My first yoga efforts...and now I cant move!
Return to DiscussionsOK...some of you might chuckle and others might sympathizers but its the truth. I hurt my back recently and wanted to try yoga to aid in recovery...boy was I in for a surprise. I had read in articles where its good for muscle relaxation and invigoration and off to YouTube I went. So many choices and so many experts....it was like a yoga buffet ... at my fingertips. Yes ... I thought. I reviewed many videos and countless experts ... I was ready ... NOT!!! About 10 minutes into my first video ... a little bit of stiffness set in...well ...that was to be expected. I made it through the balance of the routine, felt a little invigorated and mildly stiff. Ok...off to a good start...well...not quite. You all know the routine...the muscles later tightened up and I could hardly move. Ughhhhhhh. Well, its now been a few days and a few more much gentle sessions and I can now move. Start slowly in case no one has informed you. Has anyone else had a similar start? Dont be shy...wade right in.
Due to an overuse injury to a lower back muscle in my 20s, I began having recurrences of the injury. Researched exercises for strengthening the lower back and found many involve yoga. Been doing three yoga exercises for about five years and have not had a recurrence of the injury and pain. Good luck!
Im laughing with you because I did the same thing at Blind Creek a few weeks ago. While trying to just get into a few simple yoga stretching positions, I began sweating profusely and breathing like I was jogging. Was somewhat sore for a few days afterwards but it felt great! Looking forward to next time.
OP, sorry you had that painful experience. There's yoga, and then there's yoga. Some Western approaches are just another path for Type A gymrats to express their extreme-sports inclination. Conquer!!!. I noticed that among many of the Westerners when I visited Rishakesh (promoted as the yoga capital of the world).
But a good yoga teacher will stress that you pay attention to your body, move it gently and build respect for it. It's a great mindful experience. That said, even after many years I sometimes overdo and end up with muscle pains. I hope things have improved over time and your body is healing. Don't give up on yoga, good stuff.
You can always expect to be a little sore after doing yoga for the first time. You use muscles is a different way than now and you will get sore. As a 20 yr yoga instructor I tell folks always follow up first time with gentle stretching or movement practice next day and then do another. If you avoid due to sore muscles will tend to go back to previous state and you lose the impact of first time. There is a reason why its called it a yoga practice.
