This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I'm not sure if I am posting this question in the correct forum. I cannot tell you how many people have suggested that yoga would be of benefit to me. I'm horribly Type A - and have rolled my eyes at the concept of yoga for years. Since my diagnosis, I have considered it, but am a bit intimidated by yoga due to my balance issues. A family member has a friend who is a yoga instructor that is willing to do private lessons at my home once a week with a small group for a very reasonable price.

Two questions:

First, has anyone seen any benefits from yoga. Especially with balance and spacisity?

Second, if anyone lives in the area of Canton or Avon CT, and would be interested in giving it try - please send me a private message.

Used to roll my eyes at yoga also. Was a runner, aerobic exerciser, tennis player. Can't do those anymore....love yoga!

ellen

Hi Prauly -
Yoga has many benefits. It benefits the mind (read spirit), as well as the body.
My local chapter of the MS society offers what it calls "recreation" classes of yoga & tai chi. Only $10 for weekly classes for a couple of months. Not $10 per class. $10 for the whole thing! The teachers are knowledgeable about our limitations.
I also have horrid balance issues. Much is done lying on your yoga mat (called a "sticky mat" - to prevent slipping). If it was a standing posture, my teacher would put a chair next to you, so you could hold on. Your instructor will HELP YOU when necessary. If you cannot do something, sit it out. This is not like school, where you are obliged to perform. It is up to YOU.
Enjoy!

I have very limited experience with yoga. I had some really bad back pain a while back. I did a yoga position where you lie on the floor with your butt against the wall and with your legs going straight up the wall. I did that a couple of times a day for about 10 min and after a few days my back felt much better. While this was not a comprehensive review of the usefulness of yoga, it did help my back and for that I was grateful.

NHE

I have mastered the Cat-Cow!

I find it helps my back pain subside a little bit!

A/C

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If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. - Al Einstein

Yoga is really great for pain and spasticity. I have been doing it for 3 years and absolutely swear by it. I have balance problems too and sometimes feel kinda dumb when I can't do some of the poses. I've been looking for a smaller, more specialized class for folks that can't do some of the balance stuff. No luck yet, so I keepgoing to my regular class and laugh at my clumsy self.

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Wife, Engineer, Traveler
Dx RRMS January 20, 2010
Started Copaxone May 6, 2010

Hi. I have been doing Restorative yoga for a few years. Small class, no more than 7. The instructor is trained to help modify our postures, we work on different breathing, and I find it helps me a lot. May not do much after the class but helps keep me grounded I also have balance and walking problems. Can not close my eyes when standing, fall over. Look for someone who is trained in helping people with problems with balance etc. Linda

Hi There,
I was very sceptical of yoga but my local MS society offered me a 12 week course some time ago. I still don't know how it works but it does. There is a book by Eric Small (American) specific to people with MS and he takes account of various degrees of mobility. Lots of pictures of the various postures. I do some breathing and postures a number of times a week on my own as there is no class going at present and then in the evening I play relaxation music for 30 minutes or so before I go to sleep and I find it helps a lot
I would highly reccommend yoga.

i find yoga very helpful. . it improves my strength and balance. take a look at this. . it may be helpful - they offer a free DVD for people wh MS. I never got it. . but i do like baron baptiste.

http://www.mymsyoga.com/yoga

Hi Lizzy,

I looked at that web site but the DVD is only available in America. Can anyone tell how I could get a copy. I live in Ireland. PM me if you have ideas that might land you in trouble. I really would love to see it.

Gymbuff