Jean in Newcastle Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I joke that I'm muscle bound. Not like a weight lifter, but because my muscles contract and just will not release. The Y has a Hatha yoga class that a friend is trying to get me to go to. Part of me wonders if it would be good for me because it might help me stretch and be more flexible. But part of me wonders if I will be able to do anything. I really cannot move very far in most directions and in our stretching after other classes have to modify quite a bit. So I wonder if I would be modifying everything in yoga! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Yoga has been really helpful for me. my balance is better, my flexibility is better, and my muscles are toning. the key is being aware of what your body is capable of, and using props so you can do what you are able to. you will get stronger, and you will get more flexible. Yoga can be adapted for all types - my mother's assisted living place had "chair" yoga. so even if all they could do was sit, and not stand, there were things they could do that would improve their condition. make sure the instructors idea of "beginner" includes inflexible people. :tongue_smilie: I've purhcased a few too many "beginning" yoga DVD's aimed at the physically fit set. there are some that are for true beginners. also, there are many styles of yoga, and if you don't like one, there may be another one you do like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Yes, of course. Yoga is for everyone. Everyone works to their own ability. Do ask the instructor for modifications. Definitely use props like a block to put your hand on and a wedge under your heels for positions like downward dog. The idea is to not stretch past the point of resistance. When you hit resistance, back off slightly and hold the pose. That point will move forward each time you go through the sequence. If you overchallenge that point, your muscles want to respond by clenching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSinNH Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Yes, yoga would be helpful for you. Just let the instructor know your limitations and abilities BEFORE the class begins. Any good instructor should be able to modify for all ability levels. If you are not happy with that instructor or type of yoga, be sure to try another. You will definitely see improvement in your range-of-motion and flexibility if you are consistent. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 A warning: You'll spend a lot of time on your knees. I started yoga last summer and ended up with damaged knees. Now, it's likely my fault since I was putting excessive weight on them, but I wish I'd known. I would have lost the weight first and then taken up yoga. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 When I do yoga, my body rebels for about two days, I am paying right now for yoga I did two days ago. All my symptoms flare whenever I strain anything. the only thing that works for me is walking. Just simple walking. Then I feel better for some odd reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Lynx Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Jean, Yoga is wonderfully beneficial. But remember, you do *not* have to stretch further than your body wants to to gain the benefits. Do not stretch to the point of pain. Yoga should *not* involve pain, or much difficulty. You will still reap all the benefits by only going as far as *your* body is ready for. If you keep it up, you'll eventually be able to do the full poses. But let that eventually come when it will. It is is not only fine, but important to modify, modify, modify. Can you speak with the teacher before class? A good teacher will understand and give you modification tips, and encourage you to only go as far as your body is ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Yoga is wonderfully beneficial. But remember, you do *not* have to stretch further than your body wants to to gain the benefits. Do not stretch to the point of pain. Yoga should *not* involve pain, or much difficulty. Well this is the thing: simply extending my arms out straight or to the side means pain. Bending to put something in the dishwasher means pain. Putting stuff into the washing machine or dryer is difficult and means praying that God will help me get through it! (No really - this is not a joke.) I do stretch at different times of the day trying to release my muscles. And that helps some. I use magnesium. Now occasionally I will have this wonderful day when I can move normally with no pain at all. But I have no idea what might have occurred for there to be a good day! (Food seems to be the same, sleep, supplements, etc.) I will try to talk to the instructor to get a feel for the class level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Jean, yoga would probably be beneficial but it will mean bending and stretching. Maybe you have a tai chi class somewhere close. I find that while I'm moving my body, I'm not doing a lot of bending and stretching when I do the tai chi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Jean, yoga would probably be beneficial but it will mean bending and stretching. Maybe you have a tai chi class somewhere close. I find that while I'm moving my body, I'm not doing a lot of bending and stretching when I do the tai chi. Hmmm. This sounds promising. What does Tai chi do for you? (That sounds blunter than I mean it to be. Perhaps a better way to put it is: What are the benefits of Tai chi?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 A warning: You'll spend a lot of time on your knees. I started yoga last summer and ended up with damaged knees. Now, it's likely my fault since I was putting excessive weight on them, but I wish I'd known. I would have lost the weight first and then taken up yoga. I've never done a yoga practice that spent much time on knees. one/two poses out of the entire practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Funny, before I read Chucki's response, I was thinking Tai Chi might be a better option too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Jean, please look at Yamuna Body Rolling. It has been very, very good for me, and was easier to start than Yoga or Tai Chi, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Well this is the thing: simply extending my arms out straight or to the side means pain. Bending to put something in the dishwasher means pain. Putting stuff into the washing machine or dryer is difficult and means praying that God will help me get through it! (No really - this is not a joke.) I do stretch at different times of the day trying to release my muscles. And that helps some. I use magnesium. Now occasionally I will have this wonderful day when I can move normally with no pain at all. But I have no idea what might have occurred for there to be a good day! (Food seems to be the same, sleep, supplements, etc.) I will try to talk to the instructor to get a feel for the class level. Have you seen a good chiro or massage therapist? sometimes if the spine is misaligned it can sorely affect that by pulling on the muscles. I had horrible tendonitis in my shoulder because of it. I know a *really* good chiro in Bellevue near home depot. Pm me if you're interested. again, yoga should help because the point is to stretch (and hold) so you feel it, but NO PAIN. I keep with the same DVD (maybe my aspergers, but I also think she's a good teacher and it feels good), who frequently will repeat "honor any restriction in your body". (re: if it hurts, back off until it doesnt.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Have you seen a good chiro or massage therapist? sometimes if the spine is misaligned it can sorely affect that by pulling on the muscles. Yamuna body rolling!!! I am able to stop all my massage and chiro appts when I keep up with it. It is all about alignment... check out her facebook page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Lynx Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Well this is the thing: simply extending my arms out straight or to the side means pain. Bending to put something in the dishwasher means pain. Putting stuff into the washing machine or dryer is difficult and means praying that God will help me get through it! (No really - this is not a joke.) I do stretch at different times of the day trying to release my muscles. And that helps some. I use magnesium. Now occasionally I will have this wonderful day when I can move normally with no pain at all. But I have no idea what might have occurred for there to be a good day! (Food seems to be the same, sleep, supplements, etc.) I will try to talk to the instructor to get a feel for the class level. That is not fun :( Hatha yoga is gentle, and a knowledgeable teacher should be able to understand and help. There are even "gentle yoga" classes around. I bet Tai Chi would be a good thing for you to look into, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Yamuna body rolling!!! I am able to stop all my massage and chiro appts when I keep up with it. It is all about alignment... check out her facebook page. Yoga has greatly reduced my chiro vists as well, and enhances the manipulations so my joints go back more easily. It will reduce more as I continue to improve. I still take my son (but I can't get him to do much of anything.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I had forgotten all about Tai Chi. I vote for it over Yoga. Yoga makes me feel sick when I am super tight. Also, consider foam rolling or rolling around on a stability ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Thanks everyone. I will do further research on Tai chi, Yamuna body rolling etc. (Gardenmom - my really good chiro is in Bellevue.;)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Our gym has several yoga classes. The Gentle Yoga sounds more like what you're looking for. Tai Chi would probably be nice too since he movements are slow and fluid. I don't particularly enjoy yoga classes, but I do love the way I feel for about a week after. It's just seems good for my posture and easing general aches that I can get in my neck and back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.