How many of you do yoga?

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited December 2012

    Ok, it was Carolben in the pool : )



    And Badger thanks for the well wishes for surgwry this week and the cto5k info. I think I am going to go that route for a 10k. I love the run-walk method and can stack up some miles that way. I am just simply not built for running though. I almost think that the more yoga I do, the more running hurts me, especially my knees.

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited December 2012

    Joanna66 - I watched some of the videos and got inspired. I have a rather large bathtub and tonight while soaking I decided to float up and try a jumpthrough. Sounds crazy, but it was actually quite helpful. It is SO easy in the water! I have been bearing my center of gravity too far back. It helped me get the "lean" forward and round through my shoulders, and round and tighten through the core. I got out of the tub to try and still cant support myself completely, but I definitely have a more solid feel for the mechanics/physics of it. Definitely need to strengthen through my wrists and forearms too.

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  • Joanna66
    Joanna66 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2012

    Hi Geewhiz,

    Sounds like you have one cool bathtub. I am sure the floating helps with the balance but it may prevent you from the proper ashtanga breathing (the ujjayi breath) which is the essence of ashtanga. The jump through occurs on the inhalation, which must be hard to do with your head under water, but the idea of using water for getting the feel of the pose sounds cool and superfun! With implants, do talk to your surgeon about the risk of capsular contracture, which is the reason why i opted to go flat. Ashtanga is not implant friendly in general mainly due to chaturangas, jump-backs, more so than jump throughs, and tolasana (last pose in primary before shavasana). So talk to your surgeon about capsular contracture and certain yoga poses. Again, good luck with your surgery and with the jump throughs. You should also read about the bandhas the mula bandha is the one that makes the jump through happen.

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  • misswim
    misswim Member Posts: 931
    edited January 2013

    I am signing up to do a yoga training specifically to teach yoga for breast cancer survivors. My dear friend just opened a studio and asked if I would facilitate a program- said I would be happy to. Looking so forward to that!

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited January 2013

    Misswim thats sounds fantastic! You get to help others and get stronger in the process! There was a program like that in my town that got lits of press, but when I called I never got a response...numerous times. I think it fizzled out.



    Joanna, the bathtub is only filled about 6-10 inches, about the height of a block. It provides just enough assist for me to get the hang of things. I had to laugh when you thought I was attempting these things completely underwater : )

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited January 2013

    Wow! What timing...

    I just began to see a Myofascial Therapist for some pocket-work-related issues I developed after Exchange. Last week was my first visit (LOVED IT) and before I left I asked her about Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors.

    She gave me a book - Yoga And Breast Cancer - A Journey To Health And Healing.

    She also gave me the number to our local center, so I called and spoke to the Director. She said that most of her Survivors take the Gentle Yoga class, and that she has women in all stages...just dx'd, recovering from surgery, in active chemo, and years beyond.

    She asked me to come in early so she could set me up with the equipment I needed, then said she would sit with me through the whole class to make sure I was able to get into the correct postures without hurting myself in any way. If I had any pain, she would work with me on alternate positions.

    What's funny is that I used to be quite advanced in my Yoga practice when I was in my 20s.....then life (and consequent ill health) got in the way!

    Looking forward to getting back into it.

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  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited January 2013

    Still struggling to get my wheel back.  I could do it before surgery (for just a couple of breaths) and it's been my goal to get back to it.  I have plenty of upper body strength because I'm doing all my weight routines again, heavy weights, bench press, tris, abs, shoulders, back, pushups, planks, etc. etc. but when I get into wheel position I just can't seem to push myself up - although it gets a tiny bit higher each time I try.  It feels like I have no arm strength, but I know that's not the case.  I'm thinking wheel is a whole lot more than arm strength, am I right?  And maybe my core just isn't ready to push up into that position.

    Any thoughts?

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  • nibbana
    nibbana Member Posts: 464
    edited January 2013

    I need hip openers. Lots and lots of hip openers, so I can do my capoeria kicks! 

    Ok, I'm off to have my psoas party...

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited January 2013

    LuvLuLu...I struggle with wheel also. I find that if someone assists me by letting me grab ankles, I can push myself into it easier. Then once I get the hang of that a few times, I can get the mechanics down to do it by myself. I think it just accesses muscles we dont use much...at least for me. There doesnt seem to be muscle memory to just pop into it.



    And hip openers...are my cryptonite. I swear! I do lots of openers and...nothing. I think its just the way I am pieced together. I know its the reason I have knee issues too, my alignment is off. Pigeon pose variations seem to work best for me, but there are simple simple moves I simply can not do very well at all. Have fun at the soas party,nibbana!!

    Ouch.

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  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited January 2013

    Thanks, geewhiz.  I was thinking that if I had someone spot me (an instructor who knows what he/she is doing and what my situation is) that might make it a little easier to get the mechanics down.  But I won't push yet.  If I'm not ready, I'm just not ready.

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  • nibbana
    nibbana Member Posts: 464
    edited January 2013

    I just discovered I have incredibly tight quadriceps. I read it's very important for the yogi to stretch out the quads, especially the rectus femoris, the muscle that runs down the middle of the front thigh. I'm working up to this by doing half frog pose first. I can't even grab both of my ankles for full frog pose. 

    I will do this though, and eventually, reclining hero pose will be *gasp* comfortable!

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  • jwilco
    jwilco Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2013

    Just a little update on my first yoga experience.  I love it!!!  I've only been to two classes, the package I bought was for four.  I love the location, 5 min by car from home.  I enjoy the stretching and am looking forward to working more on the balance moves.  The first teacher was fantastic, but now she is on vacation.  The current one is good.  But I am hoping the first one is the usual one.  I feel so relaxed and worry free when I'm driving home from the class.  I love Shavasana too! 

    I plan on paying for a set of sessions and making this a regular part of my life.  

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  • nibbana
    nibbana Member Posts: 464
    edited January 2013

    Great to hear about your positive experience with yoga jwilco. THe first time I tried it I was hooked instantly!

    Such a delicious feeling to have nice, long, stretched muscles, full of oxygen. 

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  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 766
    edited February 2013

    I practiced yoga avidly before my Dx and then chemo, surgery and the arm and chest weakness had me stopping for a long time. It's been awhile now and I've been back to yoga for probably 6 months and I'm so glad. It's actually better than it was. My mind is so much more engaged in the mindful breath quality of yoga now.

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited February 2013

    Just finished my yoga DVD--20 min. First time in awhile. Felt good. Love Marittza's easy DVD.



    Peggy

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  • Gai
    Gai Member Posts: 268
    edited March 2013

    Hi Melissa

    I found yoga and meditation during my cancer experience in 2000.  

    I never thought that I would never be able to meditate, as my mind was always going a thousand miles an hour.   But I gave it a go and bought a guided meditation tape and listened to it everyday.  I was hooked from the first time I did it.  For me it was a great way to find some peace in a crazy situation.  That was 13 years ago and I still meditate 1 -3 times a day anywhere I can at home, on a bus, walking down the street - I try not to do it when I am driving though.  Haha

    I started yoga after I finished treatment.  During treatment I was given a book by a friend.  I just started doing it at home (at 5.30am) each morning.  When that no longer served me I found a local studio.  That was 12 years ago and I practice everyday when I can.  I have also spent 6 months on Ubud (in Bali) doing Yoga everyday - it has bought so many wonderful things into my life and so much peace and happiness. 

    I highly recommend yoga and meditation before, during and after treatment!

    Much love

    Gai

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited March 2013

    Hi ladies.......i just went off of an AI after some pretty severe SEs.....and still dont have the stamina to go back to the Y and the Pump Iron classes.  So thought maybe getting back to Yoga would be the answer for me.  Really excited to get moving - right now the only exercise im getting is hiking/walking.  There are two really nice studios in town im checking out this week - one is hot yoga, which I havent done in years.....  Ill let you all know how it goes

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited March 2013

    Good Luck with it Shayne!! I LOVE hot yoga. I have been out of it for awhile and just went back today. I am tired, but I am so glad to try and get back into it full swing. I just took it slow, even sat down for a few poses (triangle, blech).

    Hope it goes well!

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited March 2013

    Thanks!!!

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  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 977
    edited March 2013

    I would like to know if those of you who had mx and snbx do inverted positions: down dog, forward bend etc. 

    Do any of you that practice have axillary webbing syndrome? 

    If yes to either question, I would like to PM with you.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited March 2013

    So just got back - while i was a little rusty (and a bit outta shape), it went really well.  It is a hot yoga studio, and I sweated - which felt really really great.....checking out some other yoga options in town, but will try it again at the hot studio

    Forgot to add - had a little emotional breakdown at the end - its amazing how the teacher always knows the right thing to say......Anyway, I really need to have more patience and be kinder to myself.....its been a rough few months with feeling bad, gaining weight and the other SEs ive dealt with......but yoga may be my life saver

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  • Gai
    Gai Member Posts: 268
    edited April 2013

    Hi Shayne

    So glad that you got back to a class and enjoyed it.  I love hot yoga also and feel more energetic after class even if it is a hard class.  

    Be kind to yourself, take it slowly and rest as much as you need too.

    Gai

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  • Gai
    Gai Member Posts: 268
    edited April 2013

    FLwarrior

    I have had AWS from time to time.  happy for you too PM me

    Gai

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited April 2013

    Terrible cold day 3 today - can you do yoga with a cold?  

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  • Gai
    Gai Member Posts: 268
    edited April 2013

    Hi Shayne

    Yes you can but your body may be giving you signals that it needs to rest.  Honour it, yoga will be there for you when you are well again. 

    Gai

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited April 2013

    FLWarrior...I had major cording for months after surgery. I still have a bit that runs through my right arm pit over 3 years out. I was officially diagnosed with lymphedema but it subsided after that initial mx surgery. I havent gotten a sleeve, or adjusted much of anything. I am thin, still lift light to moderate weights and still do yoga positions that place weight on that right arm. The hot yoga hasnt seemed to effect it. I know when

    to take it easy. If it feels a little tingly, I back off. I have learned to go at my own pace. Last week that meant sitting down 3 times in class!! I have no idea why I was so dizzy, but I hit the mat several times. My instructor just nodded, as if to say "Its completely ok!"

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited April 2013

    this is what i love about Yoga.  You listen to your body!  NOt like that in aerobics or weight lifting class.  

    I was sick last week and couldnt go to yoga - it was killing me....went back today and feel like I just picked up where i left off.  

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  • shinning_like_me
    shinning_like_me Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    Hi there,

    Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing beautiful skin, peaceful mind, good health – whatever you may be looking for, yoga has it on offer. However, very often, yoga is only partially understood as being limited to asanas (yoga poses). As such, its benefits are only perceived to be at the body level and we fail to realize the immense benefits yoga offers in uniting the body, mind and breath. When you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer, happier and more fulfilling.

    It brings inner peace.

    We all love to visit peaceful, serene spots, rich in natural beauty. Little do we realize that peace can be found right within us and we can take a mini-vacation to experience this any time of the day! Benefit from a small holiday every day with yoga and meditation. Yoga is also one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2013

    I started (or restarted) my yoga practice in March.  Im still going strong - practicing 5-7 days a week, sometimes more.  I got a job at the yoga studio, so now I have a free unlimited pass.  For the first time in a year (since my dx) I feel my strength coming back - strength in my body and my mind).  I cant get enough.  Its done something to my spirit that nothing else could.   Before I started, I was defeated, my body in pain from the SEs from the AI I was on 7 months.  Severe fatigue left me unable to return to the gym, to my usual work out. Im so grateful, beyond words, that I have come back to my practice and every day I feel my body getting stronger, the poses getting easier, my flexibility improving.  Ive given up alchohol and the bad snacking habits and hope to completely give up sugar soon.  Its been a gift in so many ways!  I cant even tell if I am losing weight, but I can see my body changing.  The joint pain I experienced is gone - I no longer feel like the 90 yr old woman on a cancer drug - but a vibrant woman of 55 - hopefully younger as I continue.  Nothing keeps me from practicing,everything revolves around me getting to the studio.  Gratitude abounds!

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  • Jayaytea
    Jayaytea Member Posts: 63
    edited January 2014

    One activity I've always practised is yoga. (6-7 years ago). My instructor is aware of my surgery 11 months ago, and has not precautioned me against doing any poses. She is also a registered massage therapist, so I've always trusted her. Do you know if I should avoid any positions?

    I had a UMX, one node removed, now have implant and recently underwent fat grafting,  

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