topic Re: Yoga Practice in Wellness

Yoga Practice

Sweetbay magnolia — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:40:49 GMT

If you practice yoga, how do you describe the effect on your well-being? In an attempt to heal spinal discomfort due to medically diagnosed conditions, I have just started learning. I find that it elevates my mood and has reduced imbalance and pain in my gait. My physical therapist recommended it, and I find that I wish I had started long ago.

Re: Yoga Practice

dulwich — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:53:57 GMT

I have thought about taking a yoga class but they are always in the evenings and last for 2 hours - not sure if as a beginner I could handle 2hrs. What do you Ladies think a.m. Or p.m. Best? And length of class. Thanks.

Re: Yoga Practice

Nancy Drew — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:57:38 GMT

On 11/25/2014 dulwich said: I have thought about taking a yoga class but they are always in the evenings and last for 2 hours - not sure if as a beginner I could handle 2hrs. What do you Ladies think a.m. Or p.m. Best? And length of class. Thanks.

I consider myself a beginner and a 2 hour class would be two much for me. My instructor always says you know your body more than I do so take a break at any time. I would either try to find a one hour or even DVD's and go at your own pace. As far as time I like a.m.

Re: Yoga Practice

June Lands — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:04:57 GMT

Do you think they have yoga classes for people with arthritis?

Re: Yoga Practice

Sweetbay magnolia — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:11:46 GMT

AnnaBella, I have arthritis in my back, and that is why I am learning the practice of yoga. I can't do nearly what some can, but in my world, small steps make a difference.

Re: Yoga Practice

RunnerMom — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:13:16 GMT

I do Hatha Yoga; a mix of physical stretching and breathing control. It helps with my stiff, sore back muscles and lung power for endurance running. I have done a lot of marathons, which have taken its toll on my body, and I have had a spinal procedure for a tumor pressing against it. So, yes yoga is good for a number of reasons. Namaste.

Re: Yoga Practice

Lorik62 — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:17:44 GMT

I started taking a Yin Yoga class at my local YMCA 2 months ago. Prior to that I was seeing a chiropractor for muscle tension and headaches. I have not had to see the chiropractor since taking this class. There are men and women in my class in their 70's and they are more flexible than I am. My class is in the morning for 1hour and 15 minutes. I love it!!

Re: Yoga Practice

feline groovy — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:44:49 GMT

It's hard to put into words, the priceless things that it's done for my body, soul, mind, and spirit.

So if I can express myself better, I'll re-post.

But I can mention that most people who take up the practice say that they wish (like you & I ) that yoga had come into their lives many years sooner. 8)

Re: Yoga Practice

sidsmom — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:30:39 GMT

I wanna play (crying, stomping feet)!! I read these posts about the benefits of yoga & sit slumped shouldered, defeated. I've tried yoga a bunch of times, but...just don't 'get' it. It's like a secret I'm not in on!! =:0.

feline..you have me wanting to try again!

Re: Yoga Practice

mom of 2boys — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:45:56 GMT

Yes yoga is good for arthritis, mood, energy,...and just about anything else u can think of...balancing hormones, digestion, and so on. I recently completed a 10 month course to become a yoga teacher and therapist, and am just beginning to understand about all the aspects of yoga. Beginner should strt with a 1 hour class, 2 would be way too much and may cause I jury if not a very good teacher. Go with an open mind, give. It at least 3 classes before you make up your mind. Morning classes are great to clear your head for the day and gain energy. Evening classes are good when you need some grounding or calming from things in your life. Hatha or flow yoga my fav.....but i like a work out too, beginner should look for some type restorative class...some classes you don't even get up off the floor and they are wonderful. Has done wonders for me after having my now 3 children....... I say the world needs more yoga.....less antidepressants

Re: Yoga Practice

Another new name Sue — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:51:50 GMT

On 11/25/2014 AnnaBella said: Do you think they have yoga classes for people with arthritis?

Of course! But you need a class or teacher who is sensitive to injuries or disabilities, either a gentle yoga or senior yoga class. This would be a teacher who offers alternative versions of the poses and eases you into them gradually after proper warm-up. You do NOT need a teacher who pushes you to go beyond comfort. While I do recommend a class and teacher, if you want to sample yoga, try one of Peggy Cappy's DVD's. She has several, but there is one called, "Easy Yoga for Arthritis."

I've practiced yoga off and on since the 1970's when Lilias Folan was on TV. It increases flexibility, balance, strength, and mental peace. It is not a competitive activity, each person goes at his/her own ability. You can hurt yourself, so it's best to use a DVD like Peggy's or be in a class.

Re: Yoga Practice

Witchy Woman — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:05:39 GMT

Some places offer "seated yoga" where you sit in a chair and do many moves.

I have done both floor and seated and for a beginner, seated would be wonderful.

