Who does yoga? Advice needed

[prolesunited]

I've been trying to learn, with perhaps a modicum of success.

I've been using DVDs to guide me, but there are just some things I can't seem to grasp.

I'm having a lot of trouble with my arms. I can't intertwine them for a vine pose and barely reach to clasp them behind my back. Is it possible my arms are simply too short or do I just need to give it more time?

What benefits do you get from yoga? Have any recommendations for good DVDs?

[graywarrior]

1. I've been doing bikram yoga for almost a year.

The whole point is to not force yourself into any poses. Only do what you can. It took me about 3 weeks to do the pose you describe. If you overdo it, you can really hurt yourself. Poses should feel good, some relaxing and others get your heart rate going. But none should hurt. Just keep doing them...more important is breathing into each pose. I use a bikram CD. I'll get you the siet. It is the absolute best cd for yoga I have ever used.

[prolesunited]

8. I've been at it for more than three weeks

I'm rather short and have short arms. The physics just seem impossible.

I'll keep trying and thanks for the link to the video.

[graywarrior]

9. You're welcome. Don't give up. You'll be surprised how great you

will feel. After a while, you won't feel right without doing it.

[prolesunited]

11. I've already started to get to that point

I also do cycling, so that tightens and kinks me all up.

How many times a week and for how long do you do it?

[graywarrior]

12. Three times a week for an hour each time

If I can't get the hour in, I go for half an hour.

I walk an hour on the days I don't do yoga, or ride my bike. I may buy a step aerobic thing to get the old heart rate kicked up a notch. Used to do that about 10 years ago, but ended up with and hairline fracture in my ankle.

But if I had to choose one activity, it would be yoga. My head has calmed down so much since I started. I find my breathing has also slowed down. They say the more breaths you take, the shorter your life.

[Droopy]

2. From what I've heard

the positions for meditation and yoga get easier over time. But I'm no expert. I can't get into the full lotus position and the book I was reading on meditation says that it will come with time. I guess I don't have the patience.

[graywarrior]

3. Here is the DVD I use

http://yogalifestyle.com/VDTSYogaChallenge.htm

[Fredda Weinberg]

4. I started when I was 15 - helps now that I'm 46

Give yourself time - it took months before I was able to do advanced postures and don't be surprised if you always favor one side.

I can't recommend any DVDs but I grew up with Lilias Folan on PBS. Here's her recordings

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6304684428

[WolverineDG]

5. I've done yoga

w/videotape & w/a live instructor. I prefer going to class to the video/dvd route. If that's an option in your area, I suggest trying a class or two. The two video/dvds that I like are Lilias & Yoga for Dummies. :)

If you are just starting, don't worry about doing the poses exactly as the instructor. Do what is comfortable for you. Yoga is not a race or a competition. :) They don't take points off if you have to use the modified version of a pose, because if you're not that limber yet, you really shouldn't force it. Keep at it & soon you'll be surprised at what you can do.

dg

[rug]

6. Stock up on Beano

[chookie]

7. A couple tips

You seem to be extremely inflexible in your shoulder joints. Yoga can help to reverse this and increase joint mobility. I highly recommend that you look into a style of yoga that uses props (like straps and blocks) to support the joints while someone is just beginning practice, called Iyengar, which is a subtypes of Hatha yoga. You can do an easy variation of the pose -- for example, when doing a side bend, instead of placing your hand on the floor, you put in on an 8 inch bock on the floor, making the stretch easier. A strap is used between the hands to aid with the flexibility problem you mentioned; you use the strap and increasingly shorten it as you become more limber, but the tension of the strap gives you some of the benefits of the full pose.

Nothing beats a real time yoga class. Teachers can assist you in achieving poses, and teach you tricks. The DVDs usually have some incredibly limber and strong 20 somethings, and if you're new and not so flexible, they can be pretty useless.

Yoga has tons of benefits -- weight loss, strength, poise, calmness, and generally encourages better overall health.

Good luck.

[prolesunited]

10. I have a strap and blocks

I don't have problems with side or forward bends and can get my palms or at least fingertips to the floor.

But, I'm also having trouble with the table pose as well.

We really don't have extra to spend on classes, so I'm doing the best I can on my own. The one time I went to a class, I was more advanced than the others, so I didn't get that much out of it.

I'll catch up to those 20-somethings yet! ;-)

[khashka]

13. Find yourself an actual real life instructor!

If you have a junior college in your area, chances are they offer yoga. You can take the course at a modest fee.

I just have to say.... yoga doesn't look strenuous or taxing, but it can be very much so. Even simple things can hurt you if you aren't doing it right. A DVD can't tell you if you are doing it right.

I studied with Sikhs - who taught me how to move in ways that would benefit me without hurting me.


But you can hurt yourself. You need someone trained who can watch you and help you. Really!


Benefits: You'll feel better, be more limber, feel stronger without building up huge muscles, feel calmer and at peace, more at home in your body. And it makes sex much more fun :)


What you really need is a real life teacher......


Khash.

[graywarrior]

14. That is good advice.

Even with a DVD, you're not sure if your doing the pose correctly. Plus, it's more supporting and fun to practice in a group.

[mountainvue]

15. I've done Bikram on and off

for quite a while now. Find a nice studio in your area, get yourself a good mat and go check it out. It's not expensive. The mirrors in the studio will help with your form and the instructors will help you a lot too.

[flamingyouth]

16. I've been practicing yoga for more than 10 years.

I would recommend taking a class if possible. A good teacher can make all the difference in the world.

Yoga is a practice of patience and learning. I'm naturally very hard on myself and through yoga I'm learning to not be so much like that. I study in the Anusara tradition, www.anusara.com