YO-GA! YO-GA! YO-GA!
Recently I was in a group of guys in my age group. People started talking about how bad things were going. Their bodies were falling apart. Knee & hip replacements. Shoulder & elbow injuries. Just overall aching. The group became very quiet.
Then from out of nowhere, a chant began. Soft at first...getting progressively louder...yo-ga...yo-ga..Yo-ga..YO-ga..Yo-Ga..YO-GA..YO-GA!!! When faced with adversity, it's time for a Yoga Party!! We were going to get out and get moving. None of this double secret probation for us!!
I'm not in horrible physical condition. I walked in a couple of 5k's last summer without any problems or any sweat. But it could be better. I wake up with a general ache, especially in my limbs and my joints. Takes me a few minutes to get going. Is it from the Parkinson's or is it because I'm age 61? Probably some of both.
One of the keys to living well with Parkinson's is to keep active...keep moving. Don't let those limbs and joints atrophy.
One of the activities the Parkinson's Foundation recommends is Yoga. They even have a Yoga booth at their Moving Day outings.
I consulted with my Yoga expert Ups And Downs Of A Yoga Mom. Also heard some encouraging words from a couple of friends and relatives. So off to a Yoga class I went.
Lululemon has a Yoga class every Sunday at all of their locations. One hour of free Yoga followed by trying to sell you Yoga outfits. Sounds fair to me.
I've now been to two classes. First one, I lasted about 15 minutes. My body wasn't made to bend in those positions. Class two was better. I made it for an entire 1/2 hour. Progress!
The next day I woke up wondering why I wasn't sore. An hour later that changed. Arms, legs and stomach muscles hurt. It was a good hurt.
Do I have any goals? Small ones. I'd like to be able to touch my toes without bending my knees. Not close to that now. Also better movement in my arms and shoulders would be great. Maybe that would allow me play Golf without hurting...not that what I did before was really considered Golf. Really just more flexibility would be great. I've already completed one goal just by going to the classes.
Like I said, small steps. Let's face it, I'm a lot closer to being Yogi Bear than being a Yogi who will ever lead a class...and that's fine!
I have a friend who goes with me and pushes me to get there. I'm committed to at least three more classes. OY!
Yoga anyone?