Your breath will get you through the demanding poses, for instance I will challenge myself to hold a plank pose for one and building to two minutes, which is around 10 - 20 long, deep breath cycles.
Not only will this build core strength, but you will also cultivate internal strength, stamina and will power. By staying in a poses longer than you want can help find stillness of the body and mind and this is the most challenging aspect of Yoga. I'm learning that holding poses are more challenging than flowing and moving and just as rewarding.
25.6.2013
I was able to start off strong, alignment felt good and breath flowing nicely. Thinking that I have practiced this pose many times in class and teaching, but I was wrong it is defiantly going to be a challenge.
26.6.2013
I am feeling really tired today, could easily go back to bed , however with many items on the agenda for today I need to build stamina, plank pose is a good pose to help me in this area. Omg I actually held plank for 11 breaths but they were quick but controlled, just need to slow the breath down , feeling it in my wrists, upper arms , core already since starting plus mt teaching and personal practice has been twists and core work. But I am happy with progress of today's plank.
27.6.2013
I did not try this challenge today.
28.6.2013
As I moved into position my back actually cracked wich was great :)
Now onto serious matters.. I was holding the plank Pose pretty strong and confident, breath was deep and long. Was retaining breaths at same length for inhale and exhale, I got to 10 breaths, then I was feeling pressure in my lower back , the core and arms. Typing this my upper arms are like jelly, lower back is feeling sore. Will need to work out why and adjust accordingly.
6.7.2013
After not working ony challenge for a few days , after a few rounds of a sun salutation A , I rested in DownDog and inhaled into Plank , was able to hold for 10 deep controlled breaths , by the 10th breath my body was shaking and was feeling the heat generate within my body. Felt pretty good today, nice and strong. Namaste !!