Yoga Is Magic!

[Cindysphinx]

I went to a yoga class this morning. I have been to yoga maybe twice before and found it a reasonable way to spend an hour but nothing special.

I think I have changed my mind.

The reason I went is because my chiropractor, my PT, my OS and pretty much every medical professional I have met in the last five years has told me I am tight tight tight tight. It is the first thing they say when they examine me.

Well, now I'm dealing with a rhomboid strain, a muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, and nerve irritation that sometimes feels like a cell phone is vibrating inside my arm. My PT suggested yoga. Hence the yoga.

I showed up for the class and introduced myself to the teacher, telling her I was a newbie. Unfortunately, the class was crowded and I had to be right in front with the teacher. I am very, very, very inflexible and tight. That's just the way I roll, but it is embarrassing to have everyone witness it.

This teacher was the best. She kept coming over and giving me extra equipment and little tricks to have better form. After one hour, my arm, shoulder and back felt better than it has in months.

I have only one quibble. The lady next to me kept looking at me with evident disapproval. After a while, she couldn't restrain herself anymore and started correcting me: "Put your weight on the outside of your foot." I thanked her and all, as she was correct. But still. I thought you were supposed to focus on your own deal in yoga. Don't judge me!

I have recruited a friend to do yoga with me, and I can't wait to do it again!

[atatu]

That's good to hear, I'm also really tight and have been telling myself for years to go to Yoga. One thing I hate is that at least around here (Austin) there are very few morning classes, mostly evening classes and with my kids I really can't take the time to go after work. Is there some morning bias against Yoga classes in the am ?

[icarus180]

Originally Posted by atatu

That's good to hear, I'm also really tight and have been telling myself for years to go to Yoga. One thing I hate is that at least around here (Austin) there are very few morning classes, mostly evening classes and with my kids I really can't take the time to go after work. Is there some morning bias against Yoga classes in the am ?

The bias is likely that the majority of practitioners in the states are women. And women are, statistically, more likely to have free time during the days.
You might want to look at the following sites which provide yoga sheduling in the morning in the Austin area (one of America's greatest little cities):

http://www.yogayoga.com/schedule
http://blackswanyoga.com/#schedule
http://behappybeyoga.com/schedule/
http://yogagroove.com/schedule.html
http://www.eastsideyoga-austin.com/s...-Schedule.aspx

Best

[atatu]

Originally Posted by icarus180

The bias is likely that the majority of practitioners in the states are women. And women are, statistically, more likely to have free time during the days.
You might want to look at the following sites which provide yoga sheduling in the morning in the Austin area (one of America's greatest little cities):

http://www.yogayoga.com/schedule
http://blackswanyoga.com/#schedule
http://behappybeyoga.com/schedule/
http://yogagroove.com/schedule.html
http://www.eastsideyoga-austin.com/s...-Schedule.aspx

Best

Thanks, I guess I was looking at the wrong places !

[Cindysphinx]

Around here, there are actual Yoga studios that do nothing else. I would imagine they would have early morning classes.

Do report back if you go. I don't want to be the only one.

I'm a beginner, so I figure the classes at the gym (which don't cost extra) are good enough. Today's instructor was much better than the other lady who led a class once, so I guess that matters a lot.

[Tennis_Monk]

As far as my experience with Yoga goes....doesnt do a damn thing for me. Ofcourse some of those stances/asanas they describe are already part of my life style. i felt these extra classes are a waste of my time.

[Zolar]

Originally Posted by Tennis_Monk

As far as my experience with Yoga goes....doesnt do a damn thing for me. Ofcourse some of those stances/asanas they describe are already part of my life style. i felt these extra classes are a waste of my time.

I fall in this camp. I am also a very tight individual, and Yoga hasn't really helped, though I've tried it over the years. The only people I know who seem to enjoy it are those that are already very flexible. I get pretty discouraged when I can't even get close to what the others are doing. I mean, if I lean over and try to touch my toes, I'm lucky to get within a foot!

Does stretching at that point help prevent injuries??

[sureshs]

I can't even do the Padmasana (cross legged lotus pose) and neither could my father his entire life. I can only get to 6 inches of my toes. I think it is genetic and not an indicator of health.

What does that all that extra flexibility do for you? I play pretty good tennis without it. I just do some basic stretching for 10 minutes before a session.

There are also claims about how yoga helps the internal organs. Are they really true? I have heard that squeezing the pancreas is good for diabetics. Does it really work that way? Do internal organs also need "exercise?"

[boramiNYC]

Originally Posted by sureshs

I can't even do the Padmasana (cross legged lotus pose) and neither could my father his entire life. I can only get to 6 inches of my toes. I think it is genetic and not an indicator of health.

What does that all that extra flexibility do for you? I play pretty good tennis without it. I just do some basic stretching for 10 minutes before a session.

There are also claims about how yoga helps the internal organs. Are they really true? I have heard that squeezing the pancreas is good for diabetics. Does it really work that way? Do internal organs also need "exercise?"

flexibility is def not genetic. but behavior and habits from your parents can be hereditary.

further flexibility will help your tennis immensely. a lot of techniques that you don't understand or your body simply cannot perform will be available once your flexibility improves. not that you'll instantly play better tennis but you'll be able to learn more sophisticated techniques and movement patterns that your body simply could not process before.
about the internal organs being affected is also true. flexible and strong muscles of the lower abdomen and around pelvis can change abdomen pressure. improvement here will also affect breathing, voice, and singing.

yoga is only one of many ways that can raise awareness of flexibility. flexibility may not directly affect longevity but it directly affects mobility esp in tennis, dance or any discipline where you have to move with fine control.

