Yoga 30 Day Challenge

[Chrysalis]

Hi, after reading the article on the 30 day challenge I decided to get off my duff and use the "Yoga for Beginners" DVD I bought for 9.99 at Wally world.

I bought it because I read somewhere that doing yoga will help if you have certain lower back pain problems.

For the last year or so I have been suffering nearly everyday with lower back pain. I don't have very good health insurance and I can't afford therapy or a Chiropractor.

So at this point I'm willing to try anything. For 9.99 and a little of my time I figure it's worth a try... an honest try.

So Steve's article was my inspiration to, register on the website and take my first 30 day challenge.

I purposely didn't look at the running time for the video as I didn't want to get discouraged. After stumbling and bumbling through the "beginners" yoga video I began to wonder what the intermediate and advanced yoga exercises looked like. Then decided it didn't matter because if what I had just done was the beginners routine, anything more advanced would be a long time coming.

I must admit I did feel a little more loose and relaxed after I took my shower and settled down. (didn't realize how much I would sweat) Turns out the video is about 50 minutes long. I was a little disappointed, as this seems like an eternity in my busy life schedule, but it wouldn't be called a "Challenge" I suppose if it were meant to be easy.

Anyway, wish me luck! I will need it.

~Chrys

[MasterD]

Try Pete Egoscue's book: "Pain Free" or the book "The Egoscue Method of Health through Motion". It helps me tremendously and I also gave it to my mother who is SO MUCH better of too.

You can get sample exercise menu's at their website: http://www.egoscue.com . It are Yoga based exercises too, but they are specifically designed to target your symptom, by engaging the body in its whole design function and thereby eliminating the symptom.

If you are really going for a 30 day challenge I would consider these exercises instead of some random Yoga DVD.

[WanderingOak]

If you are a raw beginner, you will more than likely need more than just a DVD to get into the habit of doing yoga right. You might want to check at local community centers to see if you can find local classes. Practicing with an instructor will help you perfect your technique, which will help you when working by yourself.

[elastigirl]

just wondered how you are doing?

[MasterD]

ah, I saw Steve is also endorsing the Egoscue method: http://www.stevepavlina.com/personal...ment-books.htm

Seriously. If you want to relieve your back pain, this is the way to go. (+ doing the obvious healthy other stuff of course, like properly hydrating yourself and following a healthy diet)

[Chrysalis]

I had a 15 hour day at work and my back was hurting so bad that I was unable to stand up straight.

I just didn't have anything left in me to do an hour of Yoga when I got home that night at 11:30.

Thank you to everyone that replied I will give egoscue a try and see how that goes. Either way I have to figure something out, this is really making my life miserable.

Thanks,

~Chrys

[Honeywith4bees]

Don't give up!!!

Just because you missed one day doesn't mean you can't keep trying.

I agree with WanderingOak about trying to take a class, doing Yoga properly makes a huge difference. I walk/jog quite a bit (when the weather allows) and was suffering from some real lower back pain. Doing hip openers at my yoga class twice a week has completely obliterated the pain, never mind helping with lots of other things.

I highly recommend that you keep at it!!

Good luck!

[joanmhe]

Hi Chrysalis,
If time is an issue, the AM/PM yoga tapes by Rodney Yee (Living Arts) take about 15 and 30 minutes. Just doing the 15 minute AM progam helps me be pain-free from my arthritis.
I get low-back pain if I have not been exercising, or exercising without enough stretching. I have found the living arts beginner yoga tape to take care of any lower back pain after a week or two.
However, I have taken yoga classes on and off for many years, so I can just listen and relax. I do recommend trying a class to get started.
I think much of the benefit for me is from the relaxation/meditation.
Good luck!
Joan
ps here is a link to some desk yoga for the days when you have to work 15 hours: Desktop Yoga - prevention and healing of RSI and Carpal tunnel syndrome - help your hurting hands