Re: Yoga Practice

AspenGrove — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:17:18 GMT

On 11/26/2014 sidsmom said:
I wanna play (crying, stomping feet)!! I read these posts about the benefits of yoga & sit slumped shouldered, defeated. I've tried yoga a bunch of times, but...just don't 'get' it. It's like a secret I'm not in on!! =:0.

feline..you have me wanting to try again!

sidsmom -- I learned years ago that the right yoga teacher is key. I've taken tons of yoga classes over many years. Some teaching styles don't match the way I like to learn and so I didn't stay in those classes. For me, I've learned that classes with wonderful teachers are the key to my yoga bliss! I enjoy classes so much more than doing yoga alone in my house, but that's a personal preference. I encourage you to keep trying to find the best yoga practice that works for you. Once you do, you'll be in on the secret!

Re: Yoga Practice

olive59 — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:08:35 GMT

Sidsmom- if I remember correctly your are an athlete who is very active correct? Also a runner? I have found that HOT yoga is the right fit for me. I am also I'm very good shape and an active runner. Hot yoga is both a strenuous workout AND a peaceful restorative moving meditation for me . I don't have the same experience with regular yoga - not enough of a "" work out"" for me. This may be the secret to find your yoga bliss...!

Re: Yoga Practice

sidsmom — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:46:31 GMT

AspenGrove: YES! The type of instructor can make a HUGE difference...I've discovered that through years of cycling classes. I promise...I'll continue to my quest for the Holy Grail of Yoga!!

olive59: Yoga & running, yoga & cycling are so very Yin/Yang!! Even though I practice TM twice a day, I would still welcome the meditative portion of a yoga session. I'm not a runner, but I adore indoor cycling. As for the intensity....after years of overtraining (yikes!), I'm hanging up my 'bada$$ery attitude' (!) and sloooowing my workouts down to build my aerobic foundation. Hopefully my body & hormones will forgive me as I heal!! Restorative yoga or a flow yoga might fill this bill. Promise I'll try...can't get too much bliss, yes!!?

Re: Yoga Practice

feline groovy — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:36:38 GMT

On 11/26/2014 sidsmom said:
I wanna play (crying, stomping feet)!! I read these posts about the benefits of yoga & sit slumped shouldered, defeated. I've tried yoga a bunch of times, but...just don't 'get' it. It's like a secret I'm not in on!! =:0.

feline..you have me wanting to try again!

Thanks and hooray!! Go for it, Sid!!!

Just start taking 'hatha yoga" classes (the most basic form) 2-3 times a week at your local Y or elsewhere.

Eventually, you'll notice that you're more attuned to your body, and not just physically. And you''ll have more respect for it and what it can do, rather than just what it looks like.

And then you'll feel that the body truly is one's "temple", and it will support you better when you do the same: by treating it well everyday.

Like eating as healthy as possible, daily exercise (& yoga), good sleep hygiene, and daily meditation.

Self-compassion is difficult for most people, but yoga will open you up to it, and it will also expand your compassion for others.

Just be as patient and as conscientious as possible, as everyone is different when it comes to "getting it" as you say.

HTH! 8-)

Re: Yoga Practice

sidsmom — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:14:50 GMT

Sweet feline groovy!! =^..^=

Re: Yoga Practice

Sweetbay magnolia — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 04:32:33 GMT

I am inspired by these responses, to keep learning.

Re: Yoga Practice

magemay — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 05:18:20 GMT

I agree with what the fellow practitioners have said and have given great advice.

I began when I was 20, I'm 55 now so it's been 35 years (holy cow, where did that time go??) It's been a God send for me in every way. It's an integral part of my daily life and my primary source of stress reduction. If I miss a day my body can sure tell.

The beauty of yoga is that it's customizable and has virtually no age limit. It's not about trying to make yourself form into a pretzel, but it makes a remarkable difference in regards to your flexibility, endurance, concentration and focus, mood and all of the things listed above AND you get to wear really comfy clothes while doing it

If you can and have the want to, it's NEVER too late to start. Classes are readily available and there is a plethora of good DVD's, for every level, to do at home.

Re: Yoga Practice

magemay — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 05:29:29 GMT

On 11/26/2014 happygal said:
On 11/25/2014 AnnaBella said: Do you think they have yoga classes for people with arthritis?

Of course! But you need a class or teacher who is sensitive to injuries or disabilities, either a gentle yoga or senior yoga class. This would be a teacher who offers alternative versions of the poses and eases you into them gradually after proper warm-up. You do NOT need a teacher who pushes you to go beyond comfort. While I do recommend a class and teacher, if you want to sample yoga, try one of Peggy Cappy's DVD's. She has several, but there is one called, "Easy Yoga for Arthritis."

I've practiced yoga off and on since the 1970's when Lilias Folan was on TV. It increases flexibility, balance, strength, and mental peace. It is not a competitive activity, each person goes at his/her own ability. You can hurt yourself, so it's best to use a DVD like Peggy's or be in a class.

I missed this during my first read through. She is the reason and her program is how I first started. Loved her! She still has some DVD' s floating around. What a great instructor. She was on at 8:30 am, if I remember correctly and I still, after 35 years, do yoga in the morning, and I thank her for that. Great way to start the day.