It is said that yoga has many benefits, especially for those with arthritis. Yoga can ease certain pains in your joints and help boosts your overall flexibility, but a recent study has shown that almost 11% of people doing yoga are doing it wrong, causing them to experience some pain when they shouldn’t.
Arthritis.org and Steffany Moonaz, PhD, founder of Yoga for Arthritis, share these quick tips to help you stay safe while doing yoga to help ease any arthritic pain.
- Find the right class. Moonaz suggests taking classes that spend time on holding poses rather than a fast pace yoga class like vinyasa yoga. Holding poses stretches your body and may help soothe any pain you’re experiencing. If you have trouble determining which class to go to, any classes that are described as “beginner”, “therapeutic” or “gentle” are best for those with arthritis.
- Get the right instructor. Making sure you have someone to help modify poses is key. Before signing up for a class, it is wise to ask the instructor if they have experience teaching people with arthritis.
- Use props. Yoga studios usually have equipment for you to use if any of the positions are too hard to hold. Blocks, wedges, blankets and straps help support you and protect you from joint pain.
- Don’t over do it, know your limits. Make sure you listen to your body, if it doesn’t feel right, modify the position or ask your instructor for help.
- Be mindful. Yoga is a form of meditation. Clear your mind and breathe. Yoga focuses on breathing and body awareness, if you are too distracted when doing yoga, injuries may occur.
Source: http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/safe-yoga-exercise-tips/
