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WELL-BEING

annik

POSTED: Sat, 04/18/2009 - 4:45pm

Have you tried yoga yet?

Share your experiences with yoga -- the frustrations, the challenges, the joys

malkan

POSTED: Mon, 10/03/2011 - 9:21am Yoga I just took yoga class for first time in years and felt so great afterwards...looking forward to continuing will go back tho' amidst 30 something lithe thin women I am 60ish.

Kelly11

POSTED: Fri, 04/27/2012 - 9:56pm How wonderful I have discovered the most wonderful gentle yoga class!

snorklee

POSTED: Wed, 01/25/2012 - 1:47am Ah... the 30 somethings.... I love to take yoga classes, too, and coming up on 56 years, my flexibility leaves much to be desired. When I went to an ashram for a week of yoga, I was the sweaty, unflexible one, who could not for the life of me go from downward facing dog to warrior in one easy motion. For me it was a 3 to 4 step struggle every single time. After constantly feeling bad about myself, my instructor, who was actually older than me, in that timeless, yogic way, said, just tell your body, "not this pose, not this day, and keep trying. It will come if you ask for it." I carry those words to every yoga class where I am the one struggling for balance, or unable to complete a pose. It will come. :)

Ava

POSTED: Wed, 01/25/2012 - 8:57am It takes time It took me about a year before I regained my balance. When I was younger, I had great balance from horse riding, sailing and ballet practically daily. I assumed I would always have my balance but after gaining weight a few years ago (and letting my fitness slip due to travelling so much, a dodgy knee and a seriously badly twisted ankle from falling down the stairs ...a stupid and avoidable thing to do; not recommended!), I discovered that my balance had gone. That was a worry and a shock - plus no more high heels! That was four years ago (I also did kickboxing back then which helped with balance). However, after about a year of training with pilates and yoga as well as dance, I have finally regained my balance and can hold poses. It's also a matter of mind. If you hold your focus on a certain spot - I find that really helps you to concentrate and hold the pose. Keep at it and you'll not only get there but find it truly satisfying too!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 01/25/2012 - 11:19pm Balance Becomes more difficult as we age.In the past 4-5 years I fell and really hurt myself,on 4 occasions.My balance is better now but I have to keep an eye on it.Let's stay upright,mes soeurs.OXO

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 01/25/2012 - 8:46am Deb Your persistence is nothing short of brave.I do admire you and you are a beautiful example of what a woman can do.OXO

yogamomma

POSTED: Wed, 01/25/2012 - 4:30pm Yogamomma is a YOGA TEACHER! =) ... so if you ever have questions about yoga, please feel free to contact me directly at ekgsmith@hotmail.com... There are so many different kinds of yoga, and "intensities". I am in my early 40's (I turn 41 tomorrow), and attend and teach classes that are both "all level" and gentle. I have had women in their 80's in my gentle classes that start out with zero balance and zero flexibility, and are now able to attend all level classes. But, honestly, I have younger women in their 20's and 30's with almost as much flexibility and balance as the women in their 80's. Every body is different, and every teacher and class is different. Find a teacher that offers modifications for poses that are difficult or painful, whether it involves a chair, or standing near a wall so you have something to "hang onto". Same goes for knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, necks. Almost any pose can be modified to accommodate anyone (with a doctor's release!). Sure, there are certain poses some people shouldn't do in any form. There are also many poses with contra-indications for high or low blood pressure,which affects people of any age! And as far as yoga goes spiritually, there are also all levels of yogic "philosophy"... Personally, I am a Christian yoga teacher. MY teacher isn't a Christian yoga teacher, but she doesn't bring any Omming into her classes. And other teachers do a LOT of chanting in Sanskrit. It is a matter of preference and comfort level. A simple pose for improving balance - standing on one foot in the kitchen, holding onto the countertop. Alternate legs. Hope this helps! Erin

malkan

POSTED: Mon, 01/23/2012 - 9:05am Self Acceptance Thank you for the kindness in your reply to my post. I just discovered these today. Encouraged by your reflections I am back to class today! Merci bien!!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/23/2012 - 9:35am Hi Mollie Good for you for going back.being 60 something myself,I know how daunting self acceptance can be.You are courageous.OXO

Robbyn

POSTED: Tue, 10/04/2011 - 7:11pm HI MALKAN!!!! I've never tried yoga but hear it's not easy so i admire you for doing it! and don't worry about those lithe thin women honey! just do your own thing and YOU WILL ROCK! XO, :)

Marilyn

POSTED: Tue, 10/04/2011 - 6:17am Yoga My yoga class is great. We are mainly all retired ladies of 'a certain age' so there is not that problem, but Malkan just do your own thing. Yoga is so individualand it is not always the lithe, thin ladies who are the most flexible or the most centred.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 10/03/2011 - 2:43pm Brave you That's what keeps me out of Yoga classes .That and a true distaste for exercising on the floor.I admire your determination.OXO

snorklee

POSTED: Wed, 10/05/2011 - 7:48am Yoga I love an exercise that lets me lay down. lol. I've done yoga since I was 14 years old, but not consistent enough to reap much benefit. I've been all sorts of weights during these years, and it is hard not to compare to thin young things... but as I get older... and older.... I'm finding that I am frequently the oldest person in most groups. So, I've developed a laissez faire attitude these days. Everyone will be younger than me, and (lithe-er than me) at some point, and there's not a thing I can do to turn back the clock and be 30 again. So... deep breath... and I let them have their time, and release any feelings of envy and send good energy out for them to feel good in their skin too, because they are thin and lithe and thirty. I was thirty once, and had my day, and now it's their turn. And someday, because the universe is reciprocal, they will be 55 like me. We are all where we need to be exactly when we need to be there. Ommm. :)

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Mon, 10/03/2011 - 11:18pm Just don't look at the thin young things!! I like that my yoga teacher covers the windows, turns off the lights, and burns candles during the class. After a few sessions, once we're familiar with her flows, she encourages us to shut our eyes frequently and NOT look in the mirror or each other. "It's how you feel, pay attention to how you feel!" It's so true, although it does take a bit of practice and mental gymnastics to stop looking outward and really look inward. For me, it's more than worth the effort but I know it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea.

Naja

POSTED: Tue, 10/04/2011 - 2:52am Elisabeth G I totally agree with you! I miss my yoga classes so much. It's not easy to find the right instructor. Last year I followed a superb class, but they changed their program and I can't fit in. Since then I've tried many other yoga/pilates studios and I'm really disappointed...So, apart from The Walk, I'll soon be trying some Kundalini Yoga from a fabulous DVD I own, at home. Cheers!

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Tue, 10/04/2011 - 5:34pm Yoga DVD's Naja, I've never heard of Kundalini Yoga and just googled it - I am intrigued! I'll definitely check this out. My favorite DVD's are "Yoga for Urban Living" and any of the Yoga Zone series. Both are traditional Hatha yoga sessions. I'm generally pretty motivated about practicing at home, but it can never match the energy of a group class. Sorry you lost your class, I know what a disappointment that is. A studio near my home has a great teacher and a wonderful Saturday a.m. restoration class, but it's in a hot studio which I don't enjoy. Now that the weather is turning and the snowy season is approaching, I may consider it again. It makes my arthritic joints feel good, but I just don't like the heated room.

Naja

POSTED: Wed, 10/05/2011 - 4:59am I'll check it out. Your DVD sounds intriguing. In the meantime, here's the amazon link where I bought mine from: http://www.amazon.com/Fat-Free-Yoga-Weight-BEGINNERS/dp/B000AY6JVK. Try it out. It's really amazing! It's the one that I can say it almost beats the class sessions. Thank God!!!

Naja	POSTED: Wed, 10/05/2011 - 5:00am And... It's not only for beginners. The title is "Fat Free Yoga - Lose Weight & Feel Great FOR BEGINNERS & BEYOND" w/ Ana Brett & Ravi Singh, so if you belong to a higher yoga level, then you'll find this one challenging enough.

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Wed, 10/05/2011 - 12:48pm Thank you for the recommendation! Sounds interesting - I love having a variety. Sometimes I want a challenge, sometimes I want to skate by with the bare minimum just to be able to say I've done SOMETHING before bedtime. I've ordered a copy and will let you know how it works for me. Thank you for the recommendation.

Naja	POSTED: Fri, 10/07/2011 - 3:58am Cheers, Elizabeth G! Yeah, let me know when you try it.

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Fri, 10/21/2011 - 11:25pm Kundalini yoga update Hello Naja, I picked up the DVD you recommended and found it a surprisingly different form of yoga. It was very invigorating! I thoroughly enjoyed it, although I found it harder to sustain the prolonged "fire breathing" than it seems. I really feel it in my entire core, which is fantastic because that's my main problem area. It will be a great alternative to my regular yoga practice, when I want something energizing. Have a great evening!

Naja

POSTED: Mon, 10/24/2011 - 5:35am Great news! You'll see, it's great exercise and the scales are friendlier the next day. I found "fire breathing" excellent aerobics of its own, not to mention the section called "no impact aerobics". This DVD does miracles! I'm very happy you liked it!!! Keep on keeping on and have a great week!!!

AngelaR

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 3:08pm Tried I did try a yoga class, but I don't think it's the right thing for me. I have joined a walking group instead which I find much more enjoyable.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 8:18pm Like you Angela I prefer to walk.Great that you found a walking group.I am reading "Healing Walks for Hard Times" and following that program.I tend to prefer to walk alone.I need the quiet time and am learning to quiet my mind and use it as meditation time.Perhaps,I could walk with a group once or twice a week.Enjoy your walks.OXO

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 5:25pm Not for everyone... That's for sure, Angela! How nice that you found a walking group. How do you manage different walking speeds? I've had a few friends who were delightful to walk with because I tend to walk very quickly, whereas my husband doesn't care to "power walk" with me.

AngelaR

POSTED: Mon, 10/31/2011 - 5:14pm Walking I met up with a group that walks three times per week. We all try to walk at the same pace practicing breathing techniques so everyone can keep up and not be left behind. We stay away from hills and inclines and choose flat surfaces. Its easier that way since some people as you said walk faster than others so I choose to keep my own quick pace to myself when I'm walking alone.

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 8:21am Back in the groove I've registered for another semester of yoga at our local community college, really the best bargain going. The class starts in two weeks so I've been doing short sessions from my Yoga Zone DVD series. I like how this series has a lot of shorter, targeted sessions like "yoga for abs" and "yoga for strength." Last night my back was popping like a pan-full of cooking popcorn! I feel relaxed today with that delicious slightly sore feeling when your muscles say, "Thank you for the lovely workout!"

Marilyn

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 9:59am Back in the groove 2 My weekly yoga class started back today after the summer break. Luckily my pilates classes do not stop for the summer so I had not lost my flexibiity but am sure I will have some aching muscles tomorrow.

Elizabeth G

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 5:17pm Hope you had a great class, Marilyn! I have yet to try pilates; I got a DVD from the library once but quickly realized that, like yoga, I need to learn with an instructor and an organized environment. I've taken enough yoga classes that I can manage at-home practice, although I always look forward to returning to class because I love the group energy.

Naja

POSTED: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 9:24am Yoga and Pilates class Two months ago I decided to try "Yogahouse", a brand new yoga gym 5' away from where I work and quelle surprise! The instructor was a native french former ballet dancer (married to a greek guy) who, during the first session, declared that yoga is her life! She's soooo cute, with her funny french accent (trying to sound greek enough) and what an instructor!!! I began Hatha Yoga Level 1 with her and then I started following her Pilates sessions and I officially declare myself an addict! Because of my schedule I usually end up having 1 or 2 Yoga sessions every week and the rest 3-4 days I usually follow Pilates. The progress is amazing. I feel like I'm at least 5 cms taller, there 's more space for proper breathing in me. My core muscles are getting stronger every day, but what's even more amazing for me is that my biceps and triceps are much-much stronger: I thought this could never happen, I 've always had such weak hands. Another already well known benefits are the energy and relaxation you take with you after each session. The two types of exercise are complimentary to each other. You've got to get started any day now! Namaste!

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