Yoga is a healthy beneficial activity for me. I am more flexible and stronger than ever before and also at peace with myself. I have been in class for 6 years now. Off the mat I have noticed a better attitude and much more energy. My hands which have arthritis are working much better! I recommend others to start slow and have patience with yourself, use modifications in poses. Keep a regular schedule, practice at home a little bit everyday. Do not give up. My tips to others would be find a teacher who you are comfortable with and ask questions, make sure you get advice as to what type of class best suits you at the time. Your teacher should be friendly, and well educated and be concerned for his/her students and continues to educated the class as well. Thank you for asking us...Diane
Yoga has given me a healthy challenge with myself….feeling better…accomplishment with humility (not always easy with male personalities!!).
I have been in yoga now for over a year and these are changes …..body awareness, increased flexibility and joint strength, importance of “core”……much improved “proprioception". I now have situational acceptance and empathy……I take more deep breaths and more often think about what my core is doing !! My advice is to try different instructors…. as with most subjects, teaching techniques and competencies can differ greatly. Once you have found a match for you, commit for at least 3 times a week for 9 months…….it takes time to “wrap you head around the realities”. I think a Gentle Gentle yoga class is the way to start off until you find an instructor for you and then branch out to other types of classes when YOU want more of a challenge. ……. find a yoga instructor who is versed in anatomy and physiology/medical background, has a grasp of psychosocial realities and, empathetic with their egos under control. Please keep up your good work. And I hope this helps with your blog and the audience. K/S Bodhi Tree Yoga for anyone seeking to stay strong, flexible and active in aging.....and aging we do! For many years Shelley's yoga class has been a regular part of my life as a active productive octogenarian . LLMc
Yoga has, over the past year and a half, become an integral part of my life. I'm more flexible, in better physical condition and mentally more aware of my body. Yoga follows me off the mat and throughout my day. I'm aware of the posture, position and activity of my body and muscles as I go through my daily activities. An avid cyclist, I no longer fear the muscle cramps that plagued me before. I rarely get cramps now, they are milder and I know how remedy them quickly.
Yoga wasn't even on my radar when I approached you for physical training, Shelley. I'm forever grateful that you encouraged me to try yoga. From my perspective, anyone new to yoga needs you as an instructor. If for some reason you aren't available to them, they need to find a teacher that is knowledgeable about physiology, anatomy and yoga. This teacher should be able to patiently provide clear instructions and gentle corrections (adjustments, if you prefer). The classes should be planned well and flow logically. Fortunately, I've found that teacher. Thanks, Shelley. John M. 1. Yoga for me means a way to strengthen my body, calm my mind and revive my spirit. I leave yoga feeling calm, happy, and like I have had a whole body workout.
2. Well, I have been doing occasional yoga for over a year. I started slowly. This winter I began practicing 2 to 3 times a week and that's when I noticed some changes taking place. My average heart rate monitored by a Fitbit dropped slowly--75, 72, 68, 65, 64. I am more flexible. I feel my daily movements are more graceful--like getting in and out of cars, stepping around things, etc. I feel stronger and more confident in my movements. Yoga is still a challenge for me, but I look forward to continued improvements. 3. Yoga has affected other areas of my life without any effort from me! I sleep better at night--more deeply with fewer bouts of wakefulness or restlessness. I have fewer flare-ups of arthritis aggravation. I have noticed a calmer, happier self--little things don't bother me as much. I am more balanced and more aware of my body in space. Instead of feeling older and uncoordinated, I feel more like my younger self. 🤗 4. For people new to yoga I recommend to start with a gentle class. Most importantly, be in touch with your body and its strengths and weaknesses. Start slowly and don't compare yourself to others. Celebrate what you can do! 5. My yoga tips? Be aware there are many types of yoga classes, try them to see what you like. A gentle class is not just for beginners as it can be good to focus and slow down your practice. If you like challenges, then a faster paced class can give a good workout. Whatever class one takes, I feel it is important to have a teacher that encourages modifications so everyone feels comfortable and successful. CM Hi Shelley,
Here are my answers to your Yoga questionnaire. Thanks for asking! --BL _____________________________________________________________ 1. What does Yoga mean to you? To me Yoga is the intersection of mind and body. Your mind and body work together to breathe and stretch into the poses. It is very relaxing and also energizing. It is time I take to connect with myself. 2. What impact has Yoga had on your life and how long have you been in a Yoga class? I did my first Yoga class in Santa Cruz, California in 1973, outdoors on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I was sold right away. I have done Yoga on and off since then. I stayed away from Yoga for 2 years when I seriously injured my right shoulder and subsequently had shoulder injury and a year of healing and rehabilitation. I've been back to Yoga for 3 months and feel so much better for it. 3. In what ways does Yoga help you off the mat? In my professional life as a technical writer, I spent long days sitting in front of a computer screen. Yoga was a way for me to stretch my body in different positions and to calm my mind from the stresses of the job. Now that I'm retired and aging, Yoga helps me with strength, flexibility, and balance. I feel it will help me to stay active and to minimize risk of taking a severe fall. With Yoga, I notice that my core feels stronger and my posture is better. My right shoulder now feels like part of my body again after a serious injury and surgery. 4. What do you recommend for people who are brand new to Yoga? Look for a teacher who can provide modifications that fit your situation just starting out in Yoga. Use props to get into a position to feel the proper stretch. Connect with yourself and listen to your body. Don't try to copy other people in class who might be more advanced. Don't stretch or twist to the point of pain. Try to be consistent in going to class. Relax and enjoy the experience. 5. What Yoga tips can you share with people, as to what type of class to take or what to look for in a Yoga teacher? Look for a class and teacher that you enjoy. Yoga should be an enjoyable experience, not something to endure. Since everyone is at a different level in Yoga, and we each have unique injuries and limitations with our bodies, it helps to have a teacher who can provide appropriate modifications to the poses to get the most out of your time in class. |