Yoga vs. Cycling

One of the definitions of yoga is “union;” I understand that as a reminder that a dynamic tension exists between opposites; in poses, for instance, we’re always trying to balance striving with contentment; as we breathe, we want to find the place where the inhale and exhale meet; and even in relaxation, we try to maintain a sense of aliveness and energy. Mixing cultural metaphors, it’s a yin/yang thing, a combination of light and dark, opposites attracting, or something like that, I don’t know.

What I do think I understand, however, is how two of my favorite things to do—ashtanga yoga and bicycle riding—seem to create this same sort of dynamic within me; they are constantly fighting it out with my body as the battlefield so to speak, and lately, it seems, bicycling is winning.

Around this time last year, I could do the entire Ashtanga first series and about half of the second almost entirely pain-free; nowadays, though, I don’t even really attempt the second and am glad to survive that first series with only having to modify three or four poses in order to manage them without tears springing to my eyes—and I blame a good deal of this on how much cycling I do. If it weren’t for way hill-climbing tightens up my quadriceps and hips, I might be able to get my feet around my neck or at least do Marichyasana D in some place other than my dreams.

By the same token, if I were to spend all the time I currently spend doing yoga riding around (or even, heaven forfend, training!) on my bike, I might not always get passed by everyone on the trail during my right home.

I’m not inclined, though, to give up either of these pursuits; I’ll just let their pitched battle continue; and if it’s true that cycling is slightly in the lead right now; it’s only a matter of time before yoga rebounds.