Yoga for Life 

About a year ago during a triathlon I suffered an injury to my Sacroiliac Joint, what is commonly referred to as "S.I. Pain."  What this means is that every step feels like someone is smacking your lower back with a 2x4.  I tried chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, over the counter anti-inflamatories and even considered getting an S.I. Belt that looks sort of like a bright blue girdle, which should give you an idea how much pain I was in to consider a contraption like that.

Finally a Physical Therapist suggested that I try Yoga.  Like a lot of people I thought Yoga involved sitting on a mat in an incense filled room, surrounded by incredibly flexible women in dance attire waiting for someone to ding on a bell or something.  Not willing to totally embarrass myself, I bought a $5.00 yoga mat (hot pink), popped a few of my wife's Yoga DVDs in the player and found the poses to be relaxing and surprisingly effective.  Then I tried "Yoga-X" and my eyes were opened to how truly beautiful and challenging Yoga practice can be.

After a great deal of practice, research and a tremendous amount of invaluable advice from several Instructors and practitioners, I put together a routine that addressed the injuries I wanted to deal with while providing me with poses that I find physically challenging.

As I write this article I have no more S.I. pain, my strength, flexibility and endurance are better than when I was a young U.S. Marine and my morning Yoga practice still leaves me soaked in sweat, energized and ready to start my day.

Now I try to take a class whenever possible to improve my technique and often watch humbled at the strength and grace around me.  Now I realize that what I used to think was "Just for Girls" is a practice and discipline that I will probably spend the rest of my life trying to properly learn.

On the right is a picture of an 83 year old Yoga Instructor in a pose that I can only dream of attaining.  Or click HERE to see a video of a 91 year old teacher.

For those of you who may wish to incorporate this practice into your fitness regimen, I have one caution...There are so many videos, articles and routines out there as to be daunting.  In my opinion a good way to start is to take a beginning class, or get an introductory DVD, learn the routine well and use that as a base on which to build and modify.  Best of luck and Happy Holidays!!