Getting Into Stretching
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2018/06/19
Jamie L. Friend wrote a good article in the Mayo Clinic on yoga. The ways in which to become involved in it. The benefits from it. The use of it. Friend relayed the experiences of students who come to yoga. They reflexively state their inability to turn into a pretzel.
They have a point. First of all, Friend would need a big oven. Second, that would take a lot of salt. The students feel as if they cannot stretch that much. Maybe, they are right. At the same time, maybe, they are wrong.
Much of yoga focuses on the breath. It improves the mindset of the individual and overall wellbeing. If one starts at any age, they can, in proportion to age and health expectations, probably improve their flexibility with the introduction of even light yoga practice.
Friend stated, “Thinking that you need to be flexible is a common misconception about yoga. The truth is, yoga is an ancient practice that encompasses many different elements beyond the poses you may be familiar with.”
The article goes on to the focus about yoga on the breathing, where the breathing is as important as of the functioning of the body and the relaxing of the mind.
“The foundation of yoga is deep, steady breathing. The reason: Your breath connects your mind and body. Here’s an example of how it works: Let’s say you’re sitting in a work meeting, and it’s not going well. Maybe deadlines aren’t being met or you don’t have enough resources,” Friend explained.
It reads as if the proper breathing techniques amount to dials for the relaxation of the mind and well-being of the body. The slow inhale, pause, exhale, inhale from the diaphragm, pause longer, exhale from the chest, and repeat, but deeper, and deeper, and longer.
The heart slows, the neck unwinds, the shoulders lower, and the jaw relaxes as the body becomes used to the activity of the breathing. The body works as a whole, so the activity in one system can impact another operation in the body.
“When you see photos and videos of yoga, you’re probably seeing the most complicated poses performed by experienced yoga teachers. But the beauty of yoga is in the basics,” Friend said, “Establish a strong base of movements that you can do with steadiness and ease. Some basic poses to start with include child’s pose, cat and cow pose, mountain pose, warrior two pose, bridge pose and tree pose.”
Those basic poses, apparently, add to a functional routine for yogic practices, which seems especially relevant for the novices. Even with the breathing techniques, you find relaxation and stress reduction on demand.
The important of a teacher was noted as well because working “with a teacher can be a great support when you’re new to yoga, no matter what your fitness level. A teacher can also be a great resource to help explore other aspects of yoga beyond the poses.”
In terms of finding a classroom for you, Friend recommended looking into the classes available. I would add to it. You may want to look into the details of the exercise if you feel more conscientious.
However, if you want to take a partner and jump into the class, then you can print a list, pin the paper to the wall, and throw a dart from across the room. These can help out. When you feel comfortable in one relationship with a teacher, then you may want to think about maintaining a positive relationship with them.
Also, if you do not find a class worth your time at the moment, then you can skim through the menus online and take sample classes or introductory versions of the types of yoga classes out there.
Some classes may drain you. Others may empower you. You feel regenerated and energized after them. It depends on you. Your feelings and your understanding of your body. If you hurt, you can discontinue it.
Try something else.
If all else fails, you can throw on a track suit and head to the fields and do some good old sit on your butt, spread the legs, and reach fingertips to toe tip. At any rate, that would be a start.
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In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.in-sightpublishing.com.
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