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new to yoga - any advice for me?

gill
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Jun 28, 2003, 3:10 PM

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new to yoga - any advice for me?	Can't Post

2 days ago I went along to my iyengar yoga class, having never done any yoga before. The teacher encouraged me to do what I could, and so I did.

I ache so much! After the class I felt great, and I'm definately going back, but I think I've over done it a bit, - since putting on my jacket, closing the curtains, anything that raises my arms to shoulder level, is quite tricky at present. We didn't stretch much before the class, should you always do this? I assume my aches are normal for a beginner and I knew I don't have much muscle strength, though I'm reasonably flexible. Just wondering if anyone has a bit of advice for me, or similar tales of woe....... With thanks..

Bryan Alexander
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Jun 29, 2003, 6:20 PM

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Re: new to yoga - any advice for me? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Every time in my life that I have come back to physical exercise after having been sedentary for too long, I experience that soreness that you're talking about. This kind of yoga bears a resemblance to other kinds of exercise.

I interpret the soreness as my body saying, 'Don't do that any more. It's not what I'm used to.' My best response is to get the body used to it. So for example, I would try to gently practice on my own what the yoga teacher led me through in class. The body will be happier in the long run.

ankita
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Jun 29, 2003, 11:37 PM

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Re: new to yoga - any advice for me? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Aching is a perfectly normal experience because yoga positions work upon those tendons and ligaments that are usually not subjected to exercise. Usually should go away in a day or two. Also, you will be surprised that whenever you try out a new yoga pose, you may still experience a fresh set of pains again even if you have been doing yoga for some time.

The only care that should be taken is not too overdo or overstretch yourself while doing any asana in your enthusiasm. Hope this helps.

Ankita

http://www.healthandyoga.com

(This post was edited by ankita on Jun 29, 2003, 11:47 PM)

vsnet
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Aug 10, 2003, 12:10 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1296 views)
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Re: new to yoga - any advice for me? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yep. When starting, the pain is always there. It is common in all kind of exercises. But it is very very important that you should do some warm up work before you start your yoga session. Arm and leg joints and mainly the neck and shoulder, else every time you feel the discomfort at the neck and shoulder place until you master the asanas completely.

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