Clumsy Man Attempting Yoga

Thewatcher_66
Thewatcher_66 Posts: 1,643 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone. I've been doing yoga for about a month and it's probably the most challenging exercise I've ever done. I use a DVD which I try to follow and I find myself stumbling all over my living room. As much as I'd like to go to a yoga studio, I'm just flat out embarrassed. I'm afraid I might start stumbling all over the studio making a spectacle of myself. Don't get me wrong, I am feeling the benefits of it but I can't seemed to get more coordinated.

For those of you who are into yoga, did you have the same problems at first when you started? Did you eventually become more coordinated as time went on? I don't want to quit but I'll admit that it gets frustrating not being able to hold certain positions for a given period of time.
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Replies

  • mommytoaiden
    mommytoaiden Posts: 75 Member
    It'll get easier. I've been going to a class at the gym for about 2 months and I have fallen over a few times and knocked into someone. Your strength will continue to build and the moves will get easier.
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    I still fall over. It does get better though.
    See if you can find a beginner's class or series.
  • pagraham1971
    pagraham1971 Posts: 37 Member
    I have been practicing Yoga regularly for the past 9 months, and I am one of the most uncoordinated people I know. You should not be embarrased to go to a yoga studio, you will not be judged, everyone needs to start somewhere. Plus the instructor will be able to give you some modifications to use until you are able to develop the strength for some of the more difficult poses.
  • Grumpsandwich
    Grumpsandwich Posts: 368 Member
    oh gosh yes, Im clumsy as all get out... But when i started to strengthen the muscle groups required for the poses i gained a lot more stability. ( I also added small non obvious stickers and pictures around the room to use as focal points, having something to lock the eyes onto really helps with balance in the required poses)
  • MichaelVRenner
    MichaelVRenner Posts: 92 Member
    haha! i had to chuckled at this. good luck, man. i am the same way when it comes to reaching my inner chi.
  • LuckyMunky
    LuckyMunky Posts: 200 Member
    Yes, I definitely had the same problem! I've been doing yoga for about a year now and have made a TON of improvement! I still stumble and fall when I try a new pose, but it's considerably easier (and less embarrassing!) than when I first began. It gets better, but it takes a long time. You'll get there if you stick to it! And remember, even experienced yogis will have balance problems when trying something new.
  • chmtastic
    chmtastic Posts: 178 Member
    I am VERY uncoordinated and was stumbling and wobbly (still am wobbly!!) for some time. I have several different DVDs and do yoga once a week. I've been to a few hot yoga classes, too! (I don't go to a gym, either. I workout at home/run. So for me to even go to a class was a big step!)

    It will get easier as you become more flexible and get a better hold of your balance :smile:
  • spiralated
    spiralated Posts: 150 Member
    They're going to sound silly but three things for me:

    1. find something to stare at to help you maintain focus
    2. make sure your breathing and concentrating on that
    3. use blocks/straps etc if you are having trouble reaching the floor. modification is ok.
    4. make sure your standing on your whole foot. we tending to lean in/out and front/back when not thinking about it.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    Oh yes, I'm terrible. I go to a drop in yoga class at my leisure centre. Doesn't stop me though, my teacher shows us modified poses, and I just can't hold the pose, I take it down a notch. Following a teacher is way better than doing a DVD, they can at least help you with form and help you improve your poses.
  • ChristineinMA
    ChristineinMA Posts: 312 Member
    Just remember - approach yoga from where you are. Clumsy, overweight, stiff joints, thoughts too active to sit in meditation? They are all welcome.

    My sister is a yoga teacher and some people have told her they can't do yoga because they are not flexible. For her, that's like saying "I can't clean my house, because it is too dirty"

    My problem is that I can't bend over without farting!!! :sick:
  • dawnmcneil10
    dawnmcneil10 Posts: 638 Member
    LOL I love this post! Yoga is pretty much the only activity that has ever made me feel clumsy and I'd been trying to come up with how I felt so thank you.

    I can't say I'm any better at yoga, I still can't hold some of the poses or even get into some of them but I'm noticing the increased flexibility so that's what keeps me going, not to mention it's a great stress reliever.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Here's the thing: There are modifications for people who are new to it, which a live yoga instructor can show you to help you keep balance until you are better at it.

    This is why you shouldn't try to learn from a DVD. Don't be embarrassed. Go to a studio and talk to the instructor before class starts. Tell him or her that you are new and that you're working on balance. The instructor will offer you special attention as you move through poses. And no one in the class will notice. Usually my eyes are closed as I move through poses.
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    I purposefully get to the yoga class super early so I can mow anyone in my way down in order to get a spot next to the WALL.

    It helps to keep me vertical.

    Go for that wall. just not mine. :wink: :laugh: :bigsmile:
  • jbee27
    jbee27 Posts: 356 Member
    I have straight up fallen over in class *several* times. Only once has anyone else in the class even looked at me afterwards, and mostly because I think she was startled by the noise!

    I have actually found yoga classes to be comprised of the nicest people of any exercise class I've ever tried. (For comparison Zumba was like a meeting of the real housewives...so much side-eye when someone couldn't get the combinations down, and dear lord the outfit coordination!)

    It takes patience, and time. In just a few months of weekly class, I'm already so much more steady and flexible, even if I have a long way to go to even being halfway decent at yoga!
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    Make sure you are engaging your core (tightening your muscles). That will make you significantly less tipsy. Working on your core strength will help you overall.
  • FeraFilia
    FeraFilia Posts: 4,664 Member
    This guy eventually managed: http://youtu.be/qX9FSZJu448

    I'm sure you'll get there with enough practice.
  • bkthandler
    bkthandler Posts: 247 Member
    As my old yoga instructor would say "falling out of a pose isn't a failure but another chance to try again". Keep trying.
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member
    I haven't done Yoga for a few years, but I remember that it does get easier. The other thing you might do is try some different videos. You might find one that you enjoy, and can complete a little better. Also, when I was in graduate school, a buddy of mine used to host Broga. All men, all clumsy, waaaaaaaay different vibe. You might think about either a) finding something similar or b) putting something together. It's always nice to practice with other people who can help with your form.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    Here's the thing: There are modifications for people who are new to it, which a live yoga instructor can show you to help you keep balance until you are better at it.

    This is why you shouldn't try to learn from a DVD. Don't be embarrassed. Go to a studio and talk to the instructor before class starts. Tell him or her that you are new and that you're working on balance. The instructor will offer you special attention as you move through poses. And no one in the class will notice. Usually my eyes are closed as I move through poses.


    I was going to post something very similar to this. I don't believe anyone starts off yoga gracefully. Chances are you're missing something - maybe just slightly - and that's why you have trouble. A good instructor should be able to help correct any errors and/or imbalances you have.
  • iLoveMyPitbull1225
    iLoveMyPitbull1225 Posts: 1,690 Member
    Working on your core strength will help you overall.

    I used to have a lot of trouble with balance and learned that increasing core strength really helps. Keep at it, and maybe do some extra core strengthening exercises.
  • Pjames95
    Pjames95 Posts: 20 Member
    It definitely gets easier if you stick with it. For me it was a bit about developing the right kind of strength to hold the poses, more than a problem with co-ordination. Though I've done it for a long time now it's hard to remember the beginning, it's really rewarding in the long term though. Stick with it and you'll get there.
  • waltcote
    waltcote Posts: 372 Member
    I did a beginner 4 week class a few yrs ago with my wife. It was a little challenging but not too bad. My problem was at the end of the class when you laid down with the lights down and your legs relaxed I tended to break wind loudly and unexpectedly for two weeks in a row. Needless to say i was embarrassed and refuse to go back. :cry:
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  • awesome_ani
    awesome_ani Posts: 10
    Yep. I feel safe saying that there is not a single person who doesn't start out having trouble with many of the poses. Yoga is a great exercise because it can be cardio and strength training if you continue to challenge yourself. I just started Vinyasa and man I am so clumsey at it!

    I would recommend going to a class, even if you can go once or twice. Classes at a Gym are very nice as I find they are very accessible and there are people of all levels in them. I too and a bit intimidated by the thought of going to an actual yoga studio with all the bendy yoginees there. :)

    Going to a couple classes is a really good way to truly learn the correct forms and to get some great suggestions for modification that will work better for your current level. Once you have a good idea on the basics your video workout will be that much better and you will be a lot less likely to hurt yourself (which I have done and let me tell you it was awful.)

    I figure if my 304 pound rather wide behind can screw in the courage to make a fool of myself in a class so can you :D

    I applaud you getting started! Keep at it and you will get better.

    Peace
    Ani
    :flowerforyou:
  • TAsunder
    TAsunder Posts: 423 Member
    I have only ever taken yoga classes in person. I started out extremely clumsy and unable to hold any pose fore more than 5 seconds, often not at all. Now I am somewhat less clumsy and can hold some poses for 30 seconds, but still many for less than 5 seconds. I would never have guessed that Yoga is so hard before trying it!
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    I did a beginner 4 week class a few yrs ago with my wife. It was a little challenging but not too bad. My problem was at the end of the class when you laid down with the lights down and your legs relaxed I tended to break wind loudly and unexpectedly for two weeks in a row. Needless to say i was embarrassed and refuse to go back. :cry:

    I'm pretty sure that means you were really relaxed. :laugh:
  • Thewatcher_66
    Thewatcher_66 Posts: 1,643 Member
    Thanks everyone for the encouragement. There are a few really good yoga studios in my area that I'm going to look into. Hopefully, I can get started within a few weeks. I'm more of weight lifter and occasional runner but people tell me that yoga is good because our muscles can get tight when doing a lot of power lifting and I need to stretch them out more. I hurt my back pretty bad a few months ago and I have a feeling I would not have been that bad off had I been doing yoga consistently.
  • Thewatcher_66
    Thewatcher_66 Posts: 1,643 Member
    I did a beginner 4 week class a few yrs ago with my wife. It was a little challenging but not too bad. My problem was at the end of the class when you laid down with the lights down and your legs relaxed I tended to break wind loudly and unexpectedly for two weeks in a row. Needless to say i was embarrassed and refuse to go back. :cry:


    LOL- This isn't the first I've heard this. I once dated a girl who did yoga consistently and would always give me a report on who farted in yoga class. lmao.
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  • Thewatcher_66
    Thewatcher_66 Posts: 1,643 Member
    I'm very stiff and not good at yoga at all, but I do it. I look and feel stupid. and just when I think it's ridiculous, someone more stiff and lame than me walks in the studio.

    In truth, every single person is in their own place in their own practice. there's no right or wrong, and there's no comparison to anyone else. It's a very individual thing. I'm glad I joined a studio because I learned about the personal nature of the journey. When you go into a class, some people have been going there for 3 years or more, consistently. So, of course they are going to be doing headstands, and whatever else. But, that doesn't mean you have to. Just do what you are able to, as long as you keep striving for a tiny bit more each time.

    I only have 2 goals. To be able to sit on the floor with my legs out straight in front of me, and my back up straight and be comfortable. And, to be able to touch the floor with my palms flat on the floor. Those are my only two goals in yoga. Of course, I do all the other stuff two. But, those two things are kind of my gauge on where I am with my flexibility, or lack thereof.

    But, the reason I am sharing this is to say that where other people are doesn't matter. They are them and you are you. Yoga people don't laugh at others. It's not like that. It's a different experience and a very interpersonal journey. Everyone has slightly different reasons for doing it too. It's not a "thing". It's different for everyone.

    If you decide to go to a studio, and they start to tell you how to do things correctly, run. That doesn't exist. There are no right or wrong ways. There might be things you can do to help hold a position. For instance, I have learned that many things are more leverage and balance than strength. You need the strength, but a good yogi can make a small adjustment and all the sudden the struggle goes away and you realize it's a balance posture, not a strength one. LOL.

    Anyway, good luck.

    Guitar Jerry, this posting really does give me hope. Thanks, man.

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