IS YOGA HELPFUL FOR YOUR YOU

During the past year, I’ve seen an increasing interest in yoga among my patients. “Will it help my neck and back pain?” they ask, “Can I stay in shape with it? Will it help me lose weight?” Let me answer these questions by saying yoga – as well as tai chi, Alexander technique, Pilates, and other methods of body positioning, stretching and body awareness – can be a very important part of your physical program. As with any workout, yoga will “work” best if you actually enjoy your exercise routine, are consistent in performing it and can see results within a reasonable period of time.

There are many types of yoga techniques, and I encourage my patients to try several in order to find one that appeals to them and is convenient to incorporate into their lifestyle. For example, vinyasa is best for the novice.  The poses and flows (moving from pose to pose) are reasonable to learn.  Bikram-style yoga is conducted in 100-plus degree room. There is also power yoga (with an aerobic boot camp flavor) and various hybrid styles that combine yoga with other exercise methods.  Yogalates, is a combination of Yoga + Pilates.

I have started to teach poses to patients as part of their recovery and then supportive care.  This has proven to be a very good entry to adding classes to their lifestyle.

The best choice is the method you enjoy and is convenient for you.