A beginner’s question to Yoga and Meditation.

skykill99
skykill99 Posts: 4
in Fitness and Exercise
Three years ago my weight was about 330lbs. I was about 60lbs over what I considered a good weight for me (6 foot 6 with a large frame) but even at this weight I was still quite flexible.

Then, in the spring of 2010 I was stuck with Kidney cancer… and after having my right Kidney removed I fell onto the “pity train” and spent the next year doing nothing but putting on weight.

Now at 485lbs I have no flexibility at all, and miss being able to enjoy the activities I once did…

So my questions… I see so many types of yoga out there right now. Can anyone recommend a good one for a complete beginner that has sore knees all the time and finds it hard to move freely about?

Also, I want to kill my “inner demons” and have been looking at meditation but again, there is so much out there that I have no clue on where to start. Does anyone else here at MFP use meditation?

Thanks again for all your help and support!!!

Replies

  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,788 Member
    If you google types of yoga you may find one that resonates with you. After that, check out local studios and see if they have a beginners class or series. Usually, you can take the first class free and you'll get a chance to see if the teacher is some you like and respect.

    As far as mediation goes, what are you looking for? There are many types of Buddhist based mediation, some that are more religious than others. Many types of yoga have a mediation practice as well. My husband teaches mindfulness based stress reduction, which is non-religious. Again, you can look for beginners programs.
  • JavaSparrow
    JavaSparrow Posts: 51 Member
    you could try basic stretches you already know to build your flexibility back up, just take it slow, try to do a little more every day, but don't hurt yourself. there are tons of beginner yoga books out there, you could probably find stuff on youtube too. the first yoga sequence i learned was the Sun Salute, it's made up of a series of standard moves. a lot of yoga moves have alternative poses too, so you can start as slow as you want.
    remember to breathe.
    as far as meditation goes, i try to think nothing at all. i just sit up straight and close my eyes and try to stop thinking. when i do think of something, i just label it "thought", "emotion", "sensation" "sound" etc. and completely let it go. It's really hard to stop thinking completely, but it does help my mind become quieter. and both yoga and meditation get easier the more you do it.

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