To not find yoga calming?

[serenedream]

Admittedly I am a newbie! I hope that I am unreasonable, because I have dearly wanted to learn for many years, and have only been able to commit to it recently.

I have a rather lousy local class and can't yet get to one further afield as not driving at the moment. By lousy I mean it is very large and the teacher can't really help individual clients.

So, I have tried many vids at home and have studied alone (books, documentaries, etc) and tried out small sessions here on my mat, going gently and trying to find a fit that feels right for me.

But some of even the easier poses feel stressful, it is even worse if I try to follow a video as my neck is twisting around to see it! I thought of planning a set of poses before hand then easing into them alone, but even then I can't quite seem to find it relaxing. I must admit that my muscles feel fab after though! Some dreadful soreness as a newbie (hope this is normal) but my mind feels odd and frazzled! I felt even more stressed and hyper after doing it.

I have meditated for years so not a novice there, I am usually very comfortable being alone with myself and breathing/inner silence and calm. It's just that I can't seem to combine that with asanas - which is what yoga is supposed to be about!

AIBU to think maybe it is not for me? Perhaps it works for some and actually upsets others? I have had a really sore neck and feel unpleasant doing any kind of inversion. Even downward dog makes my head pound. Maybe I could do modifications?

I don't get on with yoga either. When I started my (very effective!) fitness journey, I exercised at home with Lucy Wyndham Read. She has tons of workout sessions on YouTube and is probably the calmest fitness trainer on the planet! Give her a try and see what you think!

I found Yoga with Adriene really good for doing at home.

Definitely don't do any position that doesn't work for you! That's not going to be relaxing.

I can't do any of them and feel relaxed unless it's lotus or corpse

I've done yoga for years, and thanks to someone on MN's recommendation I use Yoga with Adriene vids on Youtube every day. It's free, and I cast it to the TV. I have very poor eyesight and so pretty much rely on her voice cues. So she has a 30 day course called Move. It starts for beginners and then gets a bit harder. I.just pick random days, depending on how I'm feeling, and have been doing this every day for months. You'll get used to what she does so won't need to watch her all the time. Would that suit you? I've done lots of yoga classes and doing this is waaaay better, because I don't have to drive, can choose my times, etc etc .

I mean, there is one called staff pose, seems simple, left me with a really messed up neck. I am quite flexible from the waist down, but holding poses wrecks me. I would love to know how it relaxes people!

Thanks:)
Lucy Wyndham Read is interesting, not at all like yoga, more for fat burning? I do like her vibe though if needing to do cardio so will bookmark it!

As for Adrienne, she was one of the first I tried but i can't say she is different to any of the others, just super popular.

I don’t find it relaxing at all, but continue to do it cos I know the strength/flexibility it gives is important.

I can't get on with yoga or Pilates at all. I've tried and tried, worked on core. I like stretches and breathing. I just hate yoga and Pilates.

I've tried it so many times over the years, various classes, Adrianna other online classes. And everytime it just pissed me off and made me feel a bit angry weirdly, it's not the activity for me!

Is yoga supposed to be relaxing?

I do it because it's great exercise - strength, flexibility and cardiovascular. It's always nice to end with shavasana though - that part's relaxing!

I find the seated ones a bit more relaxing. But no, I’m not relaxed for most of it.

It shouldn’t be making your neck hurt though. Are you holding poses very tensely? You don’t have to hold poses at all, you can keep moving if it helps. So if you’re doing staff pose, you can still move your head gently up and down or in circles for example.

Agree with the Yoga with Adrienne recommendations, I really like the videos.

Lucy has al kinds of workouts, not just cardio based ones. Try these:

Not all of yoga is relaxing, especially to start with. It’s more about using your breath to help hold the pose, or moving with your breath during a flow… things like sun salutations can be very meditative, I might find moments of calm during a class (child’s pose or mountain pose) but not really during most of a class, that bit comes at the end!!

Haha I’m the complete opposite to you OP! I like the poses and stretches, it’s the breathing and meditation I find annoying…. I want to use the time to get on and do some actual exercise rather tha breathing and relaxing. I am much more of a Pilates person as there isn’t any being grateful to the sun or whatever!!

It's relaxing in the way that all exercise is relaxing- it has long terms benefits for your mental health but it doesn't necessarily feel relaxing when you're doing it (like having a massage or a nice bath).

I would recommend David Swenson's books and youtube. He keeps the focus on the breath and emphasises that the movements and poses are secondary. If things are tough to begin with, there are always options- eg puppy or tabletop instead of downward dog. Inversions causing your head to pound can be a sign of sinus trouble.

Thank you, these replies are helpful. How I approach it is important, I know.

I could make modifications to poses that hurt, like using blocks for downward dog and plank, etc. The plank really cripples my lower spine.

With Adriene, there are so many vids I can't think where to begin. People mention 30 day courses but I can't make head nor tail of them.

Just found one of hers from 2018 titled 'hands free', looks like a lovely relaxing session, but haha, will it be??!!!!

she makes it look so bloody relaxing!

If plank makes your lower back hurt, stop- that's a sign your core isn't strong enough yet and you risk a back injury. Much better to lower your knees (lots of images and videos of this online) for a few weeks or even months and build up your strength gradually.

YANBU at all, I have tried and tried with it but hate it. Hate downward dog. Hate smug face Adrienne. Hate the sighing and the breathing 😄 Pilates is much more my bag!

I sort of think you have to try to relax into it not expect it to relax you

So don't worry about getting into a pose say but go towards it whilst not forcing anything

Start on home on day 1 and spend most of the time sitting listening and watching not doing

I have a family of yoga teachers and I've practiced for 10 years.

Sadly many teachers don't understand enough about anatomy to offer a range of poses eg they will insist if you want to rest take child's pose but actually for many people this is uncomfortable on ankles, hips and knees.

You really do need to experiment till you find a great teacher and atmosphere. As with anything it can be hit and miss.

Sadly, so many yoga poses require wider than normal range of joint motion that are not attainable for normal stable joints.

If your lower back hurts in plank lower your knees. Work on core strength with positions lying on your back so you put less pressure through lower back.
Practice stepping out into plank slowly then back onto your knees. And hover your knees on all fours to work on lower abs

I remember a little bit of a trend a while back for some yoga instructors to speak out about how yoga had actually caused them a lot of damage. If you Google it you'll probably find articles. It really isn't for everyone and you also have to be really careful about your knees and back.

I find focusing and holding poses relaxing, it stops me from thinking of other stuff, my body gets fit to boot