Friday, March 21, 2014

Three Years and Counting

I meant to post this yesterday, but I got so busy working on A to Z that I forgot.  So, I'm one day late, but yesterday was my three-year yoga anniversary.  And believe me when I say I have come a long way.

My first yoga class was in a chair.  And even that was difficult.  It was a private class and I was able to explain to my teacher what the issues were with my back, my leg, my hip.....  Well, suffice it to say I was a mess.

In September of the same year I had spinal surgery.  Six weeks later I was back in my yoga classes and I haven't stopped.

When I was in grade school, and even middle school, I did gymnastics.  Right up to the time in seventh grade when I fell coming out of a shoulder stand and instead of going into a forward roll I landed on my tailbone and broke it.  I was miserable for a good year after that and my tumbling days were over, though I still participated in other sports.

Life gets in the way of many things and 'working out' was not in my top ten things to do.  First of all, I do not like to sweat.  And despite my medical training, I cannot see how making my heart beat faster is going to make me live longer.  Even my walking was compromised by end-stage arthritis in a big toe, though I've learned how to adapt.

So, I found that after a few yoga classes, it really fit the bill of what I was looking for.  I would gain some flexibility back in areas tight from too much desk work.  In the process, I would have to build strength just to complete the moves.  If you think lifting five-pound weights are tough, try holding your body in plank position for a minute, or doing full body push-ups.  Not that I can do a bunch of reps and have a smile on my face, but at least I can do a full-plank.  (more than that and I sweat)

I've been attending classes three times a week.  I know enough about what I need to do that I could do my practice at home, but I enjoy the people there.  Besides, being in a class means that I am always being challenged with new positions.  I do not think I would push myself if I did it at home alone.  I am not that disciplined.

And really, one of these days I will post some pictures from class.  Really.

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations. Never tried Yoga, I am a devotee of T'ai Chi, but you are right, I don't have the discipline to do enough on my own either.

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  2. I have a very good friend who teaches T'ai chi. She is 78!

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  3. My first teacher (sifu) was the same age as me. At the time we were both early 60s. There is no age limit to T'ai Chi and it is highly recommended for prolonging life.

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