I think I've become obsessed. I practice yoga about 1 hr per day. It is really helping me feel stronger and more in control...and it relieves stress. I practice about 15 mins in the morning, 15 mins at work around lunch time, and 30 mins in the evening. Most doctor's strongly recommend yoga as a low impact form of exercise that helps strengthen the muscles around the joints. I really enjoy it. I'd like to go to a yoga retreat some time.
Any other yoga nuts?
Alan
Alan,
No, but I have been thinking about it - the gentle, not-too-difficult kind as my flexibility has flown out the door :( I know one chatter with PA - not too severe - who is going to special yoga-cise classes and she says it has helped her a lot.
I 've read that there are various types of yoga - which one are you doing?
Hi Alan - I tried yoga but found my wrists couldnt suport me. Would that be because of the specific typeof yoga I was trying or is that usual for those who have weakness in certain joints. I think I have read there are different types of yoga - is there one type more suitable for people with RA. I like yoga but have to be careful because some of the postions are painful to my knee. It is highly recommended low impact exercise tho. I actually sweat when I do it. I'm with Cassandra, my wrists won't support a lot of the positions and the floor is really hard to me to get to. Is there a type of yoga that is easier for 'us' to do? I know our Arthritis Foundation has yoga for arthritis but there isn't one near me. I'd like to try it if I knew what to do.I've been using a book from the Kripalau Center in Massachusetts. It ranges from pretty easy to moderate. There are lots of postures that don't require you to use your wrists...pick what works best for you. I practice at home on a mat with soft music and a candle to set the mood. It's a very spiritual experience for me. I also enjoy practicing outside during the day when the weather is nice.
Alan
I do an hour a day, minimum. Often I fit in more. I pick the practice depending on how I'm feeling. Sometimes I do a very vigorous flow, other times a much more relaxed style. I recommend a tape called AM Yoga with Rodney Yee. It's very gentle, only 25 minutes, and a great way to get started.Here's what I've been using (availabale on Amazon):
kelly
I've been using a book (see post above). One of the good things about Yoga is you can start slow and build up. I started with easy stretches and worked on sustaining the pose to gain flexibility. Too much too quickly will just make you stiffer and sore. I also do a lot of sitting meditation and work on breathing exercises. I break it up into shorter time periods instead of doing my daily practice all at once. Some books/tapes just focus on the "exercise" of yoga and emphasize almost constant motion. Real yoga is very slow and deliberate and involves a lot of motionlessness. Yoga is not calisthenics!
Alan
I have to say that I don't necessarily agree about "Real yoga" being very slow. True that Iyengar style holds poses for extended time and has a lot of stillness (and is probably what most people in the US associate with yoga). That having been said, there are many different types of yoga practice that are real. Sun salutes, which are more fast/vigorous are quite old. However, regardless of whether you are doing something more active like Bikram or Ashtanga or something more meditative like Ananda, the key is to find what fits you and your needs. For many people with RA, viniyoga might be best. It's a flow, but at a reduced pace and more gentle movements. It's pretty easy on the joints, and when places offer "therapeutic" yoga, it is often what they are doing.Alan
Alan,...fade back in!
Thanks for the info...I'll check out yogatoday.com.
Alan
I love yoga too. I have several different dvd's but my favorites are the yoga zone collection. I got mine on ebay very reasonably priced!