Question:
How does one get started with yoga? No place in my town. It sculpts the body doesn't

For a beginner, is yoga hard to start & can it be done by a book?    — Ann M. (posted on September 1, 2002)

August 31, 2002
I love doing Yoga and do in right in my own living room. I bought the stamina and abs video that Rodney Yee makes off line and order one through blockbuster. They are only about 10 dollars and wonderful. I was so flexible and was able to build more muscle from the tapes then from wallking.
   — jenna F.

August 31, 2002
I also do yoga in my living room. I love it! I bought "Ali MacGraw's Yoga Mind & Body" for about $10 on videotape. Why don't you try renting a few until you find one you like and then go buy it? Yoga is great - good for you for trying it! :-)
   — Angie M.

September 1, 2002
I think it is good to use a video if you are only looking to get the exercise benefits out of yoga...but if you are looking for more of the spiritual aspects of yoga to go along with the physical benefits, I think it is best to be taught by a well trained instructor. I did yoga for a while but physical limitations forced me to stop. Yoga is very good for BBWs. Almost all positions, etc. can be modified to fit each individual.
   — ImANewDee

September 1, 2002
Yoga - ouch! I am 23, a year out, and down to a size 12/14, but I find Yoga fairly difficult. I take it at the gym and the instructor knows I'm a beginner so I can modify some of the poses (e.g., not jump my legs forward through my arms!) I will tell you that I do feel better after the yoga--more limber and flexible. But it's really hard! A lot of your weight is on your wrists (downward facing dog) so if, like me, you have carpal tunnel, that can be difficult. Every time I have a class I ache for the next few days. I'm sure it will get better the longer I do it, but I guess my point is that everyone kept saying that yoga was so great and relaxing and I found it to be a chore! And talk about up-close time with your body--there are usually mirrors everywhere in a studio so you can see every bulge and sag as you stretch. I think I may buy a video and do it in my mirrorless living room without the ultra flexible, model-perfect classmates that surround me at the gym. :)
   — PT LawMom

September 2, 2002
Yoga is WONDERFUL!! I started taking Yoga about 2 years prior to my WLS. I had a great instructor that was able to judge the experience of the class and modify the postures to suit everyone. She also had us build postures one step at a time. It really does help if you are on a carpeted surface with a thin mat under you. It can be hard on your wrists and knees. Sometimes I would just sit that one out - or not hold it as long. I did quit Yoga when I gained the last 40-50 pounds as it was just too hard on me. Happy to say . . . I had my WLS April 11, 2002 - have gotten rid of 90+ pounds and I am starting Yoga 9/11/2002! The Yoga instructor has become a friend of mine and she knows I had the surgery and is happy I am coming back to class. Yoga is great for the mind and body - toning also. Find a class with an understanding instructor - learn the poses and then you can get a video and practice at home. Enjoy!!
   — Marianne K.