippy as Zumba!
Thanks,
Mary
I followed the tutorial, and as I did the exercises, I could feel my body lengthen. Being a college student with the burden of exams and papers, body rolling helps me relieve stress and maintain proper posture in all of my classes. After starting body rolling, I have been able to pay more attention to what the professors say, and I feel more relaxed when confronting my assignments. In addition, I find the body rolling technique to relieve congestion and achy muscles because it keeps my body stimulated.
It looks fairly inactive, but as someone who does Yamuna regularly I can testify that you truly work up a sweat! It’s great core work. And by freeing your skeleton from all those kinked muscles (including those you did not know existed) you move better, feel better. Try it!
I have taken Yamuna Body Rolling. For active people, it is a great supplementary system that can help keep overused muscles from holding too much tension. It won’t entirely replace a good massage, but it can get you more comfort in the meantime.
Ballet is my preferred fitness activity, so I loved the work on the feet. My balances were always better when we used the “wakers.”
Thank you for the comments! It’s great to hear from folks who’ve done it multiple times. It’s definitely a technique worth trying and I can imagine how it would help your balance and center. Especially your feet! What other techniques have you guys tried?