[KellyChron]

I am going to start walking with my aunt (kiddies in tow in the stroller) soon, but because of some medication issues, I don't have the energy for it right now...

I know that yoga is suppose to help reduce stress and be super good for you... So I was wondering if anybody really does it? Can you recommend a beginners video maybe? Do I need to get one of those mats and a block?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[HeidiD]

Kelly, I don't have any video recommendations, but a mat is helpful. It makes it so your feet don't slip as much when you're doing stretchy-type poses.

You can use just about anything for a block... a thick book, a firm cushion, etc. It's really only to help you feel more comfortable in a pose if your body doesn't want to stretch as far as the pose calls for.

I enjoy yoga very much. I don't have much extra energy either (diabetes and mono health issues!), so it is a good exercise option for me. It can be a great way to get more in tune with your body, aware of its needs and things.

You might want to look around for a yoga center or classes at a local gym. Most places have beginning groups and classes. I'd recommend starting with an instructor to help you make sure you are doing things correctly. There's nothing worse than getting in bad habits because you didn't know any better! An instructor can help you see what strengths and weaknesses you have and help you work through them.

Have so much fun!

[TallCool69]

I do Hatha Yoga and I LOVE it!

A mat, comfortable clothes and a lot of patience is needed!

I took an in-depth beginner's class a couple of years ago.
It had only 10 participants and that was just what I wanted, because our instructor had time to show us all the ins and outs.
The hardest part for me was to get a grip on the breathing...
Not the positions! But then I used to be dancer...

After that semester, I haven't taken any more classes, but do it on my own at home!

But within a couple of weeks, a girl I know will open a new Yoga Center just across the street from my office/store, and I'm thinking of signing up again to learn more!

[sroberts]

You are going to love doing yoga. The stretching and breathing will really help calm you and you will feel a difference in your body. I have recently gotten out of the habit but plan to start again soon to help with stress.
Have Fun.

[PBarnes]

I'm glad to see this thread. I haven't ever given it a try but it's been getting so much press lately, it sounds likes it should be good for just about anybody. I'll have to find a class soon. My foot problems may limit some of the standing positions I can do, but I'm willing to give it a try.

[HeidiD]

Pat, there are so many options for different poses, and alternatives to options, that I'm sure you can find many things that will work. Plus, most of what helps is the breathing and stretching, at least for me. I really, really recommend it!

[Bride]

I know I'm about a month late on reply here, but here are some "at home" suggestions:

Leslie Sansone (Walk AWay The Pounds lady) has a 3 set DVD called "You Can Do It" that features one dvd on Yoga. I see it on amazon for $44.00 but I got mine at Wal Mart way cheaper than that several years ago! If you go to Leslie's site you might find a demo online there.

Another "in home" dvd is called "Praise Moves" by Laurette Willis. I see in a google search that she now has 3 different dvd's for yoga.

HTH

[BayJay'sMom]

Here's something to consider: Our cable company, Comcast, has a lot of free "On Demand" stuff, including exercise shows, such as yoga. Who knew? You just play the show whenever you want. It's free, at your convenience, and it's a great way to try out yoga. I loved yoga when I took a class a few years ago. It was amazing how much flexible I became. I became more flexible than I was in high school.

[LaLo1103]

We used to have a yoga class at our office. I was very skeptical when I signed up for it, but I wound up loving it! Definitely get a good "sticky" mat and the brick - the brick really helps with certain poses. I have a lot of back issues and yoga really seemed to help stretch me out and make me more flexible without causing me pain.

The classes are a lot of fun, but if you can't get to one easily I know Fit TV runs yoga (it's Namaste Yoga) and at least that way you're not doing the same thing over and over again!