Will yoga help tone my body?

JaneAlflat
JaneAlflat Posts: 47 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Right now I am looking to lose some weight and tone my body, the weight loss had an amazing start and it still coming off, just a bit slower now. I was hoping to find an exorcise that will tone my body and give me a small workout. The reason why I can't do anything vigorous is because I recently had a tumor (Benin though - YAY) removed from the top of my spine/neck which damaged my spinal chord, resulting in nerve damage in my right leg and my muscles in my back and neck are so weak now that a whole day of normal activities can sometimes be difficult.

I have decided that I will do yoga as can help me with this problem in my back (advised by my physio therapist - as long as I'm careful) However It would be nice to be toned too. I already do as much walking as I can and I try my best to keep on my feet during the day (part of it to see if I can improve my stamina as I'm recovering) So will this be a good idea, or do I need to look at other options?

Replies

  • liliaceclipse
    liliaceclipse Posts: 5 Member
    Yoga is really good for toning. However, like any exercise... it depends on the type that you do.

    If you are trying to tone your back as a way of therapy, I suggest the Sun Warrior Pose
    -Like so: http://www.myyogaonline.com/poses/standing/warrior-i-pose-virabhadrasana-i

    Really, just go through some of the poses on the stated website and you'll find a bunch that are almost like different versions of squats, lunges, planks, ect.
  • blackelvis3030
    blackelvis3030 Posts: 3 Member
    You should also try Pilates, which is very much like yoga, but with more of a focus on building lean muscle.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    Yoga and pilates are both great, imho. I have nerve damage that causes pain and weakness in my neck (and parts of my back), and I do use a cervical collar for many of the moves. I can't look up at the ceiling with my head hanging back due to my condition. So be very careful and feel out the moves!

    But they are both awesome. Yoga has really helped my back very much.

    Edit: For another idea, too, see if anyone does PT in the pool where you are. I can do moves in the pool that I can't do on land because of awful flare-ups. They have pool 'weights' that you train with. It's pretty cool! I don't know why water is so different, but it's amazing.
  • JaneAlflat
    JaneAlflat Posts: 47 Member
    Awesome thanks guys, ill have a look at some yoga and maybe join a pilaties class :)
  • JaneAlflat
    JaneAlflat Posts: 47 Member
    Yoga and pilates are both great, imho. I have nerve damage that causes pain and weakness in my neck (and parts of my back), and I do use a cervical collar for many of the moves. I can't look up at the ceiling with my head hanging back due to my condition. So be very careful and feel out the moves!

    But they are both awesome. Yoga has really helped my back very much.

    Edit: For another idea, too, see if anyone does PT in the pool where you are. I can do moves in the pool that I can't do on land because of awful flare-ups. They have pool 'weights' that you train with. It's pretty cool! I don't know why water is so different, but it's amazing.


    I sympathize with your neck and back mine, mine can be really bad at times, especially in the winter!! I dont remember the last time I could look at the ceiling. Something I never thought I'd notice being gone or miss - but I do! Anything in the water would be great for me I think its just getting the money together, my local swimming pool is pretty pricey!
  • MaryLou2004
    MaryLou2004 Posts: 4
    check out what your local NHS organisations, county council supported activities that can be subsidised in some areas. check out with your physio and GP practice if there is anything you can be referred into. here in Norfolk we have schemes that people can be referred into for those who need to become more active - active Norfolk. local gps can refer into an exercise referral scheme that have many courses for those who need to recuperate or become more active. health trainer services can be found across the county - find your local one and ask if they can help you or know of a local service that can.
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    There are all kinds of different yoga classes, some hold stretches for longer and are probably better for flexibility, and others have more movement and are probably better for cardio and toning.

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