Yoga

[houseelf]

So, I've doubled down on fitness. After 25 years of moderate running, I have to admit my endurance is not what it used to be and if I do 3+ I usually ache for two days afterwards. I could go on and on about how this makes me feel, but let's cut to the chase and say that I really don't like it. I love the spontaniety of running, the quick changes it does to my body, the connecting with nature. But alas, I need to listen to my body and maybe accept the fact that it's not in my best interest to pound it out anymore.

I'm on a bit of a yoga binge. I've been going to different places and trying all different types. Honestly, "yoga" is a term that means so many things that I'm never really sure what I'm going to get when I take a class. Ironically, there is a class twice a week at the convent across the street and it is both a challenging work out as well as that elusive search for peace. There have been several occasions where I have felt like crying in the middle of class, sometimes out of sorrow and occasionally out of joy. It's a bizarre phenomenon that I'm not sure I want to examine too closely.

TBH, I'm not sure I should do this more than 2 times/week. It's awful shoulder-y. Yes, that's my word. I don't want to exchange one set of aches and pains for another. It is amazing how changing it up demonstrates that ability in one forum doesn't always translate to ability in another athletic forum. I had no idea my hips and hamstrings were so tight. It kind of makes me competitive when I see women older than me do the dove pose better than me. (Pretty sure yoga is the antithesis of competition, so I'm not sure I've totally got the spirit).

I know there are several yogis here. What are some tips, observations, hints I should know? When do I look like the models from Athleta?

[Thirteen]

Yoga

When you get that look, let me know what you did to achieve it! 😇
I have a mom belly, but yoga makes me feel strong in ways that lifting and running don't.
I myself only go to class 1-2x week, because those chest openers, man. ☺


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[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I have horrible horrible flexibility after years of running. I'm trying to commit to barre or yoga 2x/month (all that I can manage).


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[medpedspouse]

Yoga should never hurt. Good yoga instructors never just stay in front of the class and show everyone what THEY can do. Good yoga instructors are constantly walking around the room and making sure your alignment is correct and showing you modifications to poses that are still just as beneficial. For example, touching your knees (if done properly) will give you the same benefit as touching your feet (once you get there). If it is too "shoulder-y", you may need some modifications to reap the same benefit without added strain/stress to your body.

I love yoga because despite any injury, I can still practice and get the benefits. For a while there I had to plank on my knees...done correctly, my abs still got a workout. No, it is not a competitive activity. My first yoga instructor was 63...back in 1998. I wanted to be a version of her when I got to that age. Now, I want to be a version of this 96 year old. https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/tao-por...883845258.html

I say keep looking until you find a yoga instructor that is willing to work with you/your needs. You should be able to do yoga everyday and yoga should help with whatever other sports/activities you wish to pursue. I know my DH (a cyclist and runner) swears by yoga.

[Thirteen]

Do you have access to a strap, [MENTION=792]houseelf[/MENTION]? I find straps help me, since ROM for my shoulders is a little limited.

I also agree with pose modification, and yoga not hurting.



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[Vishenka69]

Another vote for pose modifications and finding an instructor who will properly advise you on them.

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[MrsK]

I really want to do yoga! I used to before kids. Then I tried when Lambie was 4mo, that's 4mo after my 3rd c-section and I really struggled. It was painful and I totally felt like an underachiever with all the older people in my class moving so easily. The instructor called me out for struggling. Didn't come to the back of the room or show me any modification but just kind of a "stop whining" which embarrassed me. I explained that it was my first class after abdominal surgery and the others in the class were encouraging but I was too humiliated to return.

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[medpedspouse]

I really want to do yoga! I used to before kids. Then I tried when Lambie was 4mo, that's 4mo after my 3rd c-section and I really struggled. It was painful and I totally felt like an underachiever with all the older people in my class moving so easily. The instructor called me out for struggling. Didn't come to the back of the room or show me any modification but just kind of a "stop whining" which embarrassed me. I explained that it was my first class after abdominal surgery and the others in the class were encouraging but I was too humiliated to return.

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I am sorry this was your experience and glad you shared a fantastic example of a poor yoga instructor. I never realized how lucky I was with my first instructor - she set the bar high and I have walked out of classes if the instructor does not walk around....or it is one of those pseudo yoga classes where the gym loving folks have decided to turn it in something that is not. For example, the class with the hip hop music to wake us up along with our sun salutations (eye roll) or the one in a black light room where the instructor can't see you. If you love these type of classes that is awesome but do not call them yoga.

In my current class, we have people with MS, recent surgeries and healthy but just not used to moving their bodies - I have seen them all benefit. My instructor will take the time to get to know each new person, ask about injuries as well as has been known to stop in the middle of class to teach someone a safer way to sit on their mat or get up. The last is sometimes brutal because it always seems to happen while I am holding a pose that I do not particularly love to hold ....but I am also encouraged to stop and find a comfortable position while I wait.

Again, so sorry for that awful experience. I hope you give it a try again and have a better experience....walk out otherwise.

[MAPPLEBUM]

I'll admit the #1 deciding factor of which class / studio I go to is from reading teacher's bios. Not that you can't be a good teacher with less experience but...I always go for the RT-500 trained and / or with many years experience. Hands down (no pun intended) those are the ones I return to again and again. As mentioned before a great teacher has the confidence to walk around a room fixing form and giving tips. They're often not afraid to leave the entire class in one position as they work with one person. They are also confident enough to provide modifications on the spot, either for less or more advanced students. And they do it gracefully! Ugh. For me, if it's the right teacher it doesn't matter if the class is slow flow or fast paced vinyasa, no matter the class will provide challenge, inspiration, repose, and a work out.


Also, I know yoga isn't supposed to be competitive but if you go to any classes directed towards intermediate / advanced students you'll find them. It's just human nature. For over a year I attended a Monday night class that several practicing teachers attend. It was inspiring as hell but I had been going to that studio (and particular teacher) long enough to not be embarrassed that I couldn't do things like a hand or chin stand during my sun sals. ...or ever for that matter. The key for me was to really take seriously the challenge or intention set at the beginning of class and try not to pay attention to how I measured against the rest.


Also, most of my flexibility was achieved through sedentary poses at home. I rarely go to a restorative class but when I practice at home pretty much all I do are long holds.

[MrsK]

I actually have a cousin here who owns a yoga studio. I've been afraid to go because I know she spends half her day standing on her head effortlessly.

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[MAPPLEBUM]

Yea I felt super awkward going to SIL's spin class the last time I was in NYC. Especially since she'd made a comment about how when their cousin had attended he looked like he was about to pass out. You bet I put on my game face and didn't turn up the resistance as much as I normally would. LOL!

I actually have a cousin here who owns a yoga studio. I've been afraid to go because I know she spends half her day standing on her head effortlessly.

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[medpedspouse]

This makes me sad. I guess that is why I am not one for competitive sports/activities. My brain is just not wired that way. If your cousin spends half her day on her head and derives some benefit from such I think that is great. Not for me and it would not bother me if someone can do something that I cannot do at this point. I love how I feel after headstands and can tell you that it took me several years of practice to gain the confidence (trust my body) before I could do one. My yoga instructors encouraged me and helped me but I was afraid. Now I can and so what...there are times I actually derive more benefit form just lying flat on my mat. The only time I have ever fallen into the bad habit of comparing myself is when I do not practice for a while and lose some flexibility/ability and I get down on myself comparing myself to where I was. This, I know, is not helpful at all and I try my best to not entertain such thoughts for long.

[Ladybug]

I love hot yoga, and there is a runner's yoga class.

[Ladybug]

This makes me sad. I guess that is why I am not one for competitive sports/activities. My brain is just not wired that way. If your cousin spends half her day on her head and derives some benefit from such I think that is great. Not for me and it would not bother me if someone can do something that I cannot do at this point. I love how I feel after headstands and can tell you that it took me several years of practice to gain the confidence (trust my body) before I could do one. My yoga instructors encouraged me and helped me but I was afraid. Now I can and so what...there are times I actually derive more benefit form just lying flat on my mat. The only time I have ever fallen into the bad habit of comparing myself is when I do not practice for a while and lose some flexibility/ability and I get down on myself comparing myself to where I was. This, I know, is not helpful at all and I try my best to not entertain such thoughts for long.

This is me skiing! I have no desire to barrel down the black diamonds. I really like the greens. My kids don't get this and get annoyed with me, but it's not a competition. Anyways...yoga...

[SoonerTexan]

This is me skiing! I have no desire to barrel down the black diamonds. I really like the greens. My kids don't get this and get annoyed with me, but it's not a competition. Anyways...yoga...

I need to ski with you. For real. Going with my husband was a semi-traumatizing experience.

Sorry, sidetrack!

I miss yoga.