[Pbarrow]

Of course there are different types and styles of yoga, some more meditiative and others more exercise oriented. I am a huge fan and advocate of heated power yoga. It is good for thr lungs, muscles, and mind. I can't imagine anyone who has been to a few of this type of yoga class saying it is not beneficial (first time may be a bit tough). Core strength and flexibility are major benefits of power yoga.

[crystal_clear]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

I went to a yoga class this morning. I have been to yoga maybe twice before and found it a reasonable way to spend an hour but nothing special.

I think I have changed my mind.

The reason I went is because my chiropractor, my PT, my OS and pretty much every medical professional I have met in the last five years has told me I am tight tight tight tight. It is the first thing they say when they examine me.

Well, now I'm dealing with a rhomboid strain, a muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, and nerve irritation that sometimes feels like a cell phone is vibrating inside my arm. My PT suggested yoga. Hence the yoga.

I showed up for the class and introduced myself to the teacher, telling her I was a newbie. Unfortunately, the class was crowded and I had to be right in front with the teacher. I am very, very, very inflexible and tight. That's just the way I roll, but it is embarrassing to have everyone witness it.

This teacher was the best. She kept coming over and giving me extra equipment and little tricks to have better form. After one hour, my arm, shoulder and back felt better than it has in months.

I have only one quibble. The lady next to me kept looking at me with evident disapproval. After a while, she couldn't restrain herself anymore and started correcting me: "Put your weight on the outside of your foot." I thanked her and all, as she was correct. But still. I thought you were supposed to focus on your own deal in yoga. Don't judge me!

I have recruited a friend to do yoga with me, and I can't wait to do it again!

Good for you~

"After one hour, my arm, shoulder and back felt better than it has in months."
you must do things right. I will join a gym this winter and hopefully I can try some yoga classes too.

BTW, I'd love if my classmate is willing to correct my form.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by crystal_clear

Good for you~

"After one hour, my arm, shoulder and back felt better than it has in months."
you must do things right. I will join a gym this winter and hopefully I can try some yoga classes too.

BTW, I'd love if my classmate is willing to correct my form.

I don't know if classmates should go around correcting each other. I also thought you weren't supposed to talk during yoga.

For instance, my classmate didn't know about my back/shoulder issue. The teacher did, 'cause I told her.

And I'm just going to come right out and say it: People who are really flexible can be *sooooo* obnoxious. They seem to struggle with the concept that some people are not flexible, were not born flexible, will never be flexible. Yes, they can get a bit more flexible if they work at it.

But there are limits. If someone promised to pay me $1 million if I could sit on the floor, spread my legs and touch my forehead to the floor between my legs, I would never win that money. The gumbies out there need to check their superior attitudes at the door.

[BMC9670]

Cindy, I'm curious, how often do your various medical advisers suggest you do yoga? I'm not flexible as well and feel as I get older it will only get worse. Just wondering how many times per week a beginner should so yoga to have it be effective.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by BMC9670

Cindy, I'm curious, how often do your various medical advisers suggest you do yoga? I'm not flexible as well and feel as I get older it will only get worse. Just wondering how many times per week a beginner should so yoga to have it be effective.

I honestly don't know. No one has said.

I figure I'm pretty limited by my schedule and how infrequently the classes are held. So it is unlikely that I will overdo it.

[BMC9670]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

I honestly don't know. No one has said.

I figure I'm pretty limited by my schedule and how infrequently the classes are held. So it is unlikely that I will overdo it.

I'm not worried about overdoing it for the same reasons you mention. I'm more worried about under-doing it if, for example, once a week isn't enough for it to be effective. Keep us updated on your results.

[Fee]

Originally Posted by BMC9670

I'm not worried about overdoing it for the same reasons you mention. I'm more worried about under-doing it if, for example, once a week isn't enough for it to be effective. Keep us updated on your results.

From what I understand, once a week isn't enough. Classes are expensive and for those who can't afford them, I strongly recommend using a DVD at home. The downside is that it can take you a while to find one that works for you, obviously eveyone has different biases so user reviews are not always helpful. Try the library or netflix or borrowing from friends or youtube or something.

On a personal note, I love the AM/PM stretch from Gaiam by Madeline Lewis. I have done enough dance/training/yoga/whatever to know how to modify the moves on my own because I'm not flexible, and the one drawback to this disc is that she does not have a second person working with her to demonstrate modifications. On the other hand, her instruction and cueing is pretty good and I am not yet tired of listening to her say the same things on repeated use of the disc. This is not yoga, it's stretching but its very helpful.

I haven't found the perfect yoga dvd yet. If anyone has any recommendations, please share them.

[catfish]

I have been taking Yoga classes at my tennis/fitness center for a few years now. Yoga is wonderful for everything! I'm not a very flexible person, but Yoga has made me more flexible. I don't know how to describe it, but it really is good for the mind & body. The more you do yoga, the more you realize that good concentration is key to performing many of the poses correctly.

With my work & tennis schedule I am only able to go to classes twice a week. But I also practice at home as much as possible. Sometimes I get very busy and skip yoga for about a month and I always feel horrible when I do this. But it doesn't take long to get back to normal with a couple of yoga classes.

Yoga is very complimentary to tennis. It works the core, and helps your balance tremendously. I was amazed at how many more balls I could get to after I started doing yoga. I highly recommend it.

[Fee]

try this series of yoga for inflexible people on youtube. there are 58 of them total, you can just do whatever you want or create a youtube account and make your own playlists of say 10 poses at a time.

http://youtu.be/HxawfWl09Ts

[Jeebs]

I got a good deal for two weeks unlimited access to a local bikram yoga studio and it was really worthwhile. Just a shame it's normally so expensive as to be prohibitive.

[achokshi99]

Andy murray is a big yoga guy. I my get into it. I am 34 andfeel the grind from tennis muchmore than i used to.