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MyFitnessPal Community

Any Yoga fans here?

Shellitz

I have tried Yoga a few times over the past 10 years, without much success. My balance is terrible so I fall over a lot which gives me the giggles and that makes me fall over more! :laugh:

I am a little self conscious in classes as there are always very serious yoga fans n there who do not appreciate me struggling to keep a straight face or wobbling in front of them and putting them off their game! (read: snobby lamewads). So I have decided to give it a go myself at home, and I got a great app on my iphone that has tons of programs and explains the poses etc.

First try was last night and I found it really hard on my wrists - just wondering if this is common as a beginner due to not having formed proper technique and/or upper body strength yet? If anybody has any experiences or stories i would love to hear them

Replies

L2M1D52

I laugh too much to do yoga. Probably couldn't do it on my own either. LoL.

empressM

I love love love yoga and used to practice a lot, but these days rarely have time for a full session.

It is very common to have some wrist pain in some poses as a beginner--you just have to build up some strength. It can be kind of awkward to support your weight at the beginning. But, in the meantime, you can modify any pose to suit your level of strength/flexibility. Just remember that it is ok to be uncomfortable at first, but it shouldn't ever really hurt when you are practicing yoga. "No pain, no gain" does not apply here. :noway:

What poses are hurting your wrists?

Shellitz

Thanks Em

Thankfully I have not had any pain after I finish, which helps me selieve that it is just like starting any other exercise, like sore butt after spin and sore legs after pump etc, it will go after a few sessions. I tried again last night and it was still a struggle but I was fine as soon as I stopped, didn't have trouble chopping veg and using heavy pans and stuff for dinner afterwards.

Main poses that i am finding hard on the wrists are downward dog, upward dog, planks, and easy staff (frankly I am just hopeless at easy staff full stop, can't belive it's in the beginners program lol!)

empressM

LOL. Yup. It sounds like it will just take some time to build strength in the wrists. My wrists ache in some more difficult poses, or if I hold one for a long time, so I completely understand.

The easiest modification for the poses you mentioned is just to make a fist with your hands instead of having your hands flat. That can take some of the pressure off of the wrists (but it does make the plank a bit harder for me). Or, for downward dog and plank you can go down to your forearms and hold the pose there instead of on your hands.

Here's a link to see the modified downward dog (quarter dog) pose: http://www.fitsugar.com/Easy-Wrists-Variation-Downward-Dog-Yoga-Pose-3285755

Hope this helps! Good luck and keep it up--you'll be stronger in no time.

monih10

I love yoga!!! Was doing classes on a regular basis for a while...but started getting pretty busy with life; holidays; family...etc....I want to start back up....There are a ton of websites that you can google to learn more about it...and lots of free videos that you can check out too!! :happy:

Ittee

I love yoga too, and did it five days a week several years ago. It toned me up without me doing any other exercise. My wrists hurt even with the frequency in some poses (I believe empress mentioned she did as well). Personally it hurt less than making a fist, that hurt me. It does get better though.

And soon downward dog will be a relaxation pose for you. Ahhh

Saffyra

I did yoga a lot on the Wii (which I know is not really official yoga) but I enjoyed it. I just got out of the habit (hence the reason I gained weight and am here :P).

I did try hot yoga in a class setting.

I nearly passed out because I went spur of the moment with a friend and hadn't had any water all day. I had to lay down on the ground and pray I didn't puke everywhere.

The second time I was much more prepared (and a lot more giggly) but didn't feel it was really for me because of all the dirty looks I got from the pros. They should be nicer to beginners. I can't help it if I feel like a frog with eight legs!!

As a side note, hot yoga made my skin unbelievably soft and glowing... I don't think it ever looked so good before or since!

Shellitz

Yay - I've had 3 attempts and have managed to last a little longer each time, so hopefully I'll be able to get through the whole program in one go soon.

Sounds good - now if I could just get into the habit of getting up and doing it before work.....lol

Shellitz

I love yoga!!! Was doing classes on a regular basis for a while...but started getting pretty busy with life; holidays; family...etc....I want to start back up....There are a ton of websites that you can google to learn more about it...and lots of free videos that you can check out too!! :happy:

I cannot tell you how great this app has been. Best 99c I ever spent lol. Full of info, loads of programs even without purchasing the premium version, full video examples and info on all individual poses, free background music downloads, and the ability to create your own routine if you were so inclined. I seriously thought that for 99c it would be a real 'trial' app that would suck me in but I was pleasantly surprised!

insyweensy

I cannot tell you how great this app has been. Best 99c I ever spent lol. Full of info, loads of programs even without purchasing the premium version, full video examples and info on all individual poses, free background music downloads, and the ability to create your own routine if you were so inclined. I seriously thought that for 99c it would be a real 'trial' app that would suck me in but I was pleasantly surprised!

Which app do you use? I'm an avid yogi and I'd love to have a way to bring yoga with my on vacations.

As for your wrists in upward dog, make sure that your shoulders are directly above or even slightly behind your wrists. If they are too far forward they will increase the pressure on your wrists. And definitely use modified poses like cobra to substitute. The great thing about yoga is that it can be modified to fit anyone!

amilynnM

I've never done yoga at an official studio and the spiritual/seriousness of some yoga classes really wasn't my thing. I do yoga/pilates mixed classes at my gym (BodyFlow specifically if you're looking for a gym with this class) and it's really relaxed and fun. The instructors don't take themselves too seriously and it really is a good strength workout. If you can find a similar class you may want to give it a try!

As far as pain, I was feeling a bit of strain on my wrists as well, and in my ankles occasionally in those twisty one footed balance poses. They went away pretty quickly though. I don't think you need to be worried.

Shellitz

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Which app do you use? I'm an avid yogi and I'd love to have a way to bring yoga with my on vacations.

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I'm using All-in Yoga: 300 poses & Yoga Classes. It's by Arawella Corp.

summer827

I need to be a fan. I feel my flexibility is pretty poor. I had a pretty good beginner's DVD...need to locate it! I don't think I am ready to try a class quite yet...

Buddhasmiracle

I practice Hatha yoga 5xs weekly and meditate every day. For me, yoga is not about "exercise;" and therefore, not something I drop in and out of, nor neglect because I am "too busy." It is an integral part of my life.

If you choose to practice at a yoga "studio," shop around. Yoga is neither a competitive sport, nor does it require you to make a fashion statement. That is, as serious practitioners say, your own monkey brain playing tricks on you.