Patients in my practice are encouraged from the very first visit to stretch and adopt healthy practices for their muscles and joints. From my experience, those who practice yoga not only benefit from increased flexibility and strength, but they become less susceptible to future injuries. Sometimes my patients are very interested in trying yoga but don't know where to start. Here are some tips I generally recommend to these patients;
1)Find a Good Teacher - This may seem obvious but unfortunately, I have heard horror stories of instructors, not being very attentive to their students and students going on to hurt themselves. Associated with this, is find an attentive instructor. Meaning, if you are a beginner and you are having difficulties, your instructor should be able to recognize this and allow you to go at your "own pace". Forcing a beginner to do the same things as a seasoned veteran is a recipe for disaster.
So I encourage my patients to get recommendations from friends and colleagues of good classes that they might enjoy.
(If you live by the Commercial Drive neighborhood in Vancouver, I would recommend; Unity yoga, just off 10th Ave and Commercial Drive. I would also recommend taking classes at EastSide Yoga, again on Commercial Drive. Ask for Natasha, she's very good!)
2)Start off slow - There are many styles of yoga out there. Some are very relaxing and focus on stretching. Others focus more on strength and conditioning and can actually be a demanding workout for some. So find one style that works for you. If you are a beginner and just want to become more limber, perhaps Hatha would be more appropriate for you.
3)Join a Class! - I make this recommendation because some people will try yoga at home following a dvd. Although this isn't bad, per se. I would definitely recommend a class first. Primarily because it helps most beginners to work with a teacher who can guide you and correct any mistakes. (I think it's better to know if you're making a mistake, correct it and perfect the technique rather than just wonder is you're doing it right)
Another added benefit is that when you join a class, you often become acquainted with other students. This can actually be extremely important to your success and your continued involvement.
Yoga has so many benefits for your body as well as your piece of mind. But with anything, you should know what you're getting yourself into. Try it out! See if you like it. Chances are very good that your body will thank you for it!
If you live by the Commercial Drive neighborhood in East Vancouver contact your COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR HERE!!!
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