Yoga

Wednesday:

I've tried three different yoga sessions in the past couple of weeks. The first one just came on TV at lunchtime when I was channel surfing so I tried it out. I enjoyed the initial deep breathing but then they quickly got into floor work that my damaged shoulders couldn't handle. I can't twist them much or support my own weight for long, and they were doing a plank and curving their back.

So I borrowed a "Yoga for Kids" DVD from my library. It was clearly copied over from an old video tape, really poor quality, but I sat through the poxy song and the clowns making balloon animals and the kids getting face-painted and some information scrolled across the screen about how great yoga is. Then I tried skipping ahead a bit. Penguins. Penguins walking around on the snow, penguins swimming. Voice-over about how cute they are. I gave up. So I don't know if you can call that an attempt at yoga, I didn't actually do any!

Another DVD from the library, a yoga for relaxation and stress relief one. Sat through the introductory chat, luckily not too long this time. Enjoyed the relaxing deep breathing (although I was a bit worried because the instructor was sitting outside and I could see her shoulders and chest were a bit sunburned already) but then she quickly went into shoulder contortions. My arms are fine to the front or to the sides (as long as I don't have to support weight) but I can't lift them straight up or behind my back (can't do up my own bra, which is very inconvenient).

I feel like I am getting old and creaky and I need yoga for flexibility, but with my shoulder injuries I just can't even attempt most of the exercises. I don't expect to be like the instructor straight away, but I can't even begin to do most of the poses. If anyone knows a good beginner DVD or has any other ideas I love to hear them. I feel like if I could start gently my shoulders, and the rest of my joints, would improve, but it's hard to even begin. I prefer to be standing or sitting on a chair, no floor work.

I guess I'll keep on with walking and dancing. My legs still work great, thank goodness!