Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone ever done any yoga?
I've done six weekly sessions and feel awful the whole rest of the day after one. The other women I've asked all say they feel energized afterwards. Suspect I'm just terribly out of shape but the instructor couldn't explain it and said I was doing well. (Yeah, sure!) I can't decide whether to drop it or go to my doc and see if there's something else going on although I feel fine every other day.
Wimps R Us

Yes, I've done yoga for years. I went to a low key class for many years, but have done it on my own for quite a while. It sounds like you are trying to do more than you're ready for if you ache or hurt afterward. When you feel it, stop and relax. Nothing should be forced. As you progress you will be able to do more and do it more comfortably. Your instructor should always start out with slow stretching movements and finish the class with a quiet meditation. Yoga is about balance and flexibility and as you do it, you will gain the mental relaxation along with the physical.

That's the problem........She does all the things you say she should plus I don't think I'm doing more than capable of handling. Nothing's forced. She's very good about telling you to not push yourself or adapt to what's comfortable for you. It's a very low-key class and all but two are beginners so no one's much better than anyone else. The only time I was sore was after the first session and knew that would be the case since hadn't moved those muscles in so long. Now, it's always just a bad feeling for the rest of the day, like a heaviness. And then I get in a bad mood since everyone tells me yoga should make you feel so energized. Until I read your note I was thinking about next time not doing the quiet meditation at the end. I don't feel bad as long as I'm doing the postures; it doesn't begin until after I leave class. So was thinking maybe the quiet time had something to do with it. Basically, instead of yoga day taking an hour plus driving time, it wrecks the whole day since although may manage some errands, feel lousy. Only two more classes left unless I sign up for more and am seriously thinking I'll just save my money and that makes me sad because I've always heard yoga was so wonderful for one.

What are you eating?

BSM had been grousing the past couple of years about being slow, dull, out of it after doing even mildly difficult chores (tree trimming, digging up a small flower bed, working on the cars) almost always coupled with a headache.

Finally convinced him to let me put him on a high-fiber, low-salt, few processed foods diet. Huge difference. No headaches, he doesn't collaspe into the recliner anymore after a chore. He is still out of shape, but he can deal with muscle pain without griping. He also lost 20lbs and has kept it off without any effort. The difference in his attitude is the biggest gain for me - he was getting to be a seriously grouchy old buzzard!

Probably too many processed foods but also high fiber and lots of water. Don't salt things nor care for much salt. Usually eat yogurt for breakfast yoga mornings. I don't get muscle aches or headaches after yoga or anything else. This feeling doesn't seem to fit anything.

Give the yoga a try, really. Remember, don't eat before class (guilty of that). The twisting poses can really cause indigestion on a full stomach. Learn to breathe with the pose, the belly breathing, you-ji (sp). It helps relax you and your muscles. I did yoga for quite a while many years ago, and just got back into it about 3 yrs ago. Even though I have 3 years of "experience", I still consider myself a beginner. There is stuff that I can do, and stuff that I can't because of a bad knee. The warrior series is great for that joint. If I miss a class or two my whole body feels it. Try a class with more people on the same level as you are. In my class, even though we have been together all these years, most of us are still beginners, and over 50. I think that my yoga is help keeping this old knee together, and me out of the OR (doc wants to replace it). My instructor has several classes with differant levels, so for me the power flow classes are out. Drink water while you are exercising to keep hydrated, that might help. Good luck & Namuste!