Holy Yoga!

I did yoga too, I got to get back in it. I don't even try the crazy handstand/arm balances. I can do downward dog, but only for a second, then I change poses.

Be very, very careful when doing yoga.

Me and Binney and Carol worked hard to get LBBC to understand the risks of yoga and LE, and they just put out a new handout, I can't totally vouch for it, but we tried....

I have searched the LBBC site, and can't find it, so maybe it's still being edited. I thought it was out there.

Though I love yoga and a lot of its aspects, a friend who grew up in India really changed my mind about it.  She said that asana-based yoga is not really intended for 3x a week exercise.  She described that practitioners are massaged sometimes in order to achieve poses!  I think we've done a number on what yoga was meant to be, and I have switched over to more calming meditation-based stuff.  When I get to the down dog pose, I usually do dolphin, or roll back on my back and do some leg extensions.   

Arms aren't the only thing tweaked by yoga.  My ortho also told me after a certain age, extreme front folds are murder on discs.  Another thing my friend told me is yoga changes through the years.  A 50 year old is unlikely to need or achieve what a 25 year old can.  I am always wary of classes that allow things like handstands and "power yoga" for folks who don't do it every day.  For starters, handstands can be very hard on the eyes in terms of pressure and retina.

I have moved to weightlifting and Pilates.  Pilates offers a lot more I can do without the arm implications.  Also, I am proud to say that I've gotten quite strong at the gym.  I was incredibly careful, moved up extremely slowly, moved back when I got even overtired in the arms.  I'm up to 15 pounds each arm, and can squat like nobody's business!

Kira, YOU and Binney and a bunch of other awesome ladies here helped me get my life back on the LE front.  Though I do not have active LE, I am at high risk, and have done well so far.  I don't believe that would have been the case had I gone my hospital's "head in the sand" route.  They didn't even recommend a sleeve for flying.

My bones took a real banging after chemo, unfortunately.  The weight lifting has to take priority, and sometimes it takes priority over cardio.  I am a big fan of Kathi Casey's intermediate and advanced Pilates.  Excellent attention to form, only a couple of exercises we should be careful of (and I usually skip them).

I also like the Classical Pilates Technique DVD.  I am very picky.  I like things to be authentic, and I have limited tolerance to "gym style" workouts that don't stretch or pay attention to form.  Both of these recommendations are pitch perfect in that regard.

Other exercises I do include modified Tabatas or 12 minute bodyweight workout routines with combinations of jumping jacks, squats, and crunches.  At times, I will work in modified push ups if I am feeling strong and other risk factors are low. The great thing about these Tabata and home-style workouts is you can modify them to how you feel that day, which is so important with the challenges we face. 

I have found over time that my rotator cuffs are delicate--a common problem in women over 40 and especially ones lifting weights.  Downward dog, in my opinion, just isn't that great a pose and is tremendously overused in routines for people who don't practice all the time.  It's a lot of strain on the cuffs, elbows, and wrists, even if done correctly (which is not very frequently--it's a challenging pose to distribute well).

I worked with a certified yoga therapist in NYC.  He was very meditation based, and got me on the right track for my body type and mindset (also something group classes rarely take into account).  There is a whole school of yoga therapy for yoga injuries now, to your point.  Says a lot!

Hey cookie,

Yoga is great for many reasons. I participated in a yoga class for people in treatment or post treatment (within 2years). This class was offered through our CancerCare centre in Winnipeg. It is based more on the iyangar(sp) teachings. It is more gentle and less strenuous than some other classes. The instructor was very educated on adapting for various restrictions and new a lot about lymphedema. It was great for me....

A few years later,when I had my recurrence I needed something to help with calming all the thoughts spinning in my head. I was made aware of a restorative yoga class. It is less focused on strenuous poses, and was very helpful in recharging my energy for the rest of the week. The class was 1 1/2 hrs, and flew by quickly. My instructor contacted the woman who was in charge of the first program for advice on certain positions and my specific limitations regarding lymphedema and bone mets. If a position did not feel right, she would come over and help me adapt, or I would just chose one that I liked and did that instead! I have used some of the techniques while getting tests done or waiting in the waiting room/ exam room for an apt.

So, phone around and tell them what you are looking for. Perhaps try an iyangar, or restorative class. If that studio does not offer what you need, they might be able to refer you to the right place. Bring the sheets Binney posted and arrive a little early to remind the teacher about your concerns and your objectives for taking the class.

Good luck,

Namaste,

Diane

LtotheK - I too really appreciate your post.  Very helpful and encouraging too.  I can't much in the group yoga class anymore.  Part of what I hear you saying... is that I probably shouldn't be those things anyway.  Thank you.  What I've really found helpful in the yoga class that I sometimes attend is the opening Tai Chi sequences.  

I'm very inspired that you are up to 15 lbs.  I was up to 5 last summer but had a very bad flare that was heat related (crazy HOT summer last summer) and I've never been able to work back up to 5lb dumbells.  I'm hopeful that if I keep creeping along with my 2-3lb dumbells that I'll eventually get back there.  I too am going to check out some of the options you posted.  Thank you.