Restorative Yoga

[cody11]

Hi awakenedsoul,

As we age our muscles shrink and that is why we need to move and exercise to build strength. Since I am retired I am starting an exercise routine. I have a treadmill at home so will walk twice a day and will do yoga stretches twice a day until I get my muscles and body built up. I just saw a yoga instructor Beth Shaw on u tube doing a hip flexor with 2 blocks under her tailbone. One leg on the floor and one pulled up to the chest. She said to do this 2to 5 minutes. She said if your hip flexors are tight it will also give you low back pain. That's me for sure. I am going to get a couple of blocks and give it a whirl. What do you think?

[awakenedsoul]

Hi cody11,

I know Beth Shaw. She started YogaFit and 24 Hour Fitness made me take the certification order to teach yoga at their gym. This was 15 years ago. She asked me to tour with them and teach, but I was dancing professionally at that time. I would see how it feels. How is your gait? Are you able to walk normally? I don't like the way I'm walking, but it's getting better.

The psoas (sp.?) stores trauma. Have you done any emotional/grief releasing? There's so much in the hip area. My hip flexors have always been rock hard and tight. It's all intertwined. Some people find help through rolfing. I like what I'm getting from Olga's classes. I hope you find the best solution for your body and your injury.

[cody11]

Hi awakenedsoul,

I walk fine. My leg doesn't hurt only if I twist it the wrong way. The only problem with the leg is the range of motion. What really hurts is my low back.
I have had the leg problem about a year but the low back has been a couple months. It is really a drag. when I do house work or yard work I always have to stop and sit for about 5 minutes and then start again. I can get on the tread mill and walk for ever as long as I'm holding on to the handles. I am very stable and healthy. I am not feeble by any means. I'm just out of shape from lack of exercise. My new resolution is to be in shape by next summer. Wish me luck.

[citrine]

Cody....find a massage therapist who does Neuromuscular Therapy....you can find one through ABMP or AMTA in your area. The piriformis muscle is so tiny, but causes major pain. It will not take more than 3-5 sessions to work it out...sooner if you can handle the pain of getting it loose. I deal with this all the time and it is really quite a quick fix. I would not go to a chain massage place....most of them are students right out of school...find an independent therapist who has been in business for a few years. Once the muscle is released, you can do stretches and at home exercises to keep the area flexible.