Yoga and Pilates folks

[minkydog]

I am about to embark on a new exercise regimen and I'm considering yoga and Pilates. I have done a little yoga but had to stop due to severe vertigo and nausea following each class. Is there a type of yoga that does mot require you to dip your head down, look back over your shoulder or tilt your head back?

I've never done Pilates but I understand that they help you build core strength. Again, I'm worried that it will set off the chronic vertigo.

Any other ideas? I am overweight and I have poor core strength. I also have mod-severe arthritis in my hands, feet & knees so I have to be careful of impact. Even the so-called low impact classes just kill me feet and knees.

 

[ChiCat]

I am about to embark on a new exercise regimen and I'm considering yoga and Pilates. I have done a little yoga but had to stop due to severe vertigo and nausea following each class. Is there a type of yoga that does mot require you to dip your head down, look back over your shoulder or tilt your head back?

I've never done Pilates but I understand that they help you build core strength. Again, I'm worried that it will set off the chronic vertigo.

Any other ideas? I am overweight and I have poor core strength. I also have mod-severe arthritis in my hands, feet & knees so I have to be careful of impact. Even the so-called low impact classes just kill me feet and knees.

A lot of yoga poses require what you said tilting your head down or back and over your shoulder etc. I would talk to a yoga instructor though to see if there are any modifications you could do. I really enjoy spin and was surprised how low impact it was for me but it may not be for you. My gym has many water exercise classes, I would check into that as well because I believe that's supposed to be low impact as well. To me yoga isn't enough, I'm overweight too and I definitely need some cardio (which is why I do spin), I do yoga for a relaxing workout routine and help with flexibility. It's still tough but doesn't get my heart pounding like spin does.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am about to embark on a new exercise regimen and I'm considering yoga and Pilates. I have done a little yoga but had to stop due to severe vertigo and nausea following each class. Is there a type of yoga that does mot require you to dip your head down, look back over your shoulder or tilt your head back?

I've never done Pilates but I understand that they help you build core strength. Again, I'm worried that it will set off the chronic vertigo.

Any other ideas? I am overweight and I have poor core strength. I also have mod-severe arthritis in my hands, feet & knees so I have to be careful of impact. Even the so-called low impact classes just kill me feet and knees.

GO TO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST FIRST!!! I cannot tell how much I was helped by just doing simple exercises to start with.

The problem with jumping into yoga and pilates when you have medical issues and you are so out of shape is that you get injured and you do not know HOW to exercise properly for your issues.

Go to your doctor, get a referral to a sports and physical therapist place.

 

[ChiCat]

GO TO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST FIRST!!! I cannot tell how much I was helped by just doing simple exercises to start with.

The problem with jumping into yoga and pilates when you have medical issues and you are so out of shape is that you get injured and you do not know HOW to exercise properly for your issues.

Go to your doctor, get a referral to a sports and physical therapist place.

Great advise!

 

[Tinkerboy00]

GO TO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST FIRST!!! I cannot tell how much I was helped by just doing simple exercises to start with.

The problem with jumping into yoga and pilates when you have medical issues and you are so out of shape is that you get injured and you do not know HOW to exercise properly for your issues.

Go to your doctor, get a referral to a sports and physical therapist place.

Great advise!

I teach Yoga, Spin and Pilates.

Most Yoga is going to include inversions, forward folds, twists etc. But you can modify all of those (including adding the use of props like blankets and blocks). What kind of Yoga classes have you taken? Maybe look into some gentle classes that don't require you to move so fast (avoid things that tend to flow more) until you get more used to the poses. Talk the teacher before class and tell them your experience. A good teacher will offer modifications for you during the class.

I offer modifications without calling the student out so I'll just say a blanket statement like (my people with low back problems, you are going to do ______ as a modification instead of _______). That way my students that need to modify don't feel like they are being called out, or made uncomfortable in a class.

Pilates is going to focus primarily on building core strength (which is going to the help in other areas such as the back, and hips). It will also help with flexibility just not as much as a good yoga class will. Ive seen more positive changes in my body from Pilates over yoga.

I'll tell you the same thing I tell all my students. They don't call it a practice for nothing. You need to do it two to three times a week to see improvement, to get better, and it will get easier and you will be more comfortable. I always throw out some challenging stuff for my students because I know them, and know they can handle it. When I demo it they all look at me like Im crazy, but they do it.

We let fear get in our way a lot too. And self doubt creeps in. But how rewarding and amazing it is when you can do something that your mind is telling you your body cant do it. Then your body is "Shut up man, I got this!" I have had everything from back pain, hip replacements, pregnant women, obese students, artithis cases, and on and on. Over time, with the practice they have seen improvement and feel so great that they can do something they think they never would....something as simple as even bending down and touching their toes.

If you have any specific questions on either of these feel free to send me a message.

 

[Snowysmom]

Peggy Cappy has a series of Yoga DVD's for various issues like back pain or arthritis. The yoga poses and movements are adapted to make it easier. I have the one called Easy Yoga for Arthritis. I have knee arthritis and find this works well for me. It has helped with balance and strength. There are various sections on the DVD that show yoga in a sitting position, reclining, or standing. I do agree with checking with your doctor first.

 

[minkydog]

GO TO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST FIRST!!! I cannot tell how much I was helped by just doing simple exercises to start with.

The problem with jumping into yoga and pilates when you have medical issues and you are so out of shape is that you get injured and you do not know HOW to exercise properly for your issues.

Go to your doctor, get a referral to a sports and physical therapist place.

Actually, I've been in PT since mid-June for my knees. It's helping just a little bit--my right knee is the worst; there are several exercises that I can do with the left knee that are hard-to-impossible with the right. I'm trying to put off having a knee arthroscopy as long as I can. I've been taking NSAIDS, Enbrel, and Tylenol for years, but recently added Osteo-Biflex and do you know? I think it's helping!

 

[minkydog]

Great advise!

I teach Yoga, Spin and Pilates.

Most Yoga is going to include inversions, forward folds, twists etc. But you can modify all of those (including adding the use of props like blankets and blocks). What kind of Yoga classes have you taken? Maybe look into some gentle classes that don't require you to move so fast (avoid things that tend to flow more) until you get more used to the poses. Talk the teacher before class and tell them your experience. A good teacher will offer modifications for you during the class.

I offer modifications without calling the student out so I'll just say a blanket statement like (my people with low back problems, you are going to do ______ as a modification instead of _______). That way my students that need to modify don't feel like they are being called out, or made uncomfortable in a class.

Pilates is going to focus primarily on building core strength (which is going to the help in other areas such as the back, and hips). It will also help with flexibility just not as much as a good yoga class will. Ive seen more positive changes in my body from Pilates over yoga.

I'll tell you the same thing I tell all my students. They don't call it a practice for nothing. You need to do it two to three times a week to see improvement, to get better, and it will get easier and you will be more comfortable. I always throw out some challenging stuff for my students because I know them, and know they can handle it. When I demo it they all look at me like Im crazy, but they do it.

We let fear get in our way a lot too. And self doubt creeps in. But how rewarding and amazing it is when you can do something that your mind is telling you your body cant do it. Then your body is "Shut up man, I got this!" I have had everything from back pain, hip replacements, pregnant women, obese students, artithis cases, and on and on. Over time, with the practice they have seen improvement and feel so great that they can do something they think they never would....something as simple as even bending down and touching their toes.

If you have any specific questions on either of these feel free to send me a message.

I have tried a gentle yoga class 3 times and all 3 times I ended up with a splitting headache, dizzy and very nauseous from the head tilting. I had to put my head down on a cool table top, with cold wet compresses on my head and neck! Ugh. I tried Tai Chi about 4 times--can't do that either. The balancing just about killed my feet; it stirred up my plantar fasciitis pretty badly.

Geez, I know I sound like a baby here. I'm going to call our local aquatic center and see if they've got an arthritis class in the warm water pool. I could do that, I think. I wonder if they do water yoga? I bet that would be great!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Actually, I've been in PT since mid-June for my knees. It's helping just a little bit--my right knee is the worst; there are several exercises that I can do with the left knee that are hard-to-impossible with the right. I'm trying to put off having a knee arthroscopy as long as I can. I've been taking NSAIDS, Enbrel, and Tylenol for years, but recently added Osteo-Biflex and do you know? I think it's helping!

There are several exercises you can do? Hmmmm....does not sound like you are getting the right help.

What exercises were you given to help you improve enough to do yoga and pilates? That is the key.

I went to a PT for my back and she screwed me up. YEP.

So I went to a sports PT place because by now I could not walk without pain and she FIXED me because she gave me the help I needed to get to the place where I CAN exercise.

You need to do DAILY exercise that includes strengthening your hip flexors. That will strengthen you core.

Believe me, you will notice a difference with the proper exercise.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

I have tried a gentle yoga class 3 times and all 3 times I ended up with a splitting headache, dizzy and very nauseous from the head tilting. I had to put my head down on a cool table top, with cold wet compresses on my head and neck! Ugh. I tried Tai Chi about 4 times--can't do that either. The balancing just about killed my feet; it stirred up my plantar fasciitis pretty badly.

Geez, I know I sound like a baby here. I'm going to call our local aquatic center and see if they've got an arthritis class in the warm water pool. I could do that, I think. I wonder if they do water yoga? I bet that would be great!

What does your doctor say about the headaches, dizziness etc?

Svaroopa is another type of yoga that is SUPER gentle. You use a lot of props and its more deep stretching, opening the hips, etc.

Water Yoga would be awesome!! I think you're on to something there.

 

[holycow]

You need to look into water exercise.

I go to the pool and walk in the water or do water aerobics! It is non impact
easy on the body. You would love it!

 

[LilyWDW]

I have done yoga and pilates in the past. Love them! That said, I do not do them as my only workout. My previous schedule went like:

Sunday: Pilates 30 mins
Monday: Walk 15-30 mins, weight training upper 30 mins
Tuesday: Cardio 30 mins (walking, running, elliptical, dance), Yoga 30 mins
Wednesday: Pilates 30 mins
Thursday: Walk 15-30 mins, weight training lower body 30 mins
Friday: Cardio 30 mins (walking, running, elliptical, dance), Yoga 30 mins
Saturday: Off day (might do some relaxation yoga to help stretch)

I might also switch out the yoga or pilates for tai chi instead. I get bored with workouts very easily!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How fitting that this was bumped. Today is the first day of the community center being opened.

I have been patiently waiting.

With my membership I get basic strength, step, yoga, zumba, and a couple of other things.

So how are you minkydog? Did you ever get your exercise stuff figured out?