Yoga

wannabewriter
wannabewriter Member Posts: 114
edited 13. Aug 2011, 11:02 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all,

It’s been recommended I try yoga for flexibility and strength, but I have heard it’s not so good for us tall/lanky people as it’s more likely to pull and strain (think about it – started in India, where all yogis are short wiry people!). Has anyone tried yoga? Did it work for you? And is the tall thing just nonsense? I have a history of straining my back (thanks to an over-excited rotating kick back in the more mobile days with capoeria training) and am worried it might worsen it. On the other hand, I really ought to try to strengthen these muscles of mine...

Any ideas and thoughts much appreciated.

Yours,

Lazy Yogaphobe

Comments

  • flowerpot
    flowerpot Member Posts: 53
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well I am not sure what you would classify as tall, I am 5'10" and after I was in a car accident where i managed ot pick up a nice dose of whip lash my Physio said I needed to develop my core muscles to support those which were damaged and to prevent me having further issues. She recommended yoga. I also know a yoga instructor who is pushing on 6'2.

    I think it's important to find the right teacher though. I was lucky, I popped along to the class in my local village hall and had a chat with the teacher. I showed her where the damage was, which movements hurt etc. Throughout the class she kept a close eye on me and told me which moves I shouldn't do and gave me alternatives, and which ones I shouldn't do to full extension. The physio commented that it was helping both in stretching out my damaged muscles and in strengthening my other ones.

    My only regret is once the pain had gone and I had my mobility back I gave it up! I do wonder about going back as now I am less mobile I am certainly more flabby :smile:
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My daughter's partner is 6' 5" and attends yoga when he is not caught up with work and finds it beneficial. He does not suffer from arthritis

    You need to find a good teacher and only do the poses that you know will be ok for you and ask the teacher what you can do instead if there are some that are a no-no for you.

    Good luck with the yoga. Pilates may be a way forward for you too, my daughter has back problems and attends a class, recommended by a physio she used to see, and this helps her but this pilates teacher does "know her onions" so to speak. :lol:

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,848
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yogaphobe eh? :wink:

    I like it....

    if l were you l woudl find a class and chat to teh instructor and give it a week or so???

    Mind you could always try swimming???

    Love

    Toni xx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Yes, Def. find a class and talk to the instructor before doing anything else and see what she says. Also what about your physio.....could you talk to her/him and see what they say as well

    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Rather than yoga how about The Alexander Method or Pilates? Both are good for posture and core strength. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Have you thought of riding? (Horses. Riding for the Disabled.) It’s great for core muscle strength. They’d require a doc’s note saying it won’t make stuff worse for you. I did it with 2 TKRs & 2 THRs. Magic.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright