If you haven't tried yoga, I'd like to encourage you to give it a try! Yoga has been a part of my life for many years, both as a practitioner and as an instructor. Practicing yoga helps increase flexibility and strength, improves balance, and studies show that it can help decrease blood pressure and increase bone density.
There is a yoga class for most everyone, from first timers to the most experienced yogis. Community centers often offer basic, gentle yoga classes, and are a good place for beginners to start. Senior Sneakers, exercise classes designed specifically for older adults, offers Yoga stretch classes with a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Check out what is available in your community.
If you are apprehensive, I'd like to put you at ease by telling you what to expect in a typical yoga class. First of all, yoga is about being in the present moment. Focusing on breathing during the poses helps you to stay focused and present. Leave your competition and judgment at the door, and respect and accept where you are. Let your instructor know that you are new to yoga, most instructors will ask at the beginning of class. The instructor will also ask if anyone has any healing body parts, which you can point to. It allows the teacher to offer modifications to the poses so everyone can be successful. Most classes last about an hour, with the first 10 minutes or so focusing on centering and meditation. The body of the class will consist of moving through poses, and the last part of the class will focus on stretching by holding poses longer, and finish up with final relaxation.
Poses can be modified if you experience discomfort while in the pose. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome or thumb arthritis, it may be uncomfortable to have weight through the hands, as in a downward dog position. You can modify the pose by holding the hands in a fist position, instead of putting pressure through the extended hand. Also, try doubling your mat, so you have more cushioning. Bending the knees, or having knees on the mat helps to distribute more weight to the legs and off of the hands. If none of these modifications work, just rest in child's pose.
If you have any specific questions about modifications for yoga poses, email me at Questions@TreatYourselfTherapy.com, I'd love to hear from you! As with all exercise programs, start slowly, and most importantly, listen to your body.
Treat Yourself Therapy, LLC provides innovative and inexpensive do-it-yourself videos for people unable to attend hand therapy. These videos were developed by Jessica Karge, OTR, CHT and Kathleen Papi-Baker, OTR,CHT, both certified hand therapists who have over 40 years of combined clinical experience. To learn more, visit www.TreatYourselfTherapy.com.
There is a yoga class for most everyone, from first timers to the most experienced yogis. Community centers often offer basic, gentle yoga classes, and are a good place for beginners to start. Senior Sneakers, exercise classes designed specifically for older adults, offers Yoga stretch classes with a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Check out what is available in your community.If you are apprehensive, I'd like to put you at ease by telling you what to expect in a typical yoga class. First of all, yoga is about being in the present moment. Focusing on breathing during the poses helps you to stay focused and present. Leave your competition and judgment at the door, and respect and accept where you are. Let your instructor know that you are new to yoga, most instructors will ask at the beginning of class. The instructor will also ask if anyone has any healing body parts, which you can point to. It allows the teacher to offer modifications to the poses so everyone can be successful. Most classes last about an hour, with the first 10 minutes or so focusing on centering and meditation. The body of the class will consist of moving through poses, and the last part of the class will focus on stretching by holding poses longer, and finish up with final relaxation.
Poses can be modified if you experience discomfort while in the pose. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome or thumb arthritis, it may be uncomfortable to have weight through the hands, as in a downward dog position. You can modify the pose by holding the hands in a fist position, instead of putting pressure through the extended hand. Also, try doubling your mat, so you have more cushioning. Bending the knees, or having knees on the mat helps to distribute more weight to the legs and off of the hands. If none of these modifications work, just rest in child's pose.
If you have any specific questions about modifications for yoga poses, email me at Questions@TreatYourselfTherapy.com, I'd love to hear from you! As with all exercise programs, start slowly, and most importantly, listen to your body.
Treat Yourself Therapy, LLC provides innovative and inexpensive do-it-yourself videos for people unable to attend hand therapy. These videos were developed by Jessica Karge, OTR, CHT and Kathleen Papi-Baker, OTR,CHT, both certified hand therapists who have over 40 years of combined clinical experience. To learn more, visit www.TreatYourselfTherapy.com.